Introduction rights, and amended the related Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act. Three bills1) crafted using the Commission’s proposed Framework Act on Equality and Non-discrimination (hereinafter referred to as “Equality Act”) were tabled. Despite the various and continuous efforts The year 2021 also saw significant reforms in the criminal justice system. With the Prosecutors’ Office Act and the Criminal Procedure Act coming into effect on January 1, the police gained independent investigative authority as adjustments were made between the police and prosecutors. The implementation of local police system on July 1 resulted in autonomous police Part 1 Introduction made, it failed to make progress in discussing the Act. in 18 municipalities and provinces nationwide, with autonomy in policing and certain areas of investigation. Also, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials was officially launched on January 21 after much prolonged controversy. given on the partial revision of the Act on Press Arbitration and Remedies for Damage Caused by Press Reports (hereinafter “Act on Press Arbitration”) to increase accountability of the media. The introduction of punitive damages in favor of those subjected to harm done by the press resulted in some heated debate. While agreeing with the intent of the law, the Commission expressed the view that its legislation should be carefully examined as some of the proposed provisions may Part 2 Key NHRCK Activities Meanwhile, with false and/or fabricated information becoming a serious social issue, notice was undermine the freedom of the press, which is a right guaranteed under the Constitution. in order to lay the legal basis to strengthen its role and functions, and take the lead in addressing contemporary human rights tasks as an independent state organization. It held various discussions for the development of the Fourth National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (NAP) while motioning the Framework Act on Human Rights Policy together with the Ministry of Justice to facilitate a system to protect human rights. 1) ‌By lawmaker Lee Sang-min (on June 16, 2021, jointly with 23 others); by lawmaker Park Ju-min (on August 9, 2021, jointly with 12 others); by lawmaker Kwon In-sook (on August 31, 2021, jointly 16 others) 09 Part 3 Appendices On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Commission worked on revision of the NHRCK Act