The term of office for all commissioners, including the Chairperson, is three years, and they
appoint a successor within 30 days from the date of the vacancy. The successor shall begin a
new term of three years as a commissioner upon his/her appointment.
A total of four commissioners were newly appointed in 2018. Choi Young-ae was appointed
the 8th Chairperson by the President on September 4. Jeong Moon-ja was appointed a standing
commissioner and Kim Min-ho a non-standing commissioner by the National Assembly on June
22 and August 27, respectively. Lim Sung-taek was appointed a non-standing commissioner by
the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on August 27.
Proceedings
The Commission makes decisions and takes action through the Plenary Committee consisting
of all 11 commissioners, the Standing Committee, and the subcommittees including the
Committee on Human Rights Violations I (human rights violations by the prosecution, police,
military, intelligence service, legislative branch, and judicial branch); Committee on Human
Rights Violations II (human rights violations in other areas, including detention and protection
facilities, other than centers for persons with disabilities and mental healthcare centers);
Committee on Discrimination Remedy (discrimination-related issues); Committee on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities (discrimination against persons with disabilities and violations in
facilities for persons with disabilities and mental healthcare centers); and Committee on Child
Rights (human rights violations and discrimination against children under 19 excluding those
with disabilities). All of the committees work together to develop policies, conduct research, and
handle general management issues through this representative system.
The proceedings of the Commission are, by principle, made public. However, meetings may
be held behind closed doors if deemed necessary by the relevant committee. Deliberations on
petitions are held privately, but they may be made public when decided by the Commission.
■ Plenary Committee
To discuss and make decisions on matters concerning our operation and key issues, we
operate the Plenary Committee, which consists of all 11 commissioners (Chairperson, three
National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2018
09
Part 1 | Introduction
can serve a consecutive term just once. When a position becomes vacant, the President must