A video uploaded on a YouTube channel on June 8 shows Ahn Chang-ho, the nominee for the head of the National Human Rights Commission, speaking about the founding period of the Republic of Korea. YouTube

President Yoon Suk-yeol on August 12 nominated Ahn Chang-ho, a former Constitutional Court justice, as a candidate for the head of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. Ahn, a former public security prosecutor, has made a few controversial remarks that fostered doubt on his human rights sensitivity and has also taken the lead in opposition to the enactment of the anti-discrimination act recommended by the National Human Rights Commission. He is not a suitable candidate to head the commission, the last bastion of human rights. As a matter of fact, the National Human Rights Commission, which is "open without any business" due to the anti-human rights remarks and actions of its two standing members, Kim Yong-won and Lee Choong-sang, has become a subject of concern and criticism even outside the country. Does Yoon really want to appoint a chairperson who goes against the commission’s purpose, in addition to the two standing members who are destroying the commission?

There are many reasons for Ahn's disqualification. When he was a Constitutional Court justice, he opposed the abolition of punishment for adultery and alternative military service for conscientious objectors. He also expressed his intention to maintain the death penalty. After his retirement, he actively campaigned against the enactment of an anti-discrimination act. In his book “Why the Korean Constitution?” published in June, he argued that "an anti-discrimination law violates basic rights." All of these are contrary to the direction of the National Human Rights Commission’s ongoing efforts to improve human rights since its establishment. In his past lectures, Ahn did not hesitate to make remarks that would be suspected of having a New Right view of history that denies the legitimacy and founding of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, which makes him a totally unfit candidate for the position.

Under the Yoon government, the National Human Rights Commission, which is dominated by anti-human rights figures, is not doing its job. This is the result of the two members, Kim Yong-won and Lee Choong-sang, neutralizing its activities by boycotting the plenary sessions. It was an inappropriate behavior that did not fit its reason for existence as well as its status as an independent organization stipulated by the law. It is shameful that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights sent a special letter to President Yoon in advance of the nomination of a new head of the National Human Rights Commission, asking him to "choose someone who will safeguard the independence of the commission." It is ridiculous how the commission has come to this disastrous state. It is regrettable that the nomination of Ahn was made despite the concerns of human rights organizations that he has an anti-human rights view.

The National Human Rights Commission has played a role of salt in correcting human rights violations and discrimination. Among them, the enactment of an anti-discrimination law is a long-cherished project of the commission. It is questionable whether such a role can be expected from the commission led by Ahn who opposes the enactment.

The ruling and opposition parties should thoroughly verify his human rights sensitivity during his parliamentary confirmation hearing. If he is found to be unqualified, the right thing to do is to find a new candidate. Pushing ahead with the appointment of an ineligible person while knowing what kind of controversy will bring is an abuse of the authority over personnel affairs and could pose a serious threat to human rights progress.