• The Korean Journal of Archival Studies
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• no.56
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• pp.113-145
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• 2018

Japan has enacted the Public Records and Archives Management Law from 2011 in order to prevent mismanagement of records management and to fulfill accountability to the public. However, in 2013, The Designated Secrets Protection Act was enacted before the Public Records and Archives Management Law brought changes to administrative institutions. The Designated Secrets Protection Act have raised concerns that the public's right to know and the transparency of administration are being retreated, especially the development of freedom of information and records management systems. This article analyzed the background of the establishment of Designated Secrets Protection Act and the contents of legal composition. It also identified the possibility of human rights abuse in the aptitude assessment system, the lack of independent monitoring agencies, the impossibility of internal accusations, and the possibility of wide confidentiality designation. Furthermore, analyzed how the problem affects Japanese records management and freedom of information system. Through this, I suggested the improvement of the system of the secret level records management system in Korea, the establishment of the clear purpose of the secret record management, the application of the Tshwane principle, and the establishment of the independent and professional monitoring agency.