Objectives This study examined the content selection of history lessons on the topic of truth and justice in order to teach history for democratic citizenship.
 Methods I identified the concepts of truth and justice and historical reconciliation for civic education. Then, I reviewed the direction of education on the past and truth and justice. I analyzed the textbook “Modern and Contemporary History of Korea” in the 7th curriculum and the textbook “Korean History” in the 2015 revised curriculum and selected the content of history learning with the theme of truth and justice.
 Results First, students should learn about the past and who was involved in the movement for truth and justice. Second, learn the structures that connect the past and present. Third, learn about the arguments surrounding truth and justice. Teachers should teach students to engage in the argument for truth and justice.
 Conclusions The history textbooks were analyzed. Compared to the 7th curriculum's “Korean History” textbook, the narrative of the 2015 revised curriculum clarified the main actors of state violence and the movement of truth and justice, and there was a clear trend away from the anti-communist narrative. The development of democracy was also described in connection with the truth and justice. However, the narrative of the period, in which the executive branch was the main actor in truth and justice, needs to be supplemented with a variety of actors. We propose the following as the contents of history learning on the topic of truth and justice. By learning about the history of truth and justice, students will develop their capacity to build human rights and democratic societies. They will become citizens who actively engage in social discussions about truth and justice.
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