The nation's law enforcement authorities are gearing up to launch an investigative task force on abuses committed under past authoritarian governments.

The joint move by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the prosecution and the military comes on the heels of the president's call Sunday for parliament to examine pro-Japanese activities during Tokyo's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945, along with human rights abuses committed by previous governments.

Justice Minister Kim Seung-kyu told reporters the ministry has begun to take adequate measures to address the issue.

Also, Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung said he had given word to the military to be circumspect in its actions, noting that past misconduct of the military should be clarified to recover public trust in the institution.

Home Affairs Minister Huh Sung-kwan delivered a similar statement, adding that in the case of the police, most past incidents of misconduct have already been brought to light.