Woo Won-sik, floor leader of the Democratic Party, explains the constitutional amendment proposal during the National Assembly's 435th temporary session on May 7. [Photo=Yonhap News]
On May 7, a proposed constitutional amendment was presented to the National Assembly, but the vote was invalidated due to the absence of the People Power Party (PPP). Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik and the ruling Democratic Party plan to reconvene on May 8 to reintroduce the amendment.
During the session, only 178 lawmakers participated in the vote, failing to meet the quorum.
The amendment aims to enshrine the democratic ideals of the Busan-Masan Democratic Uprising and the May 18 Democratic Movement in the preamble of the constitution. It also stipulates that the president must obtain National Assembly approval within 48 hours of declaring martial law; otherwise, the martial law will be immediately revoked. Additionally, it seeks to clarify the government's obligation for balanced regional development and change the constitution's title from Hanja to Hangul.
Woo Won-sik stated that the amendment addresses gaps in the constitution revealed during the December 3 martial law, emphasizing the need for constitutional safeguards to prevent future misfortunes.
The PPP, which has opposed the amendment as a party line, chose not to participate in the vote, effectively blocking its passage. A two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is required for the amendment to pass, and with all 106 PPP members absent, the vote could not proceed.
Instead of voting, all PPP lawmakers issued a statement during a party meeting outlining five principles for constitutional reform: enhancing the spirit of the constitution, a well-defined preamble, citizen participation, bipartisan cooperation, and a calm approach during non-election periods.
In response, Chun Jun-ho, a senior Democratic Party official, criticized the PPP's absence as a defense of illegal martial law, calling it a betrayal of the public's will to uphold democracy.
After encouraging the PPP to participate, Woo declared the vote invalid at 4:04 PM. He announced that the assembly would reconvene on May 8 at 2 PM to reintroduce the amendment. To hold a public referendum alongside the June 3 local elections, the amendment must pass by May 10.
During the session, only 178 lawmakers participated in the vote, failing to meet the quorum.
The amendment aims to enshrine the democratic ideals of the Busan-Masan Democratic Uprising and the May 18 Democratic Movement in the preamble of the constitution. It also stipulates that the president must obtain National Assembly approval within 48 hours of declaring martial law; otherwise, the martial law will be immediately revoked. Additionally, it seeks to clarify the government's obligation for balanced regional development and change the constitution's title from Hanja to Hangul.
Woo Won-sik stated that the amendment addresses gaps in the constitution revealed during the December 3 martial law, emphasizing the need for constitutional safeguards to prevent future misfortunes.
The PPP, which has opposed the amendment as a party line, chose not to participate in the vote, effectively blocking its passage. A two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is required for the amendment to pass, and with all 106 PPP members absent, the vote could not proceed.
Instead of voting, all PPP lawmakers issued a statement during a party meeting outlining five principles for constitutional reform: enhancing the spirit of the constitution, a well-defined preamble, citizen participation, bipartisan cooperation, and a calm approach during non-election periods.
In response, Chun Jun-ho, a senior Democratic Party official, criticized the PPP's absence as a defense of illegal martial law, calling it a betrayal of the public's will to uphold democracy.
After encouraging the PPP to participate, Woo declared the vote invalid at 4:04 PM. He announced that the assembly would reconvene on May 8 at 2 PM to reintroduce the amendment. To hold a public referendum alongside the June 3 local elections, the amendment must pass by May 10.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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