President Lee Jae-myung and Representative Kim Min-seok of the Democratic Party have both recently brought up the topic of constitutional reform. President Lee highlighted the necessity of amending the constitution to strengthen presidential accountability and distribute power more evenly. Meanwhile, Representative Kim officially announced plans for constitutional reform, starting with the inclusion of the May 18 Democratic Movement and the Busan Democratic Uprising in the constitutional preamble, and extending to a revision of the power structure.
Particularly, President Lee's remarks on the need for constitutional reform and institutional improvements, followed by the ruling party leader's formal announcement in the National Assembly, have drawn attention to whether the discussion of constitutional reform will become a major political agenda.
In a written interview with Le Monde, published during his state visit to France, President Lee stated, "Constitutional amendments are necessary to enhance presidential accountability and to distribute power more equitably." He explained that discussions are underway regarding measures to prevent a recurrence of the political crisis triggered by the previous government's attempt to declare martial law, including stricter controls on martial law declarations and incorporating the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement into the constitutional preamble.
President Lee also mentioned the need for judicial and military reforms. He emphasized, "Judicial reform is necessary to prevent excessive concentration and abuse of power," and added that military reform is essential to ensure that the military does not threaten constitutional order and can actively prepare for current and future warfare.
He concluded by stating, "I will ensure that the democracy achieved through countless sacrifices is never again undermined."
On the same day, Representative Kim formalized the push for constitutional reform during his first speech as the leader of the negotiating group in the National Assembly.
Kim stated, "Along with discussions on easing the number of negotiating group members, we will also pursue constitutional reform. We will aim for feasible amendments that reflect the changes of the times and the demands of the people while adhering to the procedural spirit of the current constitution and laws."
He added, "The inclusion of the May 18 and Busan Uprisings in the constitutional preamble is the starting point for reform, and the revision of the power structure should go as far as the public desires."
Kim also urged the People Power Party to join in the constitutional reform efforts. He remarked, "The People Power Party, which has hung photos of former Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, must ultimately make a choice. I hope they will reflect on history and join us on the path to constitutional reform."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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