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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday stressed the need for a constitutional amendment, arguing that the Constitution, unchanged for nearly four decades, may no longer be sufficient to guarantee the country's future. Speaking at a televised Cabinet meeting, Lee advocated a "partial change in phases" rather than a sweeping overhaul, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The remarks come a day before the National Assembly is expected to vote on a ruling Democratic Party-led bill that would amend the Constitution, with the primary goal of toughening the conditions for declaring martial law. Lee noted the Constitution has remained untouched since 1987, despite significant societal and political changes.

"There needs to be a practical approach to do as much as possible," Lee said. "I think it would be practical to pursue a partial change in phases to an extent agreed (by relevant parties)."

Coverage Comparison

Both reports from Yonhap News Agency, the country's leading wire service, focused on the president's call for constitutional revision and the upcoming parliamentary vote. One report included additional remarks from Lee about election crimes and highlighted objections from the main opposition People Power Party, which could complicate the amendment process. The other report was more concise, omitting the opposition's stance and the specific legal threshold for a referendum.

Key Claims

  • President Lee Jae Myung stressed the need for a constitutional amendment, arguing the current charter may be outdated. (According to Yonhap)
  • The Constitution has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years since 1987. (According to Yonhap)
  • Lee highlighted the need for a partial, gradual amendment if necessary. (According to Yonhap)
  • A ruling Democratic Party-led bill on a constitutional amendment is expected to be voted on by the National Assembly. (According to Yonhap)
  • The bill aims to toughen the conditions for declaring martial law. (According to Yonhap)
  • An amendment to the Constitution requires approval in a public referendum. (According to Yonhap)
  • Consent from two-thirds of sitting lawmakers is required to put the bill to a public referendum. (As reported by one of the two Yonhap articles)
  • Objections from the main opposition People Power Party may hinder the process. (As reported by one of the two Yonhap articles)
  • The president warned against illegal election crimes related to upcoming local elections and parliamentary by-elections, including slander campaigns, vote buying, and election interference by public officials. (As reported by one of the two Yonhap articles)

Perspectives

The constitutional amendment proposal has drawn support from the ruling Democratic Party, which argues that the current Constitution is inadequate for modern South Korea. However, the main opposition People Power Party has expressed objections, potentially blocking the two-thirds majority needed to proceed to a public referendum. The president's pragmatic call for a phased approach may be an attempt to build consensus, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Lee also used the Cabinet meeting to warn against illegal activities in the upcoming June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections, citing slander campaigns, vote buying, and election interference by public officials as key concerns. This dual focus on constitutional reform and electoral integrity suggests a broader agenda to strengthen democratic institutions.