Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, proposed on Constitution Day, July 17, to prepare a constitutional amendment proposal focused on popular sovereignty through sufficient discussion and social consensus, aiming to finalize the tenth amendment within the 22nd National Assembly.
During the 78th Constitution Day celebration held at the National Assembly, he noted, "Next year will be a year without nationwide simultaneous elections and marks the 40th anniversary of the 1987 Constitution."
He outlined a plan to swiftly launch a constitutional amendment promotion organization to initiate public discussions on the amendment next year. This includes establishing a Constitutional Amendment Advisory Committee under the Speaker's direct supervision to organize a roadmap and agenda for the amendment, as well as forming a special committee to discuss the amendment proposal in stages.
Cho pointed out that the current constitution was created in an era without mobile phones or the internet, stating, "In the face of crises such as an aging society and population decline, the constitution fails to clearly define the responsibilities of the state," referring to the phenomenon of 'constitutional lag' where laws do not keep pace with the times and realities.
He argued that the constitution should be amended to reflect the expanded social scale and matured sense of rights of the people over the past 40 years, serving as a mirror of the times and a vessel for the lives of citizens.
Cho emphasized that the amendment should include provisions such as the inclusion of the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement in the preamble, restrictions on the president's power to declare martial law, restructuring of power, and electoral reforms. He also promised to create a citizen participation digital platform, tentatively named 'Everyone's Constitution,' allowing the public to propose and discuss constitutional amendments directly.
Additionally, Cho evaluated the gathering of numerous citizens at the National Assembly during the December 3 martial law as an unprecedented victory for democracy in world constitutional history, stating that he would designate December 3 as 'Day of Popular Sovereignty.' He emphasized, "We will engrave that day, which proved that the people are the masters, as a great milestone in our constitutional history."
He also stressed the need for the legislative branch to pave the way for inter-Korean relations, proposing the holding of 'inter-Korean parliamentary talks' with the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea. He stated, "Let us meet anytime, anywhere, whether in person or via video, with an open mind and without conditions," expressing hope for a bold response to create a dialogue for humanitarian aid, reunions of separated families, and easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
During the 78th Constitution Day celebration held at the National Assembly, he noted, "Next year will be a year without nationwide simultaneous elections and marks the 40th anniversary of the 1987 Constitution."
He outlined a plan to swiftly launch a constitutional amendment promotion organization to initiate public discussions on the amendment next year. This includes establishing a Constitutional Amendment Advisory Committee under the Speaker's direct supervision to organize a roadmap and agenda for the amendment, as well as forming a special committee to discuss the amendment proposal in stages.
Cho pointed out that the current constitution was created in an era without mobile phones or the internet, stating, "In the face of crises such as an aging society and population decline, the constitution fails to clearly define the responsibilities of the state," referring to the phenomenon of 'constitutional lag' where laws do not keep pace with the times and realities.
He argued that the constitution should be amended to reflect the expanded social scale and matured sense of rights of the people over the past 40 years, serving as a mirror of the times and a vessel for the lives of citizens.
Cho emphasized that the amendment should include provisions such as the inclusion of the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement in the preamble, restrictions on the president's power to declare martial law, restructuring of power, and electoral reforms. He also promised to create a citizen participation digital platform, tentatively named 'Everyone's Constitution,' allowing the public to propose and discuss constitutional amendments directly.
Additionally, Cho evaluated the gathering of numerous citizens at the National Assembly during the December 3 martial law as an unprecedented victory for democracy in world constitutional history, stating that he would designate December 3 as 'Day of Popular Sovereignty.' He emphasized, "We will engrave that day, which proved that the people are the masters, as a great milestone in our constitutional history."
He also stressed the need for the legislative branch to pave the way for inter-Korean relations, proposing the holding of 'inter-Korean parliamentary talks' with the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea. He stated, "Let us meet anytime, anywhere, whether in person or via video, with an open mind and without conditions," expressing hope for a bold response to create a dialogue for humanitarian aid, reunions of separated families, and easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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