Democratic Party Unveils Constitutional Amendment Plan Amid Opposition

The Democratic Party of Korea presented a blueprint on September 20 for a constitutional amendment, aiming to announce a proposal in the first half of next year. Party leader Kim Min-seok urged the opposition to cooperate, but the People Power Party is expected to respond with a boycott.

During the launch of the constitutional amendment promotion committee at the National Assembly, the Democratic Party outlined its specific plans. This follows President Lee Jae-myung's declaration of his commitment to completing the amendment during a press conference on September 18, signaling the ruling party's intent to engage in serious discussions.

Kim emphasized that President Lee's announcement of not seeking re-election has removed obstacles to the amendment process, stating, "It is now time to engage in serious discussions about the amendment rather than getting caught up in semantics."

The promotion committee, in line with Kim's directive, expressed its intention to present a constitutional amendment proposal in the first half of next year. Committee chair Kim Tae-nyeon stated, "We will keep the amendment process separate from the general elections. A national referendum on the amendment should be held at least one year before the elections," indicating that the amendment is not a political maneuver for the elections.

The Democratic Party also called for introspection from the People Power Party leadership, including Jang Dong-hyuk, while signaling a willingness to reach an agreement with the opposition. Notably, the Democratic Party plans to individually persuade lawmakers within the People Power Party who support the amendment to bolster its chances.

Kim urged the People Power Party to participate in discussions, noting that even within their ranks, there is a recognition of the need for constitutional reform. He stated, "I hope they will engage seriously in the discussions."

Jeong Tae-ho, the committee's secretary, highlighted that the People Power Party established a special committee for constitutional amendments last year, indicating a growing consensus on the need for reform within the National Assembly. He stressed the importance of quickly forming a special committee for constitutional amendments at the parliamentary level.

However, the Democratic Party's plans face significant challenges, as the People Power Party has vocally opposed the amendment. They have questioned the credibility of President Lee's statement about not seeking re-election and are ramping up their attacks on the administration.

Jang Dong-hyuk criticized the president's declaration on Facebook after the press conference, asking, "Is it really that difficult to declare 'I will not seek re-election'?" He accused the president of merely engaging in rhetoric while only reaching out to leftist groups.

On the same day, floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik expressed skepticism about the significance of the president's statement, asserting, "I doubt anyone would find that statement meaningful," and reiterated that there will be no constitutional amendment during this administration.

Previously, the Democratic Party attempted to process a constitutional amendment during the 22nd National Assembly under former Speaker Woo Won-sik, but it was thwarted on May 8 due to the People Power Party's boycott of the vote. At that time, Woo announced, "We will not present the amendment to the plenary session," effectively ending the discussion after the People Power Party expressed its opposition through tactics like unlimited debate (filibuster).