President Yoon Suk Yeol reaffirmed his commitment to a constitutional reform plan that includes decentralizing presidential powers and introducing a four-year term limit or re-election. He stated that discussions on constitutional reform should be led by the National Assembly based on bipartisan agreement, and he is open to shortening his term if necessary to facilitate this process.
On August 14, President Yoon posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "The majority of the public agrees that our constitution, which has been in place for 40 years, is outdated and needs reform. If we are to proceed with constitutional amendments, it is preferable for the specific content to be determined through bipartisan agreement in the National Assembly."
He outlined specific directions for the reform, including enshrining the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement and the Busan Democratic Uprising in the constitutional preamble, adjusting the powers of the president and the National Assembly, introducing a four-year term limit or re-election for the presidency, and strengthening local autonomy and citizens' basic rights.
President Yoon emphasized the need to adjust the powers concentrated in the presidency, suggesting that some powers, such as the authority over the Board of Audit and Inspection, the recommendation of the Prime Minister, and certain personnel rights, should be delegated to the National Assembly. This approach aims to share presidential powers with the legislature.
He reiterated, "Changing the presidential term to a four-year limit or re-election will allow for accountability through mid-term evaluations, and strengthening local autonomy and citizens' basic rights is both a promise and a consistent position I have maintained."
President Yoon also reiterated his willingness to accept a reduction in his term if necessary for the constitutional reform. He stated, "My official position during the 2022 presidential election was that I would accept a term reduction if it was necessary for this type of constitutional reform, and that view has not changed."
However, he clearly expressed his opposition to a dual executive system or a parliamentary-centered cabinet system. He stated, "A dual executive system or a cabinet system is neither desirable nor feasible in light of public opinion, and it is incorrect to interpret the call for distributing some presidential powers to the National Assembly as advocating for a decentralized presidential system or a cabinet system."
President Yoon's direct comments on constitutional reform appear to be a response to recent reports suggesting he mentioned the possibility of a term reduction during a private golf meeting. It is reported that he indicated a willingness to pursue constitutional reform even if it meant shortening his term during a meeting with senior lawmakers from both parties earlier last month.
The Blue House has stated that it is difficult to confirm the specifics of the private meeting and comments made at that time. Following this, there have been claims in some political circles suggesting a push for a cabinet system reform, prompting President Yoon to reaffirm his existing position publicly.
A Blue House official previously stated, "For a constitutional amendment to pass in the National Assembly, a two-thirds majority of the sitting members' approval is required, so it is preferable for discussions and initiatives to take place in the National Assembly. Pursuing constitutional reform through bipartisan agreement is President Yoon's consistent principle."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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