[Jeongguk Spotlight] Presidential Term Only 3 Years? ... Reasons Behind Ruling and Opposition Party's 'Term Reduction Constitutional Amendment' Proposal

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The proposal to set the next presidential term at three years is spreading among the leading presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties. This is a strategic move to pressure for a constitutional amendment to shorten the term and to form a confrontation line in the early presidential election political landscape.

The so-called three-year presidential term theory aligns with the argument to elect a new president in the 23rd general election scheduled for April 12, 2028. Regarding this, there is analysis that the ruling and opposition presidential candidates are building a 'constitutional amendment united front' to pressure Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is leading the presidential race.

The person who sparked the debate on shortening the presidential term within the ruling party is former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon. On the 2nd, after resuming his political activities by attending a play, Han stated that if an early presidential election is held, constitutional amendment would be a key agenda. He emphasized, "To change the 1987 system, it is necessary for those entrusted with important duties to have an attitude of sacrifice."

He reiterated his plan to pursue a constitutional amendment for a 'four-year renewable term' if he becomes president and to step down in 2028, three years later. He directly criticized Lee, who has been lukewarm about constitutional amendment discussions, saying, "He is not trying to uphold the constitution but wants to avoid criminal charges for five years." Besides Han, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min have also shown interest in the 'term shortening constitutional amendment' theory.

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, who made a public appearance after more than two months, greeted supporters on the afternoon of the 2nd while moving to watch the play "The Sea Does Not Get Wet from Rain," which deals with the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, at a theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In the opposition camp, the anti-Lee Jae-myung faction is pressuring Lee to participate in constitutional amendment discussions. On the 28th of last month, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Lee and said, "Constitutional amendment is not a black hole but a gateway to creating a new Republic of Korea," adding, "It is utterly incomprehensible and regrettable that constitutional amendment is not even properly discussed." While Kim Dong-yeon and former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Du-kwan proposed shortening the term to three years, former Gyeongnam Province Governor Kim Kyung-soo and former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum also joined the constitutional amendment movement.

The reason ruling and opposition presidential candidates have brought out the 'term shortening constitutional amendment' card is also to appeal their sincerity toward constitutional amendment. By showing willingness to concede even the presidential term, they aim to gain national support.

However, it is noteworthy that Lee, who is leading the presidential race along with Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, draws a line against the term shortening constitutional amendment. This is why there is analysis that the term shortening constitutional amendment theory is a strategy to shake Lee and others who are ahead in the presidential competition. Lee effectively holds the key to constitutional amendment but is passive about the discussion itself, saying "Ending the internal conflict is a priority." In this situation, constitutional amendment is an agenda that can raise the level of attacks against Lee and highlight the presence of those pushing it.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Dong-yeon, governor of Gyeonggi Province, are meeting at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 28th of last month.
2025.02.28. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University said, "To shake the current structure, the issue that the first-place candidate Lee is pushing away must be continuously mentioned," and predicted, "The constitutional amendment debate will continue until Lee participates in the discussion." Even if Lee does not participate in the discussion until the end, it can still tarnish his image as a 'powerful figure.'

Within the ruling party, there is also analysis that constitutional amendment has become a trump card since President Yoon Seok-youl mentioned shortening the term. In Han's case, through the constitutional amendment theory, he can resolve conservative backlash formed by his pro-impeachment stance and align with the party line. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong explained, "By following President Yoon's will, it may also dilute the image that he is at odds with the president."

As early presidential elections become more realistic, there are forecasts that constitutional amendment discussions will intensify, while voices urging a calm approach continue. Professor Jang Young-soo of Korea University suggested, "To realize the constitutional amendment debate that repeats every election, it is necessary to promise to amend the constitution in the mid-term and calmly continue social discussions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.