Woo and Six Parties Push for Joint Constitutional Amendment Proposal: "Martial Law, May 18, and Busan-Masan Protests in the Constitution"

Shift to Joint Sponsorship After Failure of Special Committee
Proposal for Simultaneous Local Elections and National Referendum
Cheon Haram: "People Power Party Must Lead Efforts to Tighten Martial Law Requirements"

On March 19, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and the floor leaders of all parliamentary parties except the People Power Party reaffirmed their commitment to constitutional revision, including strengthening the requirements for martial law and incorporating the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement and the Busan-Masan Protests into the Constitution. As it has become difficult to pursue constitutional amendments through the formation of the National Assembly’s special committee on constitutional reform, they agreed to pursue constitutional amendment through a joint legislative proposal.

Speaker Woo, Han Byungdo (floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea), Seo Wangjin (floor leader of the Patriotic Innovation Party), Yoon Jong-oh (floor leader of the Progressive Party), Cheon Haram (floor leader of the Reform Innovation Party), Yong Hyein (floor leader of the Basic Income Party), and Han Changmin (floor leader of the Social Democratic Party) met at the National Assembly and began discussions on jointly proposing a constitutional amendment bill.

Speaker Woo Won-shik is meeting with the floor leaders of six parliamentary parties (Yong Hyein of the Basic Income Party, Yoon Jong-oh of the Progressive Party, Han Byungdo of the Democratic Party of Korea, Seo Wangjin of the Patriotic Innovation Party, Cheon Haram of the Reform Innovation Party, and Han Changmin of the Social Democratic Party) at the Speaker's office on the 19th. The People Power Party did not participate. Photo by Yonhap News.

Speaker Woo stated, “On the 10th, I proposed the formation of a special committee on constitutional reform, but this fell through. Now the National Assembly must decide whether to halt constitutional discussions or open a new path forward. If a comprehensive amendment is difficult, we must proceed step by step, starting with items that have broad public consensus.” He added, “Holding local elections and a national referendum simultaneously would be effective in securing voter turnout and reducing costs. In terms of increasing turnout, reducing costs, and enhancing public convenience, it would be a practical and efficient choice.” Speaker Woo emphasized, “If we cannot make a decision this time, the amendment will inevitably be postponed again. We must begin change, even if it starts with amending a single line.”

Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, “President Lee Jaemyung accepted the contents proposed by Speaker Woo during a cabinet meeting. Since the President has spoken and Speaker Woo’s firm resolve has been confirmed, the Democratic Party will fulfill its role as the responsible ruling party to bring the constitutional amendment to fruition.” Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Patriotic Innovation Party, also stated, “Now only the National Assembly’s decision remains. We will do our utmost to ensure this joint meeting leads to practical progress toward constitutional reform.”

The participants urged the People Power Party to join the discussions. In particular, Cheon Haram, floor leader of the Reform Innovation Party, said, “The People Power Party should more actively advocate for stricter martial law requirements to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring in our constitutional history. I urge the Speaker and the ruling party not to resort to oppression, but rather to play a role in encouraging more active participation in the process.”

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