Woo Wonsik and Six Parties to Jointly Propose Constitutional Amendment: "Martial Law, May 18, Busan-Masan Uprising in the Constitution" (Comprehensive)

Shift to Joint Proposal after Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment Fails
Proposal to Hold Local Elections and National Referendum Simultaneously
Cheon Haram: "People Power Party Must Lead Efforts to Tighten Martial Law Requirements"

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and the floor leaders of all parliamentary parties except the People Power Party reaffirmed their commitment on March 19 to constitutional amendments that would strengthen the requirements for declaring martial law and enshrine the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement and the Busan-Masan Uprising in the Constitution. As the formation of a special parliamentary committee for constitutional revision has become challenging, they agreed to pursue amendments through a co-sponsored bill by lawmakers.

Speaker Woo, Han Byungdo of the Democratic Party of Korea, Seo Wangjin of the Innovation for the Republic Party, Yoon Jong-oh of the Progressive Party, Cheon Haram of the Reform New Party, Yong Hyein of the Basic Income Party, and Han Changmin of the Social Democratic Party held a joint meeting at the National Assembly and began discussions on jointly sponsoring a constitutional amendment bill. After the second joint meeting scheduled for the 30th, Speaker Woo and the floor leaders agreed to submit the co-sponsored constitutional amendment bill by April 7. During this period, they will also encourage the People Power Party to participate.

Speaker Woo stated, "On March 10, I proposed forming a special committee on constitutional amendment, but it was not realized. Now, the National Assembly must decide whether to halt the discussion or to reopen the path to constitutional reform. If a comprehensive amendment is difficult, we must proceed step by step with items that have achieved broad national consensus." He continued, "In particular, holding local elections and a national referendum simultaneously would be effective in ensuring voter turnout and reducing costs. In terms of voter participation, cost reduction, and public convenience, this would be a practical and efficient choice." Speaker Woo emphasized, "If we do not make a decision this time, it will be postponed again. We must begin change even by amending a single line."

Speaker Woo Won-shik is meeting with the floor leaders of six 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 Innovation for the Republic Party, Cheon Haram of the Reform New Party, and Han Changmin of the Social Democratic Party) in the Speaker's office on the 19th. The People Power Party did not attend. Photo by Yonhap News

Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "President Lee Jaemyung accepted the proposal made by Speaker Woo at the Cabinet meeting. As the President has spoken and Speaker Woo's firm determination has been confirmed, the Democratic Party of Korea will fulfill its role as the responsible ruling party to ensure the success of the constitutional amendment." Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Innovation for the Republic Party, added, "Now, only the National Assembly's decision remains. We will do our utmost to ensure that this joint meeting leads to substantive progress on constitutional reform."

The participants urged the People Power Party to join the discussions. In particular, Cheon Haram, floor leader of the Reform New Party, stated, "The People Power Party has a responsibility to take a more proactive stance in advocating for stricter conditions for martial law so that such tragedies will never be repeated in our constitutional history. Rather than opposing or suppressing the process, I urge the Speaker and the ruling party to take a more active role in encouraging participation."

After the joint meeting, Jo Oseop, Chief Secretary to the Speaker, told reporters, "At today's meeting, in addition to the May 18 Democratization Movement, the parliamentary approval requirement for martial law, and balanced national development, it was agreed to pursue the inclusion of the Busan-Masan Uprising in the constitutional amendment as proposed by the Speaker." Chief Secretary Jo emphasized, "Since constitutional revision is a critical undertaking that shapes the framework of the nation, participation by the People Power Party is necessary. Rather than rushing into discussions today, the Speaker and the floor leaders agreed to make efforts to encourage People Power Party lawmakers to participate." He added, "They suggested holding a second meeting on the 30th to make final decisions. As the bill will be submitted by April 7, efforts will continue until then to persuade and involve People Power Party lawmakers, so that the amendment can be pursued together."

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