South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has urged urgent constitutional changes to curb presidential authority, after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached. Woo made the call at a press conference on Sunday, as there is an emerging public consensus on the necessity for change in the aftermath of South Korea’s most severe political crisis in decades.
“President Yoon’s unconstitutional and unlawful declaration of martial law and his subsequent impeachment have clarified the need for constitutional reform more than ever,” stated Woo. He suggested a national referendum on constitutional amendment to be held in conjunction with the next presidential election, which should be convened within 60 days of Yoon’s removal according to law.
The Constitutional Court on Friday upheld Yoon’s impeachment on the grounds that his short announcement of martial law on December 3 was a constitutional violation. The unpopular act plunged the nation into chaos, igniting nationwide public anger and political instability.
Woo made it clear while the court decision had brought in some stability, the root of the issue of uncontrolled presidential power remains at risk. “Many citizens find that the ongoing ‘imperial presidency’ perpetuates excessive political strife,” he added.
The latest Gallup Korea poll last month revealed 54% of its respondents supported reforming the constitution to amend the presidential system while 30% were against.
While Yoon has resigned, he vowed to keep supporting his political supporters, vowing he would always “stand by” those who protected freedom and sovereignty.
The June 3 presidential election is set tentatively, said the election commission. The constitution of South Korea, amended most recently in 1987, provides for a single five-year presidential term. There have been talks about permitting two four-year terms, and both opposition and ruling party leaders are backing the move. The front-running opposition candidate, Lee Jae-myung, has also backed reforming presidential terms.
