Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, announced on the 18th a constitutional amendment pledge to change the current presidential system from a 5-year single term to a '4-year re-election system.' He particularly emphasized a constitutional provision stating that 'it will not apply to the sitting president at the time of the amendment.' This drew a line against speculation that the leading presidential candidate was trying to lay the groundwork to change the power structure and ultimately extend the term of presidency. He also stated that the consent of the National Assembly would be required for the appointment of heads of agencies, including the Prime Minister and the Korean National Police Agency.
◇Introduction of presidential runoff voting; Prime Minister appointment can only be made with National Assembly recommendation
That day, the candidate posted on Facebook, saying, “Let’s prepare a true new constitution for the Republic of Korea,” and presented his constitutional amendment pledge. The main points include ▲ presidential 4-year re-election system ▲ inclusion of the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement ▲ introduction of a presidential runoff voting system (if there is no candidate with a majority vote, a re-vote will take place) ▲ introduction of a National Assembly recommendation system for the Prime Minister ▲ transfer of the Board of Audit and Inspection to the National Assembly ▲ restrictions on the exercise of presidential veto power.
He stated, “If the introduction of the presidential 4-year re-election system allows for mid-term evaluations of the administration, it will also enhance accountability,” and that “we must secure democratic legitimacy through the introduction of a presidential runoff voting system to minimize unnecessary social conflict.” Regarding the restructuring of the Board of Audit and Inspection, he noted, “If it is transferred to the National Assembly to grant independence, the National Assembly’s functions regarding the settlement of accounts and audit will also be strengthened.”
He also publicly committed to restricting the exercise of presidential veto powers. Amidst the Democratic Party’s forceful processing of bills in the 22nd National Assembly and the repeated exercise of veto powers by the president and acting president, the intent is to legally restrict the very authority of the executive branch to demand re-examination. Specifically, bills related to the crimes of the president and close associates would be completely excluded from veto power.
The candidate remarked, “If it involves corruption or crimes committed by oneself or direct family members, the veto power should fundamentally not be exercised,” and added, “If this is not upheld, the National Assembly should be allowed to file a jurisdiction dispute with the Constitutional Court to uphold the value of separation of powers.”
He stated that he would also amend the conditions for declaring a state of emergency. The crux is to strengthen international control authority so that ▲ the president must notify the National Assembly in advance and obtain approval before declaring an emergency or martial law, and ▲ if the National Assembly does not approve within 24 hours, the declaration would automatically lose its effect.
He indicated that the appointment of the Prime Minister would also require National Assembly consent. The candidate stated, “The Prime Minister should only be appointed after receiving a recommendation from the National Assembly.” Furthermore, he proposed that heads of investigative agencies such as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Korean National Police Agency, as well as heads of the Korea Communications Commission and the National Human Rights Commission, must also receive National Assembly consent. Related to prosecutor reform, he suggested abolishing the monopoly on the right to claim warrants, aiming to enable checks among investigative agencies.
He also mentioned strengthening local autonomy. This would involve establishing a constitutional body that includes the president, the prime minister, cabinet members, and local government heads, granting it equal status with the 'State Council.' The candidate stated, “As long as it does not violate laws, we should maximize the autonomy of establishing local ordinances to strengthen local governance.”
◇“Constitutional amendment referendum during next year's local elections or at the latest during the 2028 general elections”
The candidate proposed that the time frame for pursuing the constitutional amendment will be during next year's local elections. To amend the constitution, it must be put to a national referendum.
The candidate stated, “If discussions progress quickly, we could ask the public’s opinion in the 2026 local elections at the latest during the 2028 National Assembly general elections.”
He also explained, “When I mentioned the '1-year reduction' previously, it was in part aimed at aligning with the local election cycle,” and added, “If we do it at the end of the local elections, it will fit perfectly.”
So far, the candidate has avoided mentioning constitutional amendments during the Democratic Party’s primary process. In a TV debate on the 23rd of last month, he remarked, “I question whether the constitutional amendment issue needs to be so urgent. It is not directly connected to the issues of people’s livelihoods, nor is a revised constitution set to take effect immediately, so we need to focus on economic and livelihood issues with some leeway.”
However, amid criticism that the leading candidate was remaining silent on constitutional amendments, he put forth a pledge just over 20 days after being confirmed as the main candidate. He explained the intention behind presenting the constitutional amendment proposal, saying, “I believe the 1987 system has served its purpose,” and added, “There is a strong public demand for opening the 7th Republic, and while there has been justification, we have not been able to announce it due to the inability to adjust political interests.”