South Korea’s Constitutional Amendment Plans Face Collapse as Parties Clash

Plans for a simultaneous local election and constitutional amendment vote in South Korea are on the verge of failure as ruling and opposition parties remain deeply divided. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik’s deadline for forming a Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment passed on March 17th without an agreement, raising concerns that the government and ruling camp may proceed alone.

Political Gridlock and Disagreements

The People Power Party (PPP) has remained silent regarding the formation of the Special Committee, effectively blocking progress. The PPP argues that the National Assembly should prioritize livelihood issues and postpone constitutional reform until after the local elections.¹

In contrast, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) supports constitutional reform and has completed its preparations. Han Byung-do, parliamentary leader of the DPK, indicated that Speaker Woo and the DPK are prepared to move forward even without the PPP’s participation.¹

Constitutional Amendment Proposals

Speaker Woo Won-shik has advocated for constitutional amendments, including a discussion of extending the presidential term to four years.¹ He previously urged the formation of a special parliamentary committee by March 17th, following the revision of the National Referendum Act, which removed procedural obstacles to constitutional revision.³ To hold a referendum alongside the local elections, the amendment bill must be proposed by April 7th.³

Speaker Woo has similarly highlighted the need to address illegal emergency martial law, proposing measures to ensure the National Assembly’s control over its lifting.⁴ He emphasized the importance of incorporating the spirit of the May 18th Democratic Uprising into the constitutional preamble and promoting balanced regional development.³

Government Investigation Plan Stalls

Separately, discussions regarding a Democratic Party-promoted government investigation into alleged political prosecution manipulation under former President Yoon Seok-yeol have stalled. The PPP opposes the unilateral adoption of this plan, while the DPK maintains it is necessary to address suspicions of corruption in cases involving President Lee Jae-myung.¹ The DPK plans to submit the plan to a plenary session on March 19th, potentially facing a filibuster from the PPP.¹

Looking Ahead

With the deadline for forming the Special Committee passed and significant disagreements remaining, the future of constitutional amendment in South Korea remains uncertain. The possibility of the government and ruling camp proceeding without full agreement is increasing, potentially leading to further political tensions.