Seoul – South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for a phased approach to constitutional amendments, prioritizing areas of broad consensus, including enshrining the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and strengthening local autonomy. The move comes as the nation continues to navigate a period of political realignment following the tumultuous events of late 2024 and early 2025, and amid growing discussion about the fundamental structure of South Korea’s governance. President Lee’s remarks, made during a cabinet meeting on March 17, 2026, signal a willingness to engage with the opposition on constitutional reform, while as well subtly asserting his administration’s vision for a more inclusive and democratic future.
The call for constitutional revision follows a suggestion from National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik to hold a referendum on amendments alongside the upcoming June 3 local elections. While President Lee expressed openness to the idea of a referendum, he emphasized the importance of starting with issues that could garner widespread support, even from opposing political factions. This strategy reflects a pragmatic approach aimed at building national unity and avoiding the deep divisions that characterized the previous administration. The current constitution, originally drafted in 1987, has been amended several times, but many believe it requires further adjustments to reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of South Korean society.
The May 18 Spirit and Historical Reconciliation
A central element of President Lee’s proposal is the inclusion of the “spirit of May 18” within the preamble of the constitution. The May 18 Democratic Uprising, a pro-democracy protest in Gwangju in 1980, was brutally suppressed by the military government, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. The uprising remains a potent symbol of the struggle for democracy in South Korea, and enshrining its spirit in the constitution would be seen as a significant step towards historical reconciliation and national healing. Although, the proposal has already sparked debate, with some members of the opposition arguing that any inclusion of the May 18 spirit should be accompanied by recognition of other historical events, such as the Bu-Ma Democratic Rebellion of 1961.
The Bu-Ma Rebellion, a failed uprising against the government of President Syngman Rhee, is viewed by some as a parallel struggle for democratic ideals. President Lee acknowledged this argument, suggesting that including both events in the constitutional preamble could be a fair and balanced approach. This willingness to consider multiple perspectives demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and a desire to avoid exacerbating existing political tensions. The inclusion of both events, however, could prove contentious, as interpretations of their significance and legacy differ widely across the political spectrum.
Strengthening Local Autonomy and Martial Law Provisions
Beyond historical reconciliation, President Lee also highlighted the importance of strengthening local autonomy and clarifying the conditions under which martial law can be declared. South Korea’s current system of local governance is often criticized for being overly centralized, with limited decision-making power vested in local authorities. Increasing local autonomy would empower regional communities and promote more responsive and accountable governance.
The issue of martial law is particularly sensitive, given the controversy surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempted declaration of martial law in December 2024. That move, ultimately deemed unconstitutional and led to his impeachment, underscored the need for clearer legal safeguards to prevent the abuse of emergency powers. Strengthening the requirements for declaring martial law would help to protect civil liberties and prevent future attempts to undermine democratic institutions. According to the East Asia Forum, Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to invoke martial law was a key factor in his downfall and paved the way for Lee Jae-myung’s election.
Government Review and Opposition Response
While President Lee emphasized that the government should not take the lead in driving constitutional amendments, he instructed relevant ministries to officially review the proposals and formulate a position. This signals a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the National Assembly and other stakeholders. A Blue House official clarified that the administration views constitutional reform as primarily the responsibility of the legislature, but remains open to providing support and facilitating discussions.
The People Power Party, the main opposition bloc, has expressed reservations about a gradual approach to constitutional amendments, advocating instead for a comprehensive review after the June local elections. They argue that a piecemeal approach could lead to further fragmentation and delay meaningful reform. This stance reflects a broader concern that President Lee’s proposals are politically motivated and designed to consolidate his power. The party has called for a more deliberate and inclusive process, emphasizing the need for national consensus before any constitutional changes are made.
Democracy Index and International Perception
President Lee also referenced a recent report by the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, which indicated a significant improvement in South Korea’s ranking on the Democracy Index. The report, shared on social media by President Lee, showed that South Korea’s democracy score rose from 41st among 179 countries in 2024 to 22nd in 2025. He characterized this as evidence that the country is “regaining its prestige” on the international stage.
The V-Dem report highlights the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions in the face of recent challenges. However, it also acknowledges that the country still faces significant challenges, including political polarization and threats to civil liberties. The improvement in the Democracy Index is likely attributable to the peaceful transfer of power following President Yoon’s impeachment and the restoration of democratic norms under President Lee’s leadership. The V-Dem Institute’s methodology assesses various dimensions of democracy, including electoral processes, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
Constitutional Amendment Process in South Korea
The process for amending the South Korean constitution is outlined in Article 130 of the Constitution. Amendments require the approval of at least two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly. If approved by the Assembly, the proposed amendment must then be ratified by a national referendum. The referendum requires a majority vote in favor of the amendment, with a minimum turnout of 50% of eligible voters. This process is designed to ensure broad public support for any changes to the fundamental law of the land.
Historically, constitutional amendments in South Korea have been closely linked to periods of political transition and social upheaval. The current debate over constitutional reform reflects a broader desire to address long-standing issues and strengthen the foundations of South Korean democracy. The success of this effort will depend on the ability of President Lee and the National Assembly to forge a consensus that reflects the diverse perspectives and interests of the South Korean people.
The upcoming months will be crucial as the National Assembly begins to deliberate on potential constitutional amendments. The June local elections will likely serve as a barometer of public opinion, and the outcome could significantly influence the direction of the debate. President Lee’s commitment to a phased approach, coupled with his willingness to engage with the opposition, offers a glimmer of hope for a constructive and inclusive process. The future of South Korea’s democracy may well hinge on the outcome of these deliberations.
The next key development to watch will be the National Assembly’s formal response to President Lee’s call for a government review of constitutional amendment proposals. This is expected within the next month. Readers are encouraged to follow the ongoing debate and participate in the democratic process. Share your thoughts and engage in constructive dialogue about the future of South Korea’s constitution.