Kim Minseok Says Opposition to Constitutional Reform "Not an Obstacle... Will Proceed with an Open Attitude"

Visit to the National Assembly Alumni Association on September 8

Kim Minseok Stresses: "Will Raise and Discuss the Issue of Constitutional Reform"

Chairman Jeong Daecheol Also Urges, "It Must Be Done During the Lee Administration"

Minseok Kim, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed his commitment to pursuing constitutional amendment, stating, "Our party will approach the matter with an open mind, upholding the principles of democracy while raising the issue of constitutional revision and fostering debate." He added, "Including the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and the Busan-Masan Uprising in the preamble of the Constitution would mark the starting point for constitutional amendment."

On the afternoon of September 8, during a visit to the Constitution Association—an organization comprised of former members of the National Assembly—Kim paid a courtesy call to Jeong Daecheol, president of the Constitution Association. There, he said, "When it comes to restructuring the power system, we should go as far as the public is willing to allow," adding, "Whether it's including a runoff vote, introducing a multiple-term system, or determining the extent of decentralization, I believe we should proceed only to the extent that the public agrees."

Democratic Party of Korea leader Minseok Kim is delivering a greeting speech to Jeong Daecheol, the chairman of the Constitution Association, and other members of the association during a visit to the Constitution Association inside the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers’ Group, Yonhap News Agency

On this day, referring to Jeong Jeom-sik, floor leader of the People Power Party, expressing a negative stance on constitutional amendment during his party’s policy speech, Kim responded, "He has put forward one or two conditions, but in substance, I do not believe they constitute significant obstacles."

He continued, "Yesterday, I stated (during my policy speech) that we will proceed while adhering to the procedural principles of the current constitution and laws. In fact, that encompasses everything," adding, "There’s nothing in particular that could become a significant impediment."

President Jeong also emphasized that constitutional amendment should be achieved during the current administration's term, urging that it be pursued within the term of the Lee Jaemyung administration. He said, "Since 1987, eight presidents have pledged or promised constitutional amendment, but none have achieved it," stressing, "This time, we must make every effort to achieve what would be the greatest political reform—constitutional amendment."

During a closed-door discussion, President Jeong urged Kim to pursue constitutional reform through bipartisan agreement. Afterward, Kim Seongho, spokesperson for the Constitution Association, told reporters, "President Jeong emphasized that constitutional amendment cannot be advanced unilaterally by the ruling party; it has always been precedent, and in practice the only feasible way forward, for constitutional reform to proceed within the bounds of bipartisan agreement, with the cooperation of the opposition."

Additionally, President Jeong, according to spokesperson Kim, said to Kim, "Since you are a true successor of the Democratic Party, I hope you will lead a politics of harmony and unity based on the spirit of the Democratic Party and the legacy of Kim Daejung."

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