President Lee: “Constitutional amendment impossible without People Power Party’s help... Please engage in serious discussions”

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea on the 7th publicly asked the People Power Party (PPP) to cooperate on the issue of constitutional amendment. Lee said, “In fact, without the help of the People Power Party, a constitutional amendment is impossible,” and added, “I would like to ask you to engage in serious and positive discussions.”
Lee made these remarks at a meeting and luncheon of the Ruling-Opposition-Government Consultative Body on People’s Livelihood and the Economy held in the Inwang Room of the main building at Cheong Wa Dae. He noted, “So many years have passed since the Constitution of the Republic of Korea was enacted that it has become like a suit that no longer fits.” He continued, “May 18 Democratization Movement Memorial Day is approaching, and as I recall, when the current opposition was the ruling party, you also said you would include the spirit of 5·18 in the Constitution’s preamble,” adding, “It seems there is no disagreement on that point.”
Lee also raised the issue of reflecting the Busan–Masan Uprising in the Constitution’s preamble. He said, “At the time, the then-opposition party suggested that the Busan–Masan Uprising be included as well, and I believe that is reasonable,” and added, “From the perspective of a sequential and gradual constitutional amendment, I wonder if you could accept this proposal positively.”
He further proposed strengthening the conditions for martial law as another topic for constitutional debate. Lee said, “There have been criticisms that the martial law situation in the past was problematic,” and went on, “It seems absolutely necessary to ensure that martial law cannot be abused. I cannot imagine who would oppose that.” He added, “There is also no disagreement on the need to strengthen the local autonomy system,” once again stressing the need for step-by-step discussions on constitutional revision.
At the same time, Lee emphasized that finding common ground through dialogue is more important than political strife between the ruling and opposition parties. He said, “When opinions differ, it is in fact better to meet often and talk,” explaining, “We may not always reach complete agreement, but we can at least greatly reduce misunderstandings.” He added, “If there is anything wrong, please criticize us strongly,” and pledged, “We will accept what should be accepted and correct what should be corrected, and we will do our utmost to ensure that state affairs are carried out properly solely for the people and the nation.”
Present at the meeting were Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), floor leader Han Byung-do, and chief spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun from the DPK, as well as PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok, floor leader Song Eon-seok, and chief spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon from the PPP. From the government and Cheong Wa Dae, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok of South Korea, Chief of Staff to the President Kang Hoon-sik, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Ihk-pyo, and Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Jeong Eul-ho attended.

west@fnnews.com Reporter Seong Seok-woo Reporter