Seoul: National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for a constitutional revision, vowing to form a bipartisan special parliamentary committee to bring discussions into full swing next year. The speaker made the remarks during his first press conference since taking office last month, renewing his push for the long-debated issue of constitutional revision.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the formation of a special parliamentary committee on constitutional reform through bipartisan consultations to ensure discussions on constitutional reform are on track next year. He reiterated his proposal from Constitution Day to advance the constitutional amendment process with a calm and bold approach. Cho aims to draft a constitutional revision proposal next year and complete the amendment before the current Assembly's term ends in 2028.
The proposed revision includes limiting the president's authority to declare martial law and incorporating the spirit of the May 18 pro-democracy movement in 1980 into the Constitution's preamble. Additionally, it seeks an overhaul of the election management system. Cho announced plans to designate December 3 as a day of people's sovereignty to commemorate the anniversary of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law in 2024.
Cho expressed intentions to pursue peace on the Korean Peninsula through patient parliamentary efforts rather than rushing into inter-Korean parliamentary talks, which he previously proposed. He urged North Korea to engage in dialogue on humanitarian aid and reunions of families separated by the Korean War, emphasizing Seoul's willingness to meet without preconditions.
The speaker also addressed the possibility of the incumbent president seeking another term under a revised Constitution, stating that the decision ultimately lies with the people. Article 128 of the Constitution currently prevents the extension of the presidential term from benefiting the president in office at the time of the amendment proposal. President Lee Jae Myung, during his campaign, had advocated for a constitutional amendment allowing a president to serve two four-year terms, differing from the current single five-year term limit. Lee clarified he would not be eligible for reelection under the proposed changes, referencing Article 128.