Seoul: Constitution Day will be restored as a public holiday for the first time in 18 years, officials announced on Tuesday. Observed annually on July 17, Constitution Day was previously a public holiday until it was reclassified in 2008 as a commemorative day, leading to the cessation of the closure of government offices and businesses on this occasion.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Cabinet approved a revision to the Public Holidays Act earlier in the day to reinstate Constitution Day as an official holiday. This decision was confirmed by the Ministry of Personnel Management. The revised law is set to come into effect three months after its promulgation, marking a significant change in the national calendar.

Among South Korea's five national commemorative days, Constitution Day was the only one not designated as a public holiday. The reinstatement of this day as a public holiday reflects a shift in governmental priorities concerning national observances.

Last July, there had been discussions led by Lee, who instructed senior aides and secretaries to consider the reinstatement of Constitution Day as a public holiday. This move was aimed at marking the 77th anniversary of Constitution Day, highlighting its importance in the nation's history and governance.