Seoul: A subcommittee of the National Assembly's interior and safety committee has passed a revision to the Public Holidays Act that aims to restore Constitution Day as a public holiday for the first time in 18 years. The decision marks a significant legislative step toward reinstating the day, which is observed annually on July 17, as a public holiday. This change comes after Constitution Day was reclassified in 2008 as a commemorative day, leading to government offices and businesses remaining open on this occasion.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Constitution Day is the only one among South Korea's five national commemorative days that is not designated as a public holiday. The recent move by the subcommittee could change that status starting next year, contingent upon the bill passing both a plenary meeting of the committee and a plenary vote of the Assembly.

Earlier in July, there was a directive from Lee to senior aides and secretaries to consider the possibility of reinstating Constitution Day as a public holiday. This was in light of the 77th anniversary of Constitution Day, emphasizing the day's historical significance and the importance of its observance at a national level.