South Korea

SKorea Speaker Pushes Constitutional Reform After Yoon's Impeachment

APR 7 2025·Updated APR 8 2025

Story

Above: South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announces the result of voting for the impeachment vote of acting president Han Duck-soo during the plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 27, 2024. Image credit: JUNG YEON-JE/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik on Sunday proposed holding a constitutional referendum simultaneously with the upcoming presidential election, which must take place within 60 days following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his December martial law declaration.
AA
The Korea Times
The proposed constitutional amendments aim to reduce presidential powers and potentially introduce a four-year presidential term with the possibility of re-election, replacing the current single five-year term system established in the 1987 Constitution.
Elaw
Korea Herald
The Chosun Daily
For the referendum to proceed, the proposal must be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Assembly and subsequently receive majority support in a national referendum with participation from more than half of eligible voters.
OPM
Yonhap News Agency
The Korea Times
The constitutional amendment process requires at least 38 days, including a 20-day public notice period after Assembly approval and an 18-day announcement period before the vote, making the timing crucial for a June election.
English
ChosunBiz
Speaker Woo emphasized that the reform is necessary to strengthen the separation of powers, ensure popular sovereignty, and establish a functioning system of cooperation within the country's political structure.
Korea Herald
AA
Taipei Times
The proposal comes amid broader discussions about reforming South Korea's political system, with Woo suggesting a phased approach focusing first on balancing the power structure and addressing other issues during local elections next year.
Korea JoongAng Daily
The Chosun Daily

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

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CRIT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The constitutional reform represents a crucial opportunity to transform recent political hardships into positive change for South Korea's democracy. The current system concentrates too much power in the presidency, creating risks of winner-takes-all politics. The timing is perfect to implement these changes before a new administration takes office.

The Chosun Daily

Narrative B

The immediate priority for South Korea should be addressing former President Yoon's insurrection rather than pursuing constitutional reforms. With the tight timeline until the presidential election, there isn't sufficient time to properly deliberate such significant changes to the nation's governing structure. The physical impossibility of revising the Referendum Act in time makes this proposal impractical.

Korea Herald

Narrative C

The push to amend South Korea’s constitution and limit presidential powers threatens the nation's stability. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s authority was crucial for protecting South Korea from both internal and external threats. Weakening the presidency undermines the country's ability to defend itself, and Yoon’s leadership demonstrates the importance of a strong executive in preserving national security and democracy.