Hwang Kyo-ahn Raises 'Constitutional Amendment' Targeting President Moon

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, holds a New Year's press conference on the 22nd at the Yeongdeungpo Central Party Office in Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, sparked political waves on the 22nd by revealing his plan to pursue constitutional amendments, including a shift to a parliamentary system, after winning the general election to check the imperial presidential system.

On the day, Hwang held a New Year's press conference at the central party office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, stating, "Based on a landslide victory in the general election, we will push for constitutional amendments that can fundamentally prevent the imperial presidential system," adding, "This is to create a legal foundation for South Korea to achieve sustainable development without political deadlock." He continued, "You are well aware of the harms of the imperial presidential system. Whether to implement controls or adopt a parliamentary system is a major issue, but regardless of the form, constitutional amendments are necessary to prevent any individual from exercising absolute power and arbitrarily manipulating state affairs." This statement indicates that a parliamentary system amendment is also being considered depending on the situation.

Hwang also proposed a one-on-one summit meeting with President Moon Jae-in. He emphasized that the core of party innovation is candidate nomination and called for sacrifices from those in leadership positions.

Hwang said, "Since I took office as the leader of the main opposition party, I have no memory of meeting alone to discuss current issues." He added, "I have requested several times but received no response. I strongly urge that the president no longer be criticized as a non-communicative regime that ignores the voices of the people by refusing to meet the opposition leader."

Regarding this, Hwang advised President Moon, "Become the president of the Republic of Korea entrusted by the people under the constitution," and said, "Stop destroying the constitutional order, stop dividing our country, and break away from the clutches of Cho Kuk and specific factions."

He also revealed an innovation plan centered on youth candidate nominations. He said, "I will change everything until the people are satisfied and say it is enough," adding, "We have created the most innovative candidate nomination standards, but to complete candidate nomination innovation, the spirit of sacrifice from those in leadership positions, including myself, is absolutely essential. We must systematically concentrate and exert party power for a winning general election." This was a remark aimed at senior figures from the Yeongnam region, such as former leader Hong Joon-pyo and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho, who are preparing to run in the Yeongnam area.

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, is entering the press conference hall to hold a New Year's press conference on the 22nd at the Yeongdeungpo Central Party Office in Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Earlier, the Liberty Korea Party’s general election planning team announced candidate nomination standards that would cut off one-third of district lawmakers and replace up to 50% of incumbent lawmakers. They also promised to nominate 30% young politicians in their 20s to 40s to create a youthful party.

He emphasized, "I will take any role starting with myself. The nomination management committee chairman will be fully responsible for and exercise all authority over candidate nominations," granting full authority. He added, "Along with innovation, integration must also be achieved," and said, "We will achieve the integration of all forces opposing the Moon Jae-in administration. Integration is an obligation."

Hwang said, "In the April general election, the people must ultimately decide whether to judge the Moon Jae-in administration and reclaim a Korea of freedom and prosperity or to allow the Moon administration’s reckless actions to continue," appealing, "Please take part in judging the Moon administration on security, economy, real estate, and politics."

He emphasized, "Victory in the general election will be the starting point of a great transformation, and we will first reverse the election law and the High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) law that were rushed through last December," adding, "We will also restore the precious constitutional values of freedom, justice, fairness, and equality that the Moon administration destroyed." Hwang added, "When dreams and hopes are revived, the national division caused by the factional politics of the Moon administration over the past three years will also be healed," and earnestly requested, "For that day, I sincerely ask for a decisive judgment against the Moon administration and overwhelming support for the Liberty Korea Party."