Emphasis on the Need for Constitutional Amendment to Introduce a Four-Year Renewable Term
Cheon Ha-ram, the proportional representative elected member of the Reform New Party, demanded that President Yoon Seok-yeol make a decision to shorten his term.
Earlier, in response to Reform New Party leader Lee Jun-seok's remark, "Are you sure there are 3 years left until the next presidential election?" Cheon appeared on CBS Radio's "Park Jae-hong's One-on-One" on the 13th and explained, "He is implying a shortening of the presidential term rather than impeachment."
On the 11th, in an SBS Radio interview, when asked if he would run in the next presidential election, Leader Lee retorted, "How many years are left until the next election? Are you sure it’s 3 years?" This was interpreted as hinting at President Yoon’s early resignation. On the broadcast on the 12th, he added that if negative public opinion toward the government and ruling party continues, "Either a shortening of (President Yoon’s) term or a restructuring of the power system must be implemented. Then, we cannot be certain that the next election will be in 3 years."
Regarding this, Cheon said, "Impeachment is a procedure stipulated in the Constitution, so I don’t think it’s something we cannot mention. There are grounds for impeachment and public consensus," but added, "I think it should not be spoken of so lightly." The Reform New Party demands a shortening of the term rather than impeachment. He explained, "One of the Reform New Party’s general election pledges is that we must now move to the 7th Republic," and added, "Therefore, I said it would be good to have a constitutional amendment including a four-year presidential two-term system and a runoff voting system."
Cheon also recalled President Yoon’s past remarks, saying, "If you look at President Yoon Seok-yeol’s previous recordings, he said, ‘The presidency is such a hassle. I’m not interested in such a position,’" and pressured, "Since it’s bothersome and, in my view, he’s not doing very well, wouldn’t becoming the protagonist of a constitutional amendment to shorten the term contribute to the development of Korean politics?"
Regarding constitutional amendment, he said, "If he does not agree, it legally does not apply to the current president. Therefore, it is only possible if he makes a decision himself," and elaborated, "Shortening the term is actually a concept accompanied by resignation."
On the necessity of cooperation with the Democratic Party of Korea, Cheon said, "We consider ourselves a pan-opposition party," and predicted that if there is agreement on the need for constitutional amendment, cooperation with the Democratic Party would not be difficult.
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