Speaker Woo Won-sik's Proposal for Constitutional Amendment... "Premature" Fierce Opposition Within the Democratic Party

A Series of Oppositions from Pro-Lee Jae-myung Lawmakers within the Democratic Party
Calls Grow That "Discussion of Constitutional Amendment Is Premature"

On the 6th, Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik proposed holding a constitutional amendment referendum simultaneously with the presidential election, but strong opposition has arisen among the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea and pro-Myeong (pro-Lee Jae-myung) faction lawmakers, sparking controversy.

Speaker Woo Won-shik is delivering a national address at the National Assembly on April 4, 2025, following the Constitutional Court's dismissal ruling against former President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Supreme Council member Lee Eon-ju pointed out on Facebook that "discussions on constitutional amendments or a cabinet system are premature," adding, "Yoon Seok-yeol's dismissal was just the other day, and he has not yet vacated the presidential residence, so it is questionable whether the public can sympathize." She opposed the constitutional amendment discussions, stating, "What is currently important is post-impeachment measures, rooting out the insurrection forces, and restoring people's livelihoods and the economy."

Policy Committee Chairman Jin Sung-jun also said, "I agree on the necessity of constitutional amendment, but I cannot agree that it is the top priority right now," emphasizing, "The most important national task at present is to thoroughly investigate the facts of the insurrection and hold those responsible accountable."

Jeong Cheong-rae, chairman of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, criticized, "While constitutional amendment is inherently right, now is the time to unite and focus on ending the insurrection," adding, "This is not the time to have attention diverted by constitutional amendment discussions." Jeong strongly opposed the proposal, saying, "I hope the Speaker stops playing politics out of time and place and does not provoke public anger with calls for constitutional amendment."

Kim Yong-min, the senior deputy floor leader, argued, "The ringleader of the insurrection is still roaming outside prison. We must immediately uproot the insurrection," emphasizing that resolving the insurrection should take precedence over constitutional amendment discussions.

Veteran five-term lawmaker Lee In-young warned, "Now is not the time to discuss constitutional amendments," cautioning, "If constitutional amendment discussions are mishandled before the presidential election, it could distort public opinion." Regarding constitutional amendments for a cabinet system or a dual executive system, he stated, "Let's discuss constitutional amendments after the presidential election."

Meanwhile, controversy has also arisen over whether Speaker Woo made the constitutional amendment proposal with prior consensus with party leader Lee. Woo stated, "I have talked not only with the Democratic Party but also with leaders of several parties," but Lee has not yet made any separate remarks on this matter.