[From Conflict to Harmony] Kim Hyung-o: "We Must Break Away from the Imperial Presidency through Constitutional Amendment"

Interview with Former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o
"Comprehensive Reform of the National Assembly Is as Necessary as Presidential System Reform"
"Constitutional Revision Possible Before Presidential Election If There Is National Consensus"

Editor's NoteThe Constitutional Court has put a brake on the division within the Republic of Korea community. The impeachment ruling on former President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 4th serves as a catalyst for change. The resilience of Korean democracy, which does not falter in the face of hardship and adversity, has amazed the world. Now is the time to remove the shadows of hatred and discord and prepare for the future. With less than 60 days remaining until the 21st presidential election, this is a crucial test. We cannot afford to wander again in the swamp of conflict and chaos. To heal the wounds of our society and prepare for a new world, we present suggestions from distinguished figures across politics, economy, society, and education.

"The country does better without a president."

Former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o said in an interview with Asia Economy on the 9th that to break the tragic cycle in Korean political history that led to the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, it is necessary to part ways with the imperial presidential system.

Regarding the current presidential system, he pointed out, "To become a member of the National Assembly or a minister, one must curry favor with the real power holder, the president," adding, "For politicians, the people are merely a subject to be spoken of, but in reality, they only look to the real power holder."

Another notable point was his identification of the imperial legislature as another problem of the imperial presidential system. He argued that when the ruling party holds a majority and the opposition is small, the National Assembly becomes a servant of power and is powerless. Conversely, when the ruling party is in the minority and the opposition holds the majority, conflicts between legislative and executive powers prevent the government from functioning. It is noteworthy that a former National Assembly Speaker pointed out the problems of an imperial legislature.

Kim emphasized that to move beyond merely stopping conflicts and toward harmony, reforming the National Assembly is as necessary as reducing presidential powers. He stressed, "For politics to fulfill its role, the National Assembly must become the center of politics," and "To achieve this, the National Assembly must be thoroughly reformed in terms of personnel, organization, and working systems."

Former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

As a concrete solution, he proposed constitutional revision. Kim said, "The constitution should be amended to appropriately distribute the president's overwhelming powers and strengthen the responsibilities of the National Assembly." His suggestion to restructure the power system into a parliamentary cabinet system and introduce a bicameral legislature is expected to spark heated debate if publicized.

He believed that if a national consensus is formed, constitutional revision could be possible even before the upcoming early presidential election on June 3. Considering the realistic situation ahead of the early election, constitutional revision may not be easy, but it is not impossible if the political circles show the will.

Kim said, "As long as the presidential system is maintained, an unfortunate president will emerge, and the people will be unfortunate," adding, "A nationwide campaign should arise not to vote for presidential candidates who are hesitant about constitutional revision."

Meanwhile, the interview with former Speaker Kim, who is in Tokyo, Japan, was conducted via written correspondence and phone.

Below is the Q&A.

- This is the second presidential impeachment in constitutional history following the dismissal of former President Yoon.

▲ Watching this unfortunate event unfold in Tokyo was deeply distressing. It is a misfortune for Korean politics. It not only exposes the weaknesses of Korean democracy but also reveals the possibility of further vulnerability. If everything is taken to the logic of impeachment, the rule of law may disappear. 'Rule of law' and 'ruling by law' are completely different. Politicians, all sectors of society, and the people must all renew their resolve and commitment.

- During the martial law and impeachment crisis, you witnessed the complete division of the political circles and the people.

▲ The greatest misfortune is that division, hatred, and conflict among the people have reached their peak. Healing this has become a national priority. Particularly, the political circles were the very forces that fomented divisive splits akin to a psychological civil war during the impeachment process. It is even more regrettable that there is no sign of reflection on this.

- What is the cause of political polarization?

▲ Without a doubt, it is the responsibility of politicians. Perhaps because they believe that demonizing the opponent is necessary to win elections, this tendency has intensified over time. It has now reached the level of a 'national disease.'

- What is needed for politics to fulfill its role?

▲ The National Assembly must become the center of politics. Members of the National Assembly should act solely according to conscience and justice and foster an atmosphere of compromise. To do this, comprehensive and revolutionary reform is necessary.

- Specifically, how should reform be carried out?

▲ The single-member district system, which allows the winner to take all, must be overhauled first. A bicameral legislature should be introduced to enable proper discussion and reflect the people's opinions. Disciplinary measures against members of the National Assembly who have erred must also be strict. For example, this National Assembly has impeached frequently, but except for former President Yoon, all were dismissed. Those who are impeached have their duties suspended regardless of the outcome, but members of the National Assembly bear no responsibility. If impeachment is dismissed, the members who pushed for it should also have their duties suspended for several months or bear the costs of impeachment.

Former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

- Ultimately, constitutional revision is necessary, but discussions have not gained momentum.

▲ The current constitution, which centers on preventing long-term rule and direct presidential elections, was amended in 1987. The reason it has not been changed despite fulfilling its mission is because the president's powers are overwhelming. Both leading presidential candidates and elected presidents have not been able to resist this temptation. We must recall the historical fact that unless one abandons greed, one will become unhappy. The people also become unhappy as long as the presidential system remains. However, politicians mislead by saying that the people want to elect leaders 'with their own hands.' Since several constitutional amendment proposals already exist, if Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, changes his mind, constitutional revision is possible even now. The ongoing constitutional discussions across various sectors must proceed more vigorously.

- The economic situation is as challenging as politics.

▲ The real economy may be more dangerous than what the indicators show. The world economy is shaking due to the Trump administration's 'power diplomacy' and 'retaliatory tariffs,' and Korea's export-dependent economy is particularly vulnerable. Moreover, during decades of the five-year single-term system, Korea has lost its mid- to long-term vision. Corporate future growth potential is greatly shrinking. Compared to Japan, Korea's economic vulnerability is greater. Japan exaggerates its 'lost 30 years,' but its fundamentals are stronger than Korea's. Despite many internal and external adverse factors, Korea lacks a sense of crisis, making it more dangerous.

- What tasks are necessary for social reform?

▲ The low birthrate and aging population problem is the most severe in the world, yet it has been neglected with complacent responses. We must devote all efforts to solving this issue. The serious conflicts and divisions in various parts of society are also problematic. This is because education is severely distorted. Although education is said to be a 'century-long plan,' there is nowhere to nurture 'true humans' or 'proper citizens,' which is very regrettable. The prerequisite for social reform to solve these problems is, again, political reform.

Who is Former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o?

Former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o has always been a figure who pondered the 'path of politics.' He is a senior politician who has contemplated alternatives, believing that Korean politics, divided by ideology, region, and generation, cannot continue as it is.
Kim's critiques contain content that both progressives and conservatives should heed. Although his party life was in conservative parties, due to the nature of the National Assembly Speaker's position, he sought to find alternative paths based on the concerns of various political forces.
He accumulated experience as a five-term member representing Yeongdo District in Busan. Starting with his election as a candidate of the Democratic Liberal Party in the 14th general election in 1992, he remained active in the mainstream of conservative politics until his election as a candidate of the Grand National Party in 2008. Kim is noted as a senior figure in Korean politics not only for his broad experience but also for his willingness to speak candidly during critical moments.
When he felt Korean politics was on the wrong path, he did not hesitate to criticize, including conservative parties. In 2004, amid the backlash from the impeachment of former President Roh Moo-hyun, he served as secretary-general of the Grand National Party, helping to rebuild the party. It was a crucial time when the party leadership's political skills were vital as the party endured public backlash.
After being elected floor leader of the Grand National Party in 2006, he completed his one-year term, and in 2007, he was chairman of the First-Class National Vision Committee of Lee Myung-bak's presidential campaign, responsible for election pledges.
Following Lee Myung-bak's victory in the 17th presidential election, Kim was appointed vice-chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee. He participated in drawing the blueprint for the new government based on his extensive political experience.
He served as the Speaker of the 18th National Assembly during its first half from 2008 to 2010. Shortly after becoming Speaker, he pointed out that the president's powers were excessively large under the current constitution and ignited the constitutional revision debate. After completing his term in the 18th National Assembly, he stepped back from active politics but continued to offer advice. During the 21st general election in 2020, he served as the nomination management committee chairman for the Liberty Korea Party (predecessor of the People Power Party), overseeing candidate nominations.
From 2013 to 2019, he devoted himself to nurturing future generations as a distinguished professor at Pusan National University. Currently, he is a visiting professor at Keio University in Japan. Kim returns to Korea to play an advisory role when his expertise is needed in Korean politics.
On February 13, he attended a seminar titled "What Are the Values of Conservatism?" hosted by the People Power Party's Special Strategy Planning Committee, where he delivered a direct critique, saying, "Without image improvement, there is no chance for the People Power Party to regain power." In particular, Kim questioned, "What is the current image of the People Power Party? Isn't it judges, prosecutors, wealthy families, careerists, and elites?" This was before the impeachment of former President Yoon was upheld, showing that as a senior conservative politician, he spoke his mind.