Kim Dong Yeon Calls for Term-Shortening Amendment... Lee Jae Myung Prioritizes Livelihood Issues, Kim Kyung Soo Opposes Talks with Rebellion Forces

Differences Emerge Among Democratic Party Presidential Candidates
Over Constitutional Amendment Issue During Debate

The Democratic Party of Korea's presidential primary candidates revealed differing opinions regarding constitutional amendment. Governor Kim Dong Yeon of Gyeonggi Province proposed constitutional revision as a task to be pursued within the first 100 days of taking office, whereas former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung stated that addressing livelihood issues should take priority. Former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyung Soo expressed a reserved stance, saying that constitutional amendment discussions could not proceed with forces associated with rebellion or those cohabiting with them.

During the Democratic Party's presidential primary debate held on OhmyTV that day, Governor Kim presented constitutional revision as a task that should be pursued within 100 days of inauguration. In response, former leader Lee said, "A constitutional amendment is necessary. We need to introduce a two-term presidency, strengthen basic rights, and include the spirit of the 5·18 Democratization Movement in the preamble of the Constitution." However, he added, "Constitutional revision is not directly related to people's livelihoods, nor is it something that can be implemented immediately, so it should be approached with more flexibility." Instead, he emphasized meeting with the opposition party as the top priority.

Lee Jae Myung (left), Kim Dong Yeon, and Kim Kyung Soo, presidential primary candidates of the Democratic Party of Korea, are taking a commemorative photo before the OhmyTV invited debate held at the OhmyTV studio in Yeouido, Seoul on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News.

In response, Governor Kim countered, "Previous administrations have tried to push for constitutional amendments but failed," adding, "Saying that constitutional revision can be done slowly may be perceived as not doing it at all during one's term."

Former Governor Kim agreed with Governor Kim on the need for constitutional revision, but expressed a different view regarding the approach. He said, "The precondition for constitutional amendment discussions is that it is difficult to proceed with forces associated with rebellion or those cohabiting with them," and added, "If the People Power Party ends its cohabitation with former President Yoon Suk Yeol after the presidential election and is newly established as a conservative party, then constitutional amendment discussions could proceed more swiftly." Regarding Governor Kim's proposal to shorten the presidential term to three years, he said, "This needs to be considered," explaining, "Since an immediate lame-duck situation could arise upon inauguration, this issue should be addressed during the constitutional amendment process." In response, Governor Kim said, "The three-year term reduction is my conviction and intention," and added, "I am not concerned about a lame-duck situation."