"Term shortened to three years, simultaneous general and presidential elections in 2028"
"Abolish presidential immunity from prosecution," targeting Lee
"Lee's consecutive term proposal leaves room for extended rule, explanation needed"
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, on May 18 proposed a constitutional amendment agreement centered on shortening the presidential term, introducing a four-year two-term system, and abolishing presidential immunity from prosecution if elected.
In a statement released that day, Kim announced what he called a "relinquishing power" constitutional agreement, outlining these proposals.
First, he pledged to pursue a constitutional amendment to reduce the presidential term from five years to three years if elected. He explained that this would align the presidential election cycle with the April 2028 general elections, enabling bold political reform.
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is announcing his administrative capital pledge related to the relocation of the National Assembly at the site of the National Assembly Sejong Branch on the 16th. 2025.5.16 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Second, he proposed introducing a four-year, two-term direct presidential system. Kim argued that the current single five-year term makes it difficult to hold presidents politically accountable, and that a four-year two-term system would better reflect the principle of responsible governance and maintain political stability. He also stated that he would accept significant adjustments to presidential powers to overhaul the so-called "imperial presidency."
Third, he called for the complete abolition of presidential immunity from prosecution. Kim said, "Even if elected president, I will abolish the right to avoid criminal trials and establish the fundamental principle of equality before the law."
Fourth, he promised to ensure the neutrality and independence of Supreme Court justices and Constitutional Court judges. To achieve this, he plans to make the recommendation committee a statutory body and require approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly. This is intended to prevent any particular political force from dominating the judiciary.
Finally, regarding parliamentary reform, he pledged to abolish both the arrest immunity and non-liability privileges of lawmakers. Kim emphasized, "The principle that everyone is equal before the law cannot be an exception for members of the National Assembly," and added, "To strengthen direct democracy and return power to the people, I will introduce a citizen legislative initiative system and a parliamentary recall system."
On the same day, Kim called for clarification regarding the constitutional amendment proposal for a four-year consecutive presidential term made by Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. He argued that the term "consecutive" could leave room for extended rule and should be explained.
Kim pointed out, "A four-year 'two-term' system allows for one re-election opportunity, but the total period cannot exceed eight years. However, a 'consecutive' system means that after serving two terms, a president could take a break and then serve two more terms." He stressed, "The public's demand for constitutional amendment is not to allow unlimited extension of power for those in authority, but to restrict the abuse of power."
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