Cho Kuk Urges Speaker Woo Wonshik to Swiftly Advance National Referendum Act Amendment

Cho Kuk, leader of the Innovation Party, met with Woo Wonshik, Speaker of the National Assembly, on the 25th and urged the swift advancement of constitutional and national referendum law amendments.

Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party (left in the photo), is having a conversation with Woo Wonshik, Speaker of the National Assembly, during a visit to the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, during a courtesy visit to Speaker Woo in the National Assembly Speaker's Reception Room, Cho stated, "Although the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment has been established, it is not yet operational, and the National Referendum Act should have already been revised, but that has not happened." He added, "Is this not a neglect of the legislature's responsibilities?"

He continued, "As you have mentioned in the past, even if a comprehensive constitutional amendment is not possible, we should at least proceed quickly with a 'one-point' amendment."

Cho also requested Speaker Woo's cooperation for the prompt realization of 'political reform,' which was agreed upon before the last presidential election by the Innovation Party and three other progressive parties, along with the Democratic Party of Korea, including the easing of requirements for negotiating blocs. He said, "Isn't democracy about diversification and pluralism? It is also necessary to solidify the foundation of the Lee Jaemyung administration and to strengthen its momentum for success. I hope you will take the lead on this."

In response, Speaker Woo said, "I believe the Innovation Party, as the third-largest party in the Assembly, will play an even greater role in ensuring stable governance and reforming policies for people's livelihoods."

Regarding Cho's demand for constitutional and national referendum law amendments, Speaker Woo stated, "Procedural issues must be addressed first when it comes to constitutional amendments, and among them, revising the National Referendum Act is urgent to ensure the completeness of the constitutional order and to guarantee citizens' voting rights. I would appreciate it if the Innovation Party could actively address this issue in the Assembly as well."

Cho plans to meet with Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, and Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, in succession on the 26th.