SEOUL — South Korea finds itself at a pivotal moment as political upheaval fuels renewed momentum to overhaul its presidential system. With a snap presidential election scheduled for June 3 following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, debates over constitutional reform have surged to the forefront of national discourse, capturing the attention of politicians, scholars, and the public.
South Korea’s current Constitution, introduced in 1987 during the country’s democratic transition, limits presidents to a single five-year term. While this framework helped move the country away from military rule, critics say it now hampers long-term governance and political accountability.
Martial Law Sparks Crisis, Drives Reform Discussions
The reform movement gained urgency after former President Yoon’s declaration of martial law in December 2024 — a move that shocked the nation and led to his impeachment. The unprecedented crisis exposed weaknesses in the presidential system and ignited a rare bipartisan consensus to revisit how executive powers are defined and checked.
“The chances to succeed in constitutional amendment are higher than ever,” said Professor Chae Jin-won of Kyunghee University’s Institute of Public Governance. “Public dissatisfaction and political necessity have created a unique window for change.”
Candidates Present Competing Visions for Reform
Presidential candidates in the June 3 election are placing constitutional reform at the center of their campaigns.
Lee Jae-myung, the liberal Democratic Party’s candidate, proposes allowing presidents to serve two consecutive four-year terms beginning in 2030. His plan also includes implementing a runoff voting system and requiring parliamentary approval for the prime minister, thus decentralizing executive authority.
“The responsibility of the president should be strengthened, and powers should be decentralized,” Lee said on May 18, emphasizing balanced leadership and collaborative governance.
His conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, supports a similar two-term structure but offers additional reforms. He proposes shortening his potential term to three years to align the presidential and general elections in 2028 and pledges to abolish presidential immunity for increased accountability.
Public Opinion Shows Strong Support for Change
A recent Gallup Korea poll shows that 67% of South Koreans support amending the presidential system, with only 21% opposed. This strong backing reflects deep frustration with political instability and a widespread desire for lasting reform.
Still, constitutional amendments face high procedural hurdles. Changes require approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly and a majority in a national referendum — a process that has often stalled in the past.
Political Calculations and Challenges Ahead
Strategic timing remains a major consideration. In April, Lee rejected a proposal to hold a constitutional referendum alongside the June 3 election, arguing that resolving immediate instability should come first.
“The next president should gather public consensus based on election pledges for the constitutional amendment and move forward with bipartisan support,” he said Sunday.
Kim’s campaign criticized Lee for not pledging a shortened term, casting doubt on his reform commitment. Lee countered that restoring governance and focusing on economic recovery must take precedence over devoting limited time to constitutional revisions.
Underlying Motivations and Political Symbolism
While both candidates promote reform, their motivations differ, said Professor Chae.
“Candidate Kim put forward the idea of a transitional government to revise the constitution as a way to apologize for the martial law,” he said. Lee, in contrast, initially distanced himself from the reform push but later embraced it to appeal to moderate voters and signal renewal.
Historical Context: Why Reform Matters
South Korea’s 1987 Constitution was a major democratic milestone, enshrining direct presidential elections and limiting terms to prevent authoritarianism. But critics argue the single-term limit discourages long-term planning and weakens executive accountability.
Given mounting economic pressures, demographic shifts, and persistent tensions with North Korea, reform advocates say a more flexible and balanced executive structure is urgently needed.
The Road Ahead: Can Reform Deliver Stability?
As South Koreans head to the polls, the election will serve not just to fill a leadership vacuum, but to gauge the country’s appetite for structural change.
Reform advocates say updating the Constitution could foster greater stability, accountability, and long-term planning — but success hinges on overcoming political inertia and mobilizing public support.
“The momentum is there,” said Professor Chae. “Now it’s about whether political will and public consensus can align to bring about a new era for South Korea.”
According to Channel News Asia, the stakes of the upcoming vote go beyond leadership — they may determine the very shape of South Korea’s democracy for decades to come.
