Constitution Day Ceremony Held Amidst Opposition Boycott Over Parliamentary Deadlock

South Korea's National Assembly is set to host a commemorative ceremony for Constitution Day on July 17th, marking the first time the anniversary is observed as a public holiday in 18 years. The event, themed 'Sovereignty of the People, Opened by the Constitution,' aims to celebrate the establishment of the nation's founding document.

However, the occasion is overshadowed by political discord. Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the main opposition People Power Party, has announced his refusal to attend the ceremony. This boycott is a protest against the current stalemate in negotiations for forming parliamentary standing committees, a crucial step in organizing the legislative body's functions.

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We cannot embrace the blind spots of human rights in the present and social conflicts of the future with the framework of the past.

Despite the opposition leader's absence, the ceremony is expected to draw significant attendance from high-ranking officials. This includes the heads of the three branches of government – the National Assembly Speaker, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court – along with the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, and various other dignitaries and foreign envoys.

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Let's open a new era of great transition to 'a constitution for all' that protects the dignity of all citizens.

The event's program includes opening performances, a national salute, the presentation of awards to former lawmakers for their contributions, and commemorative speeches. A unique segment will involve an AI-generated representation of the 198 lawmakers from the Constituent Assembly, who will participate in a relay reading of the constitution's preamble and general provisions, followed by a symbolic stamping of the founding document. Musical performances and a children's choir are also scheduled.

National Assembly Speaker Choong Sik-jo is expected to emphasize the need for constitutional reform in his address, calling for a transition to 'a constitution for all' that upholds the dignity of every citizen and addresses contemporary human rights issues and future societal conflicts.

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I will not participate in the event tomorrow.