Democratic Party Urges People Power Party to Vote on Constitutional Amendment, Warning Opposition Will Be Seen as Supporting Martial Law

Dong-A Ilbo

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In the eyes of the public, those who oppose the constitutional amendment will be seen as proponents of martial law.

In a sharp rebuke, the Democratic Party, through its floor leader Han Byung-do, has called on the People Power Party to cease its obstructionist tactics and participate in the upcoming vote on constitutional amendments. The party's stance is clear: opposing this crucial reform will be perceived by the public not as a principled stand, but as an endorsement of authoritarianism, particularly given the historical context of martial law in South Korea.

The proposed amendments are not radical departures but rather embody widely accepted democratic principles and historical recognition. Including the spirit of the Bu-ma Democratic Protests and the May 18th Gwangju Uprising in the constitution's preamble honors pivotal moments in our nation's struggle for democracy. Furthermore, strengthening parliamentary oversight of emergency decrees is a vital safeguard against the abuse of power, a lesson etched deeply in our history. The Democratic Party finds it baffling that the People Power Party, a party that should champion democratic values, is instead clinging to outdated objections.

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The People Power Party is fixated on 'Yoon-again' nominations, rather than offering a sincere apology for sedition and far-right incitement. This is an outrageous act that cannot be found in a political party with normal thinking.

The Democratic Party's critique extends to the People Power Party's apparent priorities. Instead of engaging in substantive debate on constitutional reform that enjoys broad public support, the party seems preoccupied with internal matters like candidate nominations for upcoming elections. This focus on narrow political maneuvering, rather than national progress, is precisely why the public grows cynical about politics. The accusation that the constitutional amendment is merely a 'hasty election ploy' rings hollow when the proposed changes address fundamental democratic principles and national reconciliation.

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The constitutional amendment drafted by the Democratic Party and five other opposition parties includes enshrining the spirit of the Bu-ma Democratic Protests and the May 18th Gwangju Uprising in the constitution's preamble, strengthening parliamentary control over emergency decrees, and stipulating the state's obligation for balanced national development.

From our perspective at Dong-A Ilbo, this is a critical juncture for South Korean democracy. The People Power Party's insistence on boycotting the vote, or their continued opposition, risks alienating a public that yearns for a more inclusive and accountable government. The proposed amendments are not about partisan gain; they are about solidifying the democratic foundations of our republic for future generations. We urge the People Power Party to reconsider its position and fulfill its responsibility to the nation by participating in this historic vote, lest they face the irreversible judgment of the people.

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If the People Power Party evades the historical responsibility of constitutional amendment, it will face irreversible public judgment.