South Korean speaker aims to start constitutional amendment talks next year

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik announced on August 28th his intention to bring constitutional amendment discussions to the forefront next year. He plans to establish a special committee through bipartisan agreement, aiming for a thorough and deliberate process. Cho stated that a presidential advisory committee will soon be launched to map out the roadmap and agenda for the amendments, with a digital platform to facilitate public participation.

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We will launch a special committee for constitutional amendments through bipartisan agreement and bring the discussions to the main track next year.

The proposed revisions, first outlined by Cho on Liberation Day, include enshrining the spirit of the May 18th Democratization Movement in the constitution's preamble, limiting the president's emergency decree powers, reforming the power structure, and overhauling election management. Responding to concerns that the opposition might view constitutional reform as a means to extend the current president's term, Cho described the discussion as "premature." However, he acknowledged that the issue of presidential term limits, particularly regarding power structure reform, is ultimately a matter of public opinion and choice.

In terms of parliamentary operations, Cho pledged to regularize plenary sessions for predictability and establish "legislative weeks for people's livelihood" to expedite bills directly impacting citizens' lives and safety. He also plans to activate a bipartisan "people's livelihood bill deliberation committee" to swiftly process such legislation. Cho highlighted the urgent need to pass the revised Carbon Neutrality Basic Law by the end of August, as it has been subject to a constitutional court ruling.

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The issue of extending the current president's term is a matter of public opinion and choice.

Cho stressed his commitment to prioritizing dialogue and compromise while preventing legislative gridlock. He aims to be a speaker who deliberates but acts decisively for the public when necessary. Additionally, he promised to pursue the construction of the National Assembly's Sejong City building, the passage of the administrative capital special law within the year, and the establishment of a branch of the National Assembly Library in Gwangju.

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We will prioritize dialogue and compromise, but will not allow national affairs to be stalled by political disputes.