Lee Jae-myung's Constitutional Reform Push Gains Momentum as National Policy Committee Holds Civic Consultations

Constitutional Reform Takes Center Stage in Lee Jae-myung Administration

The Lee Jae-myung administration has officially begun its constitutional reform initiative, marking a significant shift in South Korea's political landscape. The National Policy Planning Committee, serving as the de facto presidential transition team, held closed-door consultations with civic groups on July 6, 2025, signaling the government's commitment to fulfilling campaign promises regarding constitutional amendments.

Committee spokesperson Jo Seung-rae announced during a briefing at the Seoul Government Complex that discussions with the 'Citizen-Led Mutual Constitutional Reform Action' group covered various aspects of constitutional reform, emphasizing the need for citizen participation in the governance process. This marks the first concrete step toward implementing President Lee's constitutional reform agenda, which was a cornerstone of his election campaign.

The timing of these consultations is particularly significant, occurring just over a month after the administration's inauguration. Political analysts suggest this demonstrates the government's intention to capitalize on early political momentum to push through major constitutional changes.

President Lee's Comprehensive Constitutional Reform Blueprint

President Lee Jae-myung's constitutional reform proposal, first unveiled on May 18, 2025, encompasses several key structural changes to South Korea's political system. The centerpiece of his reform agenda includes the introduction of a 4-year presidential term with the possibility of re-election, replacing the current 5-year single-term system.

The proposed reforms also include the implementation of a runoff election system for presidential elections, the establishment of a National Assembly-recommended Prime Minister system, and the incorporation of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement spirit into the constitutional preamble. Additionally, the reform package aims to transfer the Board of Audit and Inspection to the National Assembly and introduce measures to distribute presidential powers more effectively.

Significantly, President Lee has clarified that these constitutional changes would not apply to his current term, adhering to Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the current constitution, which states that constitutional amendments regarding presidential term extensions do not apply to the incumbent president. This provision addresses potential concerns about power consolidation and demonstrates the administration's commitment to constitutional principles.

Civic Engagement and Democratic Participation Framework

The National Policy Planning Committee's consultation with civic groups represents a broader commitment to citizen-centered governance. During the July 6 meeting, the 'Citizen-Led Mutual Constitutional Reform Action' group proposed the implementation of a 'citizen initiative system' that would allow citizens to directly propose constitutional amendments and legislative changes.

The civic group also requested the establishment of platforms and committees that would enable direct citizen participation in national governance processes. This proposal aligns with President Lee's campaign emphasis on strengthening direct democracy and expanding citizen participation in government decision-making.

Park Hong-geun, head of the National Policy Planning Committee's planning division, emphasized that constitutional reform is a priority national task and promised to thoroughly discuss the proposals made by civic groups. The committee has committed to exploring governance frameworks that would enhance citizen participation and role allocation in the constitutional reform process.

Strategic Approach: No Separate Task Forces or Special Committees

In a notable strategic decision, the National Policy Planning Committee announced that it does not currently plan to establish separate task forces or special committees specifically for constitutional reform. Spokesperson Jo Seung-rae explained that President Lee's constitutional reform proposal from May 18 was already sufficiently detailed and comprehensive, making additional specialized bodies unnecessary at this stage.

This approach contrasts with the committee's handling of other major initiatives, such as government organizational restructuring, which has been assigned to dedicated task forces. The decision suggests that constitutional reform, while important, may not receive the same level of urgent prioritization as other immediate policy concerns.

The committee's approach reflects a measured strategy that balances the importance of constitutional reform with practical considerations about resource allocation and political feasibility. By integrating constitutional reform discussions into existing committee structures, the administration appears to be taking a more gradual approach to this complex political undertaking.

Timeline and Implementation Challenges

President Lee has proposed an ambitious timeline for constitutional reform, suggesting that a national referendum could be held as early as the 2026 local elections or, at the latest, during the 2028 National Assembly elections. This timeline reflects the administration's recognition that constitutional reform requires substantial time for public debate and legislative processes.

However, the implementation of constitutional reform faces significant challenges. The process requires approval from two-thirds of the National Assembly and a majority vote in a national referendum. Given the current political composition of the legislature and the need for broad consensus, achieving these thresholds will require extensive political negotiation and public persuasion.

The committee has acknowledged that the timing and procedures for constitutional reform require careful consideration. This cautious approach suggests that while the administration is committed to constitutional reform, it recognizes the complex political dynamics involved in such a fundamental change to the nation's governing structure.

Public Opinion and Political Implications

The constitutional reform initiative has generated significant public interest and political debate. Surveys indicate that a majority of South Koreans support the concept of a 4-year presidential term with re-election possibilities, viewing it as a way to enhance democratic accountability and reduce the concentration of power.

However, opposition parties and some constitutional scholars have raised concerns about the potential for extended presidential power and the implications for democratic governance. Critics argue that the current 5-year single-term system was designed to prevent the concentration of power and ensure regular political transitions.

The administration's emphasis on citizen participation and transparent governance processes appears designed to address these concerns and build broader public support for constitutional reform. By engaging civic groups and emphasizing democratic principles, the government is working to frame constitutional reform as a democratic enhancement rather than a power grab. The success of this initiative will likely depend on the administration's ability to maintain public trust and demonstrate that the proposed changes serve the broader public interest rather than narrow political objectives.