Opposition Leaders’ Meeting Highlights ‘Constitutional Amendment’ Pressure…
Internal Concerns in Democratic Party about ‘Constitutional Amendment’ Affecting Support Rates,
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, delivers a speech at the National Rally urging the removal of President Yoon Suk-yeol, held at Anguk-dong intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 1st. March 1, 2025/News1 ⓒ News1 Reporter Lee Seung-bae,
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, “(Seoul = News1) Reporter Kim Ji-hyun = As the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol nears its conclusion, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party and a strong contender for the next presidency, is focusing on unifying the opposition to expand his support base. Meanwhile, influential figures from both ruling and opposition parties are raising the issue of constitutional amendment in an attempt to disrupt Lee’s leading position.”,
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, “According to the political scene on the 3rd, in a Realmeter survey commissioned by Energy Economy Newspaper from February 26 to 28, involving 1,506 voters nationwide, Lee led with 46.3% as the preferred presidential candidate. He maintained a significant lead over second-place Kim Moon-soo, Minister of Employment and Labor, who recorded 18.9%.”,
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, “Taking lessons from his previous election defeat, Lee is prioritizing consolidation within the opposition, meeting with figures like former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon, and former governor of South Gyeongsang, Kim Kyoung-soo, to promote party unity.”,
,
, “However, these opposition figures are pressing Lee by emphasizing the need for constitutional amendment.”,
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, “Governor Kim Dong-yeon expressed regret at a recent meeting that discussions for creating a ‘Seventh Republic’ have not progressed properly. He called the amendment not a ‘black hole’ but a gateway to building a new Korea, contrasting with Lee’s cautious stance on the issue.”,
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, “Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum also highlighted the urgency of constitutional amendments, stating that the Democratic Party’s stance to delay discussions until the civil unrest ceases is incompatible with the current near-civil war situation.”,
,
, “Figures from the ruling faction are also pushing the constitutional amendment narrative, asking Lee for a response.”,
,
, “Former Representative Han Dong-hoon suggested shortening the presidential term to three years, aiming to align the presidential and general elections in 2028.”,
,
, “Other politicians like Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, and former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min advocate introducing a four-year, two-term presidency.”,
,
, “Especially, former representative Han declared that he would spearhead constitutional amendments if elected president and step down by 2028.”,
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, “Veteran politicians from both parties are also bolstering calls for constitutional amendments. Former National Assembly Speakers Kim Hyong-o and Chung Sye-kyun, and former Prime Ministers Chung Un-chan, Kim Hwang-sik, Lee Nak-yon, and People Power Party’s former interim leader Kim Jong-in are planning a discussion to stress the urgency of amendments.”,
,
, “However, Lee and the Democratic Party are distancing themselves from amendment discussions, prioritizing maintaining the current support structure amid the increasing likelihood of an early presidential election.”,
,
, “In fact, although Lee pledged a four-year two-term constitutional amendment in the last election, he now views the current debate as a potential source of unnecessary confusion.”,
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, “Within the Democratic Party, there is concern that serious amendment discussions might become a variable in Lee’s support in the presidential race.”,
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, “As the impeachment trial nears its end, pushing toward an early presidential election scenario, constitutional amendment debates are expected to intensify. Should other candidates gain public support by pressing Lee on amendments, there might be a chance he will partially embrace the idea, as seen in the last election.”,
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, “Regarding recent amendment debates, Lee stated, ‘(Amendments) cannot be avoided,’ adding that his stance is already public and unchanged. He stressed the focus should be on overcoming the current unrest rather than engaging in amendment debates.”