Democratic Party pushes for constitutional amendment, aiming for a referendum in the first half of next year

The Democratic Party of Korea announced that it will move forward in earnest with constitutional amendment, aiming for a national referendum in the first half of next year. It appears that after President Lee Jaemyung expressed his willingness to revise the Constitution, the ruling camp has brought up constitutional amendment discussions as a way to change the political mood. The Democratic Party plans to launch a task force for promoting constitutional amendment and proposed reaching a bipartisan agreement by no later than March or April next year and putting it to a national referendum in June. The topics under discussion include reflecting the historical spirit in the preamble to the Constitution, improving the electoral system and power structure, and expanding social basic rights. The opposition sees this as an attempt to break through falling approval ratings and personnel controversies. The People Power Party says the president's remarks cannot be trusted and maintains its position that it cannot respond to constitutional amendment discussions under the current administration. However, some within the party also say that constitutional amendment discussions themselves are necessary.