South Korean parliament speaker proposes referendum for constitutional reform

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – South Korea's National Assembly speaker proposed on Sunday that a national referendum on constitutional revision be held simultaneously on the date of a snap presidential election, Yonhap news reported.

Woo Won-shik’s proposal came as the country is preparing for the election after former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his December martial law declaration was upheld by the Constitutional Court.

By law, South Korea should hold a snap presidential election within 60 days of the court's decision.

"I propose a national referendum for a constitutional revision be held simultaneously on the date of presidential election," Woo Won-shik said in a press conference.

"A constitutional amendment is necessary to further strengthen the pillars of the separation of powers to ensure popular sovereignty and national unity," he added.

South Korea has revised its Constitution nine times since 1948, when a government was established following the end of the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule.

Either the president or the parliament can propose a constitutional amendment in the country.

The proposal must then be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Assembly and, subsequently, by a majority in a national referendum, which requires participation from more than half of eligible voters.