Lee’s administration unveils 123 national policy tasks with constitutional changes at the center, raising hopes for stability but also fears of extended one-party dominance.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has placed constitutional reform at the heart of his administration’s political agenda, seeking to revise a system that has remained largely untouched since 1987. At a Cabinet meeting on September 16, his government confirmed a package of 123 national policy tasks, with the proposal to allow presidents to serve two consecutive four-year terms emerging as the top priority.
The plan would replace the single five-year term currently in place, a framework long criticized for concentrating excessive power in the executive office and fueling political instability. Supporters of the reform argue that shortening the presidential mandate while allowing for reelection would ensure greater accountability and continuity in governance.
Lee assumed office in June following the impeachment of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law in late 2024 in a move widely condemned as unconstitutional. That crisis, along with repeated power struggles under the existing system, has sharpened calls for reform.
According to Lee, the Constitution of 1987, born out of South Korea’s transition from military rule to democracy, is now outdated. He argues that its flaws—including over-concentration of presidential powers—have contributed to recurrent crises and weakened the balance among institutions.
Alongside the proposed changes to term limits, the Lee administration is pushing for reforms to reduce the authority of prosecutors to launch investigations, a move strongly supported by the ruling Democratic Party.
The Question of Lee’s Own Eligibility
One of the most contentious issues is whether the reform would allow Lee himself to seek reelection. Article 128 of the Constitution explicitly states that amendments extending presidential terms cannot apply to the sitting president. However, as this article itself could be subject to revision, the opposition People Power Party (PPP) has accused the government of creating a pathway for Lee to extend liberal rule beyond his current mandate, which ends in 2030.
This ambiguity has already become a flashpoint in political debate, raising questions about whether the reform effort is a genuine attempt to modernize governance or a strategic maneuver to consolidate power.
Introducing a Runoff Presidential System
The reform blueprint also proposes introducing a two-round presidential election system. If no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, the top two contenders would face off in a runoff. Proponents argue this system would enhance democratic legitimacy and reduce the risks of minority-backed presidents taking office under the current single-round format.
Critics, however, warn that the system could heighten polarization by forcing voters into stark binary choices in the second round.
Legislative and Referendum Hurdles
For the reforms to materialize, the National Assembly must first approve them with a two-thirds majority. Given the Democratic Party’s current control, this step appears feasible, though it would still require cross-party negotiations.
The final hurdle would be a national referendum. For constitutional changes to pass, more than 50 percent of voters must support them, and at least half of eligible voters must participate. The referendum could be scheduled alongside either the 2026 local elections or the 2028 parliamentary elections.
Beyond Term Limits: Curtailing Presidential Power
The Lee administration’s vision extends beyond term reform. The blueprint suggests reducing the president’s veto power over parliamentary bills, granting the National Assembly authority to recommend prime minister candidates, and enhancing legislative oversight over emergency decrees and martial law declarations.
These measures are framed as safeguards against the abuse of presidential powers, especially in the aftermath of Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration. If enacted, they could mark a significant shift toward a more parliamentary-influenced system of governance.
Five National Goals Driving Policy
The government’s broader agenda, presented under the slogan “A nation where the people rule, a Republic of Korea where everyone is happy,” outlines five national goals:
- Political Unity – Building consensus-driven politics and preventing institutional crises.
- Innovative Economy – Positioning South Korea as a global leader in artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
- Balanced Development – Addressing regional inequality and promoting rural support measures.
- Stronger Social Foundations – Tackling industrial safety, pensions, and demographic challenges.
- Diplomacy and Security – Strengthening deterrence against North Korea while promoting reconciliation and cooperation.
Economic Transformation at the Core
On the economic front, Lee has set ambitious targets to transform South Korea into one of the world’s top three AI powers. His government plans to allocate five percent of the national budget to research and development, build an “AI highway,” and launch a 150 trillion won National Growth Fund to stimulate strategic industries such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, and biohealth.
To address inequality, the plan also includes expanding public housing, restructuring small-business debt, and introducing a basic income program for farming and fishing villages.
Outlook: Reform or Risk?
South Korea has not amended its Constitution in nearly four decades, making Lee’s initiative one of the most ambitious reform projects since democratization. While the proposals aim to modernize governance and curb executive overreach, they also risk deepening partisan conflict.
The uncertainty over Lee’s eligibility for a second term, coupled with the opposition’s concerns about power consolidation, ensures that constitutional reform will remain a polarizing issue. Ultimately, the success of these reforms will depend not only on legislative maneuvering but also on whether they can win the trust of South Korean voters in a national referendum.
