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Democracy Party leader Lee Jae-myung speaks at a New Year press conference on Jan. 12. (Kim Gyoung-ho/The Hankyoreh)

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, has proposed drafting a constitutional amendment before the end of the year and holding a national referendum around next year’s parliamentary election.

“It’s important to carry out political reform and to amend the constitution so that it reflects the will of the people,” he said.

“There aren’t any elections this year, which makes it the perfect time to discuss constitutional reform. I propose that the National Assembly establish a special committee on amending the constitution. A draft amendment can be produced following adequate deliberation and be put up for a national referendum during the general election next year,” Lee said in a New Year’s press conference at the National Assembly on Thursday.

Lee announced that the Democratic Party would be preparing a draft amendment of its own in March that would introduce a second term for presidents and voting in primaries, allow the National Assembly to nominate the prime minister and bring the Board of Audit and Inspection under the jurisdiction of the National Assembly.

“Despite its promises about cooperative government, the [Yoon] administration has focused on mobilizing governmental bodies to wreck the opposition party and eliminate its political enemies,” Lee said, while repeating his offer to meet with President Yoon Suk-yeol about cooperative government.

“I’ve already offered to meet with the president on several occasions. That offer is still valid,” Lee said, noting that Yoon is Korea’s first president “who hasn’t met with the head of the opposition party for more than eight months since taking office.”

By Lim Jae-woo, staff reporter

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