South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for a constitutional amendment to formally recognize the nation’s historic pro-democracy movements. During a ceremony in Busan commemorating the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Buma uprising, President Lee urged the National Assembly to initiate discussions on constitutional reform.
The Buma uprising, which began at Pusan National University and spread to surrounding areas, was a significant event in South Korea’s journey toward democracy. Lee emphasized that including both the Buma uprising and the May 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement in the Constitution’s preamble would preserve the legacy of those who fought for democratic principles against authoritarian rule.
President Lee highlighted the courage of protesters who resisted despite the threat of violent repression, marking these movements as key milestones in the country’s democratic development. He also acknowledged subsequent movements, such as the June 1987 Democracy Movement, and more recent public demonstrations defending democratic institutions.
Lee appealed to lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties to engage in public consultations and pursue meaningful constitutional reform. He stressed the importance of ensuring future generations do not have to sacrifice their lives to uphold democracy.
The South Korean Constitution, last amended in 1987, has been a focal point of Lee’s broader reform agenda, which includes a proposal to change the presidential term structure to allow two consecutive four-year terms. An earlier amendment proposed by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea was unsuccessful in passing the National Assembly in May. Lee believes that recognizing the country’s democratic movements could serve as common ground for renewed discussions on constitutional reform.
By advocating for constitutional recognition of these historical movements, President Lee aims to reinforce the principle that political power must remain accountable to the people, preserving the democratic legacy for future generations.