Constitutional reform becomes South Korea's new political battle

Lawmakers, scholars discuss ways to reflect diverse societal interests

Debate on changing the constitution and whether a presidential system or a parliamentary system works better has heated up in South Korea since President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by lawmakers in December. (Source photos by The Office of the President in South Korea and Reuters)

KIM JAEWON

February 14, 2025 14:54 JST

SEOUL -- Hundreds of people packed an auditorium at the National Assembly Library on Wednesday as Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the governing People Power Party (PPP) hosted a forum on amending the constitution. The scene resembled a K-pop concert, as Oh's supporters shouted his name when he greeted them.

"The Republic of Korea is in a national crisis. If we want to turn this crisis into an opportunity, the constitution should be amended," said Oh, a strong candidate to become the country's next president, in an opening speech.