South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has once again urged for constitutional reform to formally acknowledge the nation’s historic pro-democracy movements. Speaking during a ceremony in Busan commemorating the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Buma uprising, President Lee called on the National Assembly to start discussions on amending the Constitution. He emphasized that recognizing events like the Buma uprising and the May 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement in the Constitution’s preamble would honor the legacy of those who fought for democracy.
Lee paid tribute to the protesters who courageously opposed authoritarian rule, despite facing violent repression, and highlighted their actions as pivotal in South Korea’s journey towards democracy. He also mentioned subsequent movements, including the June 1987 Democracy Movement, as well as more recent public demonstrations aimed at safeguarding democratic institutions. The president stressed the importance of ensuring future generations do not have to risk their lives to protect democratic values.
In his appeal, Lee called for lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties to engage in public consultations and pursue substantial constitutional reform. His broader reform agenda includes proposals such as altering the current single five-year presidential term to allow two consecutive four-year terms. This push for constitutional change follows a previous failed amendment attempt by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea in May.
The Buma uprising, which began on October 16, 1979, at Pusan National University before spreading to Masan and nearby areas, is seen as a critical turning point in the nation’s democratic development. Authorities had responded to the protests with arrests, martial law in Busan, and military actions against demonstrators. President Lee believes that constitutional recognition of these movements would help preserve their historical significance and affirm the principle of political accountability to the people.