In the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal from office, South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has called for a sweeping overhaul of the nation's constitution to rein in the powers of the presidency. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Woo emphasized growing public backing for reform following Yoon’s controversial imposition of martial law.
"I urge the public to consider launching a swift constitutional revision process," Woo stated. "After enduring an unconstitutional declaration of martial law and the subsequent impeachment, the national demand for reform is louder than ever."
Woo proposed holding a nationwide referendum on constitutional amendments to coincide with the upcoming presidential election, which must take place within 60 days of Yoon's ouster by the Constitutional Court last Friday. The court had upheld the National Assembly’s impeachment vote, triggered by Yoon's brief imposition of martial law on December 3 — a move that plunged the country into its most severe political upheaval in decades.
Although the court's decision has quelled immediate unrest, Woo warned that unresolved tensions over presidential powers continue to pose a threat. He criticized South Korea’s so-called “imperial presidency,” which he said fosters intense political division and instability.
Recent polling by Gallup Korea suggests the public is leaning toward reform, with 54% supporting constitutional changes to restructure presidential powers and 30% opposing the idea.
Despite stepping down, Yoon declared on Sunday that he remains committed to his base, thanking supporters for defending “freedom and sovereignty.”
The nation’s election commission, along with Acting President Han Duck-soo, is eyeing June 3 as a possible election date, according to officials.
South Korea last amended its constitution in 1987, establishing direct presidential elections and a single five-year term. While presidential hopefuls from both conservative and liberal camps have previously supported reforms—such as allowing two four-year terms—these proposals have repeatedly stalled after elections.
Yoon’s own People Power Party is now actively reviewing constitutional changes, including term limits, and several presidential candidates within the party have echoed calls for reform. Meanwhile, leading opposition contender Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has expressed similar views on limiting presidential terms.