Constitutional Amendment Vote Looms Ten Days Away

The vote on the constitutional amendment, which seeks to enshrine the spirit of the May 18th Democratic Uprising and the Gwangju Democratization Movement into the Constitution, is now just ten days away. Passing the amendment requires the approval of two-thirds of the total lawmakers, but the People Power Party is sticking to its opposition stance.

On April 28, 2026, citizens gathered in front of the National Assembly urging People Power Party lawmakers to cast a 'vote of conviction' based on their conscience, rather than adhering to party directives. They emphasized that the values of the May 18th Uprising and the Gwangju Democratization Movement should not be subjects of political contention, and that their inclusion in the constitution's preamble is a task for this era. Wi Gyeong-jong, Standing Committee Chair for the 46th Anniversary Commemoration of the May 18th Uprising, stated, "We must pass the constitutional amendment that includes the Gwangju and May 18th movements to prevent the regression of democracy and for South Korea's K-democracy to shine globally," highlighting the amendment's significance.

The deadline for the plenary session vote to pass the amendment is May 7, 2026. As of April 28, 2026, approximately 12 more affirmative votes are needed for the amendment to pass. Its passage hinges on the 'votes of conviction' cast by People Power Party lawmakers.