After Lee Says He Won't Seek Re-election, Civic Groups Urge Start of Constitutional Reform Talks

President Lee Jae-myung said at a press conference held at the Yeongbingwan of the Blue House on the 18th, "Re-election through a constitutional amendment is impossible under the Constitution," adding, "I have no intention of seeking a second term at all."

The Citizens-led National Network for Constitutional Amendment, an alliance of 49 organizations including the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, Lawyers for a Democratic Society, and the country's two major labor confederations, welcomed the president's statement in a declaration, saying it ended the re-election controversy and demonstrated his commitment to constitutional reform. The group emphasized that incorporating the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and the Busan-Masan Uprising into the preamble of the Constitution, strengthening basic rights, and dispersing power are tasks that must be realized for a South Korea transformed since the insurrection.

In a statement, the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy said the obstacle to constitutional reform discussions has been removed, and urged the People Power Party to stop opposing for opposition's sake and enter negotiations with the ruling party to form a special committee on constitutional reform. The group also called on the government and the National Assembly to establish constitutional amendment procedures with citizen participation and to create a special committee on constitutional reform.

The civic groups also took a stance on the Strait of Hormuz issue. Regarding President Lee leaving open the possibility of support in non-combat areas instead of deploying combat troops, the groups viewed this as de facto dispatch by other means and demanded it be blocked at the source. the Solidarity for Self-determination, Unification and Peace said, "It is concerning that dispatch of troops by other means, such as non-combat deployment, is being considered." Beyond Peace of Peace Sovereignty Action added, regarding remarks about strengthening the Cheonghae Unit, that it "leaves open the possibility of dispatch by other means" and "must not be considered." The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Emergency Action to Stop the U.S. War of Aggression and Oppose Korean Troop Deployment also demanded that the government refuse all forms of military support and work out a diplomatic solution to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.