South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has advocated for constitutional amendments to formally recognize the nation’s significant pro-democracy movements. Speaking during the 47th anniversary of the Buma uprising in Busan, Lee called on the National Assembly to engage in discussions on constitutional reform. The Buma uprising, which began on October 16, 1979, at Pusan National University, saw students and citizens in Busan and Masan protest against the authoritarian regime of then-President Park Chung-hee, marking a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratic journey.
President Lee proposed that the Constitution’s preamble should include references to the Buma uprising and the May 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement. He believes this move would honor those who fought for democracy and emphasize the importance of popular sovereignty. During his address, Lee paid homage to the protesters who faced violent repression while resisting authoritarian rule, highlighting their actions as crucial milestones in the country’s democratic development.
In addition to recognizing past movements, Lee also acknowledged the significance of subsequent demonstrations, such as the June 1987 Democracy Movement and more recent public protests in defense of democratic institutions. He urged lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties to initiate public consultations and pursue meaningful constitutional reform to ensure future generations do not have to sacrifice their lives for democracy.
Lee’s broader reform agenda includes changing the current single five-year presidential term to allow two consecutive four-year terms. His proposals aim to address and potentially resolve political disagreements through shared recognition of the nation’s democratic history. Although a previous amendment attempt by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea failed in May, Lee remains hopeful that acknowledging democratic movements could facilitate renewed discussions.
The Buma uprising, which authorities met with martial law and military intervention, is widely recognized as a turning point in South Korea’s transition towards democracy. President Lee emphasized that constitutional recognition of such movements would preserve their legacy and reinforce the principle that political power must remain accountable to the people.
