Six South Korean Parties Propose Constitutional Overhaul to Limit Martial Law Powers
A coalition of six political parties in South Korea submitted a sweeping constitutional amendment proposal to the National Assembly on April 3, 2026, aiming to significantly curtail presidential authority regarding martial law and formalize the legacy of key democratic uprisings.
The proposal, signed by 187 lawmakers, was officially filed with the National Assembly’s bill department at approximately 5:43 p.m. On April 3. The coalition includes the Democratic Party, Rebuilding Korea Party, Progressive Party, Reform Party, Basic Income Party, and Social Democratic Party, though the ruling People Power Party (PPP) did not participate in the effort. Lawmaker Kang Sun-woo was the only member of the aligned parties to abstain, as she is currently in detention.
Central to the proposed changes is a drastic tightening of legislative oversight on martial law. Under the new terms, the president would be required to obtain immediate approval from the National Assembly upon declaring martial law. If a vote is not held within 48 hours, or if the approval is rejected, the martial law’s effect would be immediately voided if the Assembly resolves to lift it with a majority vote of its total membership.
Beyond executive powers, the amendment seeks to reshape the nation’s foundational identity. It proposes updating the constitution’s preamble to formally inherit the democratic ideals of the Buma Democratic Uprising and the May 18 Democratization Movement, alongside the existing recognition of the April 19 Revolution. In a symbolic move toward cultural autonomy, the proposal would also change the official title of the constitution from Chinese characters (Hanja) to the Korean alphabet (Hangul).
The proposal further addresses systemic regional inequality by introducing a state mandate to resolve regional disparities and promote balanced development. This provision aims to ensure that all citizens enjoy an equal quality of life and opportunity regardless of their place of residence.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik expressed regret over the PPP’s decision to abstain from the initiative. The push for these changes comes as parties attempt to coordinate a constitutional referendum to coincide with the upcoming local elections on June 3.
The move underscores a deepening political divide over the scope of presidential authority. For the amendment to successfully clear the National Assembly, analysts indicate that at least 10 lawmakers from the People Power Party would necessitate to break party lines and vote in favor of the measure.
