Today’s theme: Constitutional Debate

Amending the constitution has long been a popular agenda in South Korean politics with President MOON Jae-in’s recent reform bill submission. Although amended nine times before, the need for further amendments recently surfaced. Some blame the high incidence of corruption on the over-concentration of power in the hands of the president and the brevity of the president’s term. We look into the major issues surrounding the debate.

The Conversationalist

with

Joung Hwang

- Independent legal researcher with LawQuant LLC

- former Professor of Law at Hankook University of Foreign Studies

“The revision submitted by the presidential office seeks to enhance basic human rights, by replacing “citizens” to “people” and including “right to life.” But constitution is not a law that can directly penalize people I understand. Can changing constitutional phrases make a real difference in people’s lives?

Countries that have prime ministers as head of state rarely have term limits, Germany’s Angela Merkel is serving her fourth term despite Germany being a democratic country and Margaret Thatcher was prime minister there in the UK for over 11 years. How is it different from China’s Xi Jinping having no term limit for example? Do you think having a term limit is really necessary?”

&

Robert Blackburn

- Professor of Constitutional Law at Kings College London, who’s a leading authority on British and comparative constitutional law

“We’re seeking to change a single five-year term for presidents to two four-year terms as seen in the American model. How do you feel this is likely to play out? Is it a change you would be in favor of?

Can you think of any alternative ways of ensuring continuity in governing while reflecting public wills? How do you think of a 7 year presidential term while granting another 4 years if re-elected, for example?”

Media Monster

Schoolhouse Rock!

- series of animated musical educational short films

Next week: K-pop Export