Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung has reignited debate over whether South Korean voters should have the power to remove National Assembly lawmakers before their terms end. During a speech at the National Assembly on Feb. 10, Lee proposed a recall system that would extend to lawmakers the same voter removal powers that currently exist for mayors and local council members.

Lee, who is leading polls to become South Korea’s next president if the Constitutional Court upholds President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, framed the measure as a necessary reform to enhance democratic accountability.

While proponents argue that recalls would strengthen democratic