Post-martial law, South Korea’s presidential term reform debate splits experts



Analysis Post-martial law, South Korea’s presidential term reform debate splits experts Experts mixed on whether proposed changes will improve democratic accountability or create new imbalances Joon Ha ParkMay 22, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung with the first ROK Constitution adopted in 1948 in the background \| Image: Kim Moon-soo via Facebook, Lee Jae-myung’s Campaign, Wikimedia Commons via Rheo1905, edited by Korea Pro South Korea’s presidential frontrunners are using the aftermath of former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s failed martial law attempt to propose amending the country’s single five-year presidential term limit, but experts’ opinions vary on how the reforms might impact democratic accountability and the political landscape. DIVERGENT PLANS FOR REFORM On May 18, the two leading presidential frontrunners, Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo unveiled separate reform blueprints aimed at restructuring the executive branch. Both candidates support shifting from a one-term presidency to a four-year term system with the possibility of renewal, but their proposals differ sharply in implementation and scope. Lee proposedtransitioning © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. LATEST ANALYSIS 01Why South Korea cannot rebalance growth without stronger regional clusters 02Samsung, SK Hynix rejection exposes South Korea’s chip-grid financing problem 03Trump’s Cheongung social media post tests Seoul’s refusal to arm to Ukraine 04Lee Jae Myung risks public trust as South Korea rewires its justice system 05South Korea turns to Central Asia as Iran war tests its energy resilience 06Houthi seizure of Mokha sharpens South Korea’s Hormuz deployment dilemma 07Japan’s stronger yen may cut Korea’s import bill while raising funding costs 08South Korea leans on Europe as Hormuz deployment choices grow narrower

Analysis

Post-martial law, South Korea’s presidential term reform debate splits experts

Experts mixed on whether proposed changes will improve democratic accountability or create new imbalances

Joon Ha ParkMay 22, 2025

Post-martial law, South Korea’s presidential term reform debate splits experts

People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung with the first ROK Constitution adopted in 1948 in the background | Image: Kim Moon-soo via Facebook, Lee Jae-myung’s Campaign, Wikimedia Commons via Rheo1905, edited by Korea Pro

South Korea’s presidential frontrunners are using the aftermath of former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s failed martial law attempt to propose amending the country’s single five-year presidential term limit, but experts’ opinions vary on how the reforms might impact democratic accountability and the political landscape.

DIVERGENT PLANS FOR REFORM

On May 18, the two leading presidential frontrunners, Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo unveiled separate reform blueprints aimed at restructuring the executive branch.

Both candidates support shifting from a one-term presidency to a four-year term system with the possibility of renewal, but their proposals differ sharply in implementation and scope.

Lee proposedtransitioning

Post-martial law, South Korea’s presidential term reform debate splits experts

LATEST ANALYSIS

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Joon Ha Park