South Korea President Proposes Stepwise Constitutional Amendments, May 18 Gwangju and Busan-Masan Uprisings

At the Government Complex in Sejong City on March 17, President Lee Jae-myeong told a cabinet meeting that the government should officially review its position on constitutional amendments and coordinate its stance. He noted that the Speaker of the National Assembly had suggested starting with easier, sequential issues.

The president said the idea of enshrining the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement spirit in the constitutional preamble is a topic the opposition has raised regularly, and that the public does not appear to strongly oppose it. He added that strengthening the rules around emergency powers also seems to have broad public support, even if the opposition would oppose such a change. He urged the government to push the issue forward with careful attention.

Lee indicated that if the opposition also raises the Busan-Masan uprising, known as the Bu-ma uprising, for inclusion in the preamble, it would be preferable to address both at once. He argued that both events are historically meaningful to the country's constitutional history and that including them together would be fair and reduce controversy.

The president suggested a gradual, step-by-step approach to constitutional reform as a possible framework to pursue. He described staged amendments as a constructive example the government could consider.

Context for readers: the May 18 Gwangju uprising in 1980 is a watershed moment in South Korea’s move toward democracy, commemorated as a key symbol of civilian resistance. The Busan-Masan uprising occurred in 1979 as another pro-democracy challenge to authoritarian rule. Debates over incorporating these events into the constitution reflect long-standing tensions between democratic ideals and political stability in Korea.

For international audiences, the developments matter beyond Korea because South Korea’s constitution shapes governance, civil liberties, emergency authorities, and the country’s stability as a key U.S. ally in Asia. How Korea handles reform could influence policy signals to markets, technology investment, and security cooperation, including allied planning around regional deterrence and supply chains in critical sectors. Observers will weigh whether the proposed changes could affect governance, accountability, and the resilience of Korea’s political system moving forward.