Constitutional Reform

[Anchor Lead]

Cheong Wa Dae has unveiled part of its Constitutional reform draft. It will submit the entire bill on March 26. The preamble of the Constitution includes the outline of major pro-democracy milestones in Korea's modern history. The revised Constitution also emphasizes workers' rights.

[Pkg]

The presidential office has unveiled the preamble of the revised Constitution and the stipulations on basic rights. The preamble states such pro-democracy milestones as the Bu-ma Democratic Protests of 1979, the May 18th Gwangju Uprising, and the June Democracy Movement of 1987. The candlelight protests that led to Park Geun-hye's impeachment have not been included, as the presidential office believes that their historic evaluation is not over yet. The revised constitutional amendment draft also calls for strengthening people's basic rights. It calls for expanding the universal basic rights from "citizens" to "people" regardless of nationality, and adds the rights to life, safety and information. The bill also includes stronger workers' rights. It emphasizes "equal pay for equal work," and mentions the guarantee of three labor rights for public servants, excluding soldiers on active duty. The amendment draft also calls for the expansion of direct democracy, such as allowing the public to propose legislative bills and summon policymakers.