Ruling Saenuri Party chairman Rep. Kim Moo-sung on Thursday hinted at opening discussions for amending the Constitution, raising concerns of a dent in ruling party-Cheong Wa Dae relations.

In contrast to President Park Geun-hye’s stance on the issue, Kim claimed that a “flood” of discussions on the issue will be unleashed after the regular session of the National Assembly. Kim also hinted that the issue needed to be dealt with before the presidential election in 2017.

“The power structure in the current presidential system is an ‘all-or-nothing’ game,” Kim said at a press conference held in Shanghai. Kim also said that social conflicts had reached a peak because the practice of taking sides has become extreme in Korean society.

“The answer is to divide power. Social stability can be achieved by establishing a politically neutral zone.”

As for the form the presidential system will take if the Constitution is revised, Kim said that a semi-presidential system should be considered. One of the key issues in amending the Constitution is whether to enable presidents to run for a second term. Under the current system, a president is allowed to serve a single term of five years.

“Due to the changes in (opinion about) a cabinet system, a (four-year term) presidential system has been preferred, but I think that the conflict between the two extreme sides must be resolved first,” Kim said.

Regarding the president’s comments on the issue, Kim avoided directly contradicting Park saying that she did not put a specific timeline in opposing the idea.

“The president did not say that (after) the regular parliamentary session, but mentioned the situation regarding the economy,” Kim said. He also implied that related discussions should be launched quickly, saying that the Constitution must not be revised close to the presidential election.

On Oct. 6, President Park Geun-hye voiced disapproval for amending the Constitution, saying that such a move would open “another economic black hole.”

Kim’s comments were welcomed by the recently elected New Politics Alliance for Democracy floor leader Rep. Woo Yoon-keun.

“(Kim) appears to be well aware of the fundamental issues in political reform,” Woo said.

“The 1987 system has already run its course, and as the majority of ruling and opposition lawmakers are in agreement, it is an issue that cannot be pushed back.”

By Choi He-suk ()


koreaherald@heraldcorp.com