Lee Jae-myung’s Campaign and Constitutional Reform: From Gwangju’s Legacy to Korea’s Democratic Future
Lee Jae-myung’s Campaign and Constitutional Reform: From Gwangju’s Legacy to Korea’s Democratic Future
“Democracy is not a relic—it’s a rhythm we must keep alive.”
From the rain-soaked streets of Gunsan to the soul-stirring chorus at the Gwangju May 18 commemoration, Lee Jae-myung’s May 16–17 campaign journey transcended the boundaries of routine electioneering. It unfolded as a living dialogue with history, identity, and the democratic dreams of a nation. At its core was not only a call for votes, but a blueprint for systemic renewal—both in governance and collective memory.
🌧 Gunsan Rally in the Rain: Politics Rooted in Empathy
On May 16, as spring rain blanketed the city of Gunsan, Lee Jae-myung stood in the old city hall square. Far from a symbolic gesture, his appearance amidst umbrellas and soaked shoes became a visual metaphor for politics that walks with the people—rain or shine.
Describing himself as a “competent, not divisive” candidate, Lee emphasized pragmatic governance over partisan theatrics. When addressing the controversial Saemangeum development project, he declared: “Let’s quickly wrap up what exists.” It was a sharp pivot from abstract development to immediate solutions that prioritize residents’ lives.
Despite the weather, the atmosphere pulsed with energy. Campaign volunteers danced and chanted with bright smiles, while Lee’s grounded, conversational tone evoked sincere engagement. Many citizens stayed through the downpour, not out of obligation, but solidarity. Here, politics became a shared act—not mere rhetoric, but relationship.
🕊 Gwangju Vision: Where Memory Meets the Future
On May 17, Lee’s campaign transitioned into a dialogue with Korea’s democratic soul. From Naju to Gwangju, he emphasized both symbolic inheritance and practical policy. Speaking at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, he declared: “Without Honam, there is no nation.” A declaration not of sentiment, but of historic and political truth.
Lee presented Gwangju as a future-oriented AI hub and Jeonnam as a renewable energy base. Together, they form a twin engine of regional innovation. This wasn't just industrial policy—it was a call for a paradigm shift, fusing democracy with technological progress.
Later that evening, Lee joined the May 18 Gwangju Uprising eve ceremony, singing “March for the Beloved” with citizens. His voice, layered within the chorus of thousands, was more than performance—it was a merging of leader and people, present and past. In calling for “a new future shaped by the Gwangju spirit,” he wove innovation and historical reverence into a coherent civic vision.
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| Candidate Lee Jae-myung to pay tribute at Gwangju May 18 Democratic Cemetery |
🤝 Historic Alliance with Progressive Forces
A turning point in the campaign was the endorsement by Progressive Party candidate Kim Jae-yeon, who stepped down and declared support for Lee. This wasn't a mere strategic merger—it was a value-driven pact. Both sides aligned under the shared banner of resisting authoritarian regression and promoting inclusive democracy.
Through negotiations mediated by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Hyun-jung, the alliance was formalized under the name “People’s Square Coalition for Presidential Unity.” Progressive Party members soon joined campaign efforts nationwide, turning solidarity into on-the-ground momentum.
Lee responded by honoring the Progressive Party’s platform, emphasizing respect and convergence. The alliance thus symbolized not just consolidation, but a new form of co-governance rooted in shared ideals.
📈 Electoral Strategy and Popular Momentum
Recent polls showed Lee holding a commanding 49% approval rating, surpassing his main rival by over 20 points. The phrase “O.D.L.” (Only Daemyung Lee) became emblematic of a steadily solidifying support base.
Lee’s platform centers on a dual thrust: technological innovation (AI, green energy) and democratic restoration. His messaging is carefully calibrated to resonate with both youth and centrists. The integration of social media with localized rallies creates a participatory model of electioneering, transforming squares into stages of direct democracy.
His rise is not a product of charisma alone, but of strategic consistency, emotional intelligence, and policy clarity.
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| Candidate Lee Jae-myung |
📜 Lee Jae-myung’s Constitutional Reform: A Blueprint for Democratic Renewal
Amid campaign rhetoric, Lee presented a bold constitutional proposal—a redesign of Korea’s power structure through a four-year presidential re-election system.
🔍 1. Purpose and Historical Context
Lee’s plan is rooted in a critique of Korea’s 1987 system, which, though democratic in birth, retained overcentralized presidential authority. His proposal seeks to replace this with a model that reflects contemporary demands for accountability, pluralism, and citizen participation.
⚖️ 2. Key Differentiators: From Winner-Takes-All to Shared Power
Highlights of the reform include:
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Four-year re-election term with a runoff system
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Prime Minister nominated by Parliament
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Audit Board transferred to legislative oversight
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Limits on presidential veto and emergency powers
These mechanisms aim to dismantle vertical power structures and redistribute authority across institutions.
🔧 3. Implementation Challenges: Consensus and Process
Lee proposed syncing the referendum with the 2026 local elections or 2028 general elections. But the path to realization is steep—two-thirds parliamentary approval is required, alongside broad public consensus. Thus, success hinges on transcending partisan divides and building a participatory civic movement.
🧬 4. Democracy in Daily Life
This isn’t just constitutional tinkering—it’s about infusing democracy into everyday governance. From local autonomy to transparent appointments, the proposal is designed to narrow the gap between people and power. By protecting fundamental rights and curbing bureaucratic monopolies, it redefines politics as lived experience—not abstract drama.
🌠 5. Evaluation: A New Democratic Prototype
Lee’s proposal is ambitious—not just in its scope, but in its spirit. It challenges Koreans to envision democracy not as static inheritance but as evolving responsibility. If realized, it could set a new standard for post-authoritarian democracies worldwide. But without political maturity and civic engagement, it risks becoming another unfulfilled promise.
🧭 Conclusion: The Road Ahead
From the echoes of Gwangju’s resistance to the promise of structural reform, Lee Jae-myung’s campaign is not just a run for office—it is an experiment in democratic imagination.
He positions himself as a bridge between Korea’s painful memory and hopeful future, uniting innovation, empathy, and systemic integrity. Whether or not he secures the presidency, his message is clear: Korean democracy is not complete. But it is alive—and ready to evolve.
| Category | Current Constitutional System | Lee Jae-myung’s Reform Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Term | Single 5-year term | 4-year term with one re-election allowed |
| Election Method | Simple plurality voting system | Two-round runoff voting (majority required) |
| Appointment of Prime Minister | Appointed by the President with National Assembly approval | Appointed from a nominee recommended by the National Assembly |
| Affiliation of the Board of Audit and Inspection | Directly under the President | Transferred under the authority of the National Assembly |
| Presidential Veto Power | No limitations (constitutionally guaranteed) | Cannot be exercised on anti-corruption legislation |
| Declaration of Martial Law | Can be declared solely by the President (legislative confirmation unclear) | Requires prior notification and National Assembly approval within 24 hours |
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