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(ATTN: UPDATES with more remarks throughout; CHANGES photo)

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday stressed the need for a constitutional amendment, arguing the Constitution, which has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years, may now be outdated.

In a televised Cabinet meeting, the president also highlighted a need to amend the Constitution partially and gradually if necessary.

"There needs to be a practical approach to do as much as possible," Lee said. "I think it would be practical to pursue a partial change in phases to an extent agreed (by relevant parties)."

His remarks came one day before the National Assembly is expected to vote on a ruling Democratic Party-led bill on a constitutional amendment, aimed primarily at toughening the conditions for declaring martial law.

The president noted the Constitution has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years since 1987, insisting the current charter may not be "sufficient" to fully guarantee the future of the country that has undergone significant changes over the decades.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks at a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 6, 2026. (Yonhap)

Whether a constitutional change will be achieved remains unclear amid objections from the main opposition People Power Party.

Consent from two-thirds of sitting lawmakers is required for the bill to be put to a public referendum, where a majority vote is need for final amendment.

"It is difficult to sufficiently guarantee, under the current Constitution, the current level of South Korea's democracy, the people's living conditions and the country's future," Lee said.

"As this opportunity has arisen for the first time in a long time, I hope what has been widely called for by the public and political circles will be realized tomorrow," he added.

The president also warned against any illegal election crimes related to local elections and parliamentary by-elections set for June 3, including the dissemination of false information or illegal interference in elections.

The president cited slander campaigns, vote buying and election interference by public officials as three key election crimes, ordering a stern response from law enforcement authorities to such violations.

pbr@yna.co.kr
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