The People Power Party criticized Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, on the 18th regarding his constitutional amendment promise, which includes a 'four-year re-election system,' saying, "Isn't it that you are making a constitutional amendment promise now and planning to overturn it once elected?" They urged him to show sincerity.
On the same day, the People Power Party's Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments (Chairperson Joo Ho-young) released a statement saying this.
The Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments said, "(The candidate) suddenly proposed a late four-year re-election constitutional amendment today, and isn't it that you are making a constitutional amendment promise now and planning to overturn it once elected, saying 'Did you really think a constitutional amendment was going to happen?'"
They added, "Ahead of the TV debate, it seems that the constitutional amendment issue is going to become a topic, so isn't this a hasty announcement to bypass the issue temporarily, only to change your words later?"
This pointed out the fact that the candidate has changed his position on constitutional amendments multiple times.
The Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments noted, "The candidate proposed a constitutional amendment for a 'four-year term system' during the 20th presidential election, but turned a blind eye to the five articles of the constitutional amendment prepared by the People Power Party."
Previously, Chairperson Joo Ho-young of the People Power Party's Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments proposed the abolition of the privilege of immunity from arrest for members of the National Assembly and the introduction of a four-year term system for the presidency last month.
The Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments pointed out, "The candidate agreed to the proposal from Jeong Dae-cheol, the chairman of the Constitutional Council, on April 3 to hold the presidential election and nationwide referendum simultaneously, saying, 'I will do that,' but then three days later, when National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik proposed the nationwide referendum and presidential election at the same time on April 6, the candidate suddenly changed his stance, stating, 'Overcoming the current chaos is much more important.'"
Moreover, they criticized the candidate for having engaged in 'double play' until now.
The Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments stated, "When asked why what he said is different, the candidate has replied, 'Did you take that statement seriously?'" They continued, "When his statement 'respected President Park Geun-hye' sparked controversy, he answered that he was surprised at how seriously they took his words. He has also engaged in double play regarding exceptions in semiconductor law and the 52-hour workweek. "
Along with that, they directly criticized, "National leaders should not use double language."
The Special Committee on Constitutional Amendments said, "This late proposal for a constitutional amendment should not be brushed off like this, and the candidate should apologize to the people for the habitual flip-flopping of his position and his recurring changes in speech. You cannot deceive our citizens with double language and wordplay."
Previously, the candidate announced a constitutional amendment promise centered on the four-year re-election system for the presidency, incorporation of the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, and the introduction of a run-off voting system for the presidency on the same day.