Lee Jae-myung Proposes Martial Law Reform Ahead of South Korea’s Snap Election

South Korea’s leading presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung has vowed to amend the constitution to limit the use of martial law, aiming to prevent political abuses like the controversial declaration made by ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol last December. Lee, representing the left-leaning Democratic Party, emphasized the urgency of constitutional reform during a live-streamed talk show, stating that such powers must be systematically constrained.

The snap election, set for June 3, follows months of political unrest after Yoon’s brief martial law attempt, which shook public trust. Lee stressed that military emergency powers should require parliamentary approval within 24 hours to avoid future crises, calling the incident an “insurrection” that could threaten national stability.

As early voting concludes Friday, voter turnout has reached record levels. By noon, 25.8% of eligible voters had already cast their ballots, reflecting heightened public interest in restoring democratic norms. Lee urged citizens to vote to end what he described as political chaos and to protect South Korea’s global reputation.

He also called for a special prosecutor to investigate the December 3 martial law incident, while suggesting leniency for military personnel who resisted unlawful orders.

Yoon Yeo-jun, chair of the Democratic Party’s campaign, echoed Lee’s sentiment, labeling the election a pivotal moment to ensure such political “tragedies” never recur.

Meanwhile, conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party criticized Lee’s proposal, accusing the Democratic Party of pursuing a “legislative dictatorship” due to its majority in parliament.

As the nation heads into the final days before the vote, both candidates are appealing to a divided electorate still grappling with the aftermath of a rare and destabilizing constitutional crisis.