# South Korean political and military reform proposals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-political-and-military-reform-proposals
> Updated: 2026-08-20T15:03:38.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has faced political scrutiny and opposition regarding proposed legislative and structural reforms. Initial tensions arose following the National Assembly’s passage of an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, intended to limit prosecutors’ investigative powers. Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok criticized President Lee, calling him “unfit for office” after the president admitted he had not read the revised act. 

In response to ongoing political and security concerns, President Lee has advocated for significant institutional changes, including a transition to a four-year, two-term presidential system and the merging of military academies. These proposals have met resistance from the People Power Party, who argue such reforms are tactics to mitigate Lee’s legal risks. 

A new political crisis has emerged following Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s decision to submit Supreme Court Justice nominees via written submission, departing from the custom of in-person consultation with the President. The Democratic Party has condemned Cho as a “political player” and demanded his resignation, while the People Power Party has characterized the subsequent move to summon him for a National Assembly inquiry as a “judicial coup.” 

Conversely, the People Power Party has accused the administration and the Democratic Party of attempting to undermine judicial independence to protect President Lee from legal scrutiny. The Blue House is reportedly considering rejecting the nominations or requesting re-nominations. This standoff has left several Supreme Court seats vacant, raising concerns regarding a potential prolonged constitutional deadlock.

## Claims

- Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae bypassed traditional consultation by submitting Supreme Court Justice nominees in writing. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Democratic Party has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Legislation and Judiciary Committee voted to summon Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae as a witness for a current affairs inquiry. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party stated that the judiciary is being trampled by a dictator. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The People Power Party characterized the summons of the Chief Justice as a judicial coup intended to intimidate the court. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Court Administration Office claimed that the written nomination process was coordinated with the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: South Korean Chief Justice faces political backlash over written judicial nominations

South Korean political tensions have escalated as Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's written nomination of Supreme Court justices sparks a standoff between the Blue House and the Democratic Party over judicial control

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-faces-calls-for-term-limit-clarity

### 2026-08-15: South Korea President Lee proposes constitutional reform for four-year term

President Lee Jae Myung has proposed a constitutional amendment to implement a four-year, two-term presidency, a move met with criticism from opposition leaders who claim it serves to mitigate his legal risks.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-lee-jae-myung-proposes-constitutional-and-military-reforms

### 2026-08-06: President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea attacked over criminal law revision and joint military academy

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung is criticised by opposition leader Jang Dong‑hyeok for not reading the revised Criminal Procedure Act, while the ruling Democratic Party’s Han Byung‑do pushes a joint armed

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-lee-jae-myung-of-south-korea-attacked-over-criminal-law-revision-and-joint-military-academ

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Cite as: South Korean political and military reform proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-political-and-military-reform-proposals