National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik visits the National 5.18 Democracy Cemetery ([Gwangju=Yonhap News] Reporter Jung Da-eum = National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik pays respects at the National 5.18 Democracy Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju on the afternoon of the 4th. 2026.2.4 daum@yna.co.kr

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said on the 4th, "Although there may be differences in timing and method, we will enshrine the spirit of May 18 in the preamble of the Constitution through constitutional amendment."

At a meeting with civic groups titled 'Constitutional Amendment for Democracy, Gwangju, and Moving Forward' held at Chonnam National University in Buk-gu, Gwangju on the afternoon of the same day, Woo stated, "The current Constitution, enacted 39 years ago, is unable to reflect the changed social landscape."

He emphasized, "Even if it is the foundation of democracy, we clearly identified the loopholes in the current Constitution through the 12.3 emergency martial law incident," and stressed, "We need to consult on strengthening decentralization, balanced regional development, and the basic rights of the people through constitutional amendment."

Regarding the method of pursuing constitutional amendment, he explained, "I believe it is desirable to hold a national referendum during the 6.3 local elections," adding, "To do so, it is necessary to amend the National Referendum Act and the Public Official Election Act."

Woo added, "Considering the timing of the local elections, discussions should begin in earnest around the Lunar New Year holiday," and emphasized, "We must include the history and democratic spirit of Gwangju in the preamble of the Constitution by negotiating as much as possible on areas where agreement can be reached."

Prior to the meeting, he repeatedly expressed his intention to pursue constitutional amendment during his visit to the National 5.18 Democracy Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju.

In the visitor's log before paying respects, he wrote, "We will build a more solid democracy by enshrining the May spirit in the preamble of the Constitution," and he also emphasized constitutional amendment in front of a tree planted during last year's 45th anniversary ceremony of the May 18 Democratization Movement.

After completing his visit with an offering of flowers and incense, Woo moved to the nearby Mangwol Park Cemetery and paid tribute by touching the grave of Mrs. Bae Eun-sim, mother of the late Lee Han-yeol.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik speaking [Gwangju=Yonhap News]