Lee Jae-bong, Standing Representative of the Professors' Association for the Practice of Freedom and Justice (Ja-gyo-mo), reads a statement at an anti-constitutional amendment press conference. ⒸHanmi Ilbo

The Professors' Association for the Practice of Freedom and Justice (hereinafter referred to as Ja-gyo-mo) held a press conference in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, at 2 p.m. on the 17th, and urged the immediate withdrawal of the constitutional amendment bill recently proposed by the opposition parties, labeling it as a "destruction of the identity of the Republic of Korea."

The press conference was emceed by Professor Lee Jeong-sil (Kyongdong University), and Standing Representative Lee Jae-bong (Ulsan University) of Ja-gyo-mo read the statement. Academics such as Professors Choi Byung-am (Chungbuk National University), Cho Meng-ki (Sogang University), Nam Kwang-gyu (Kookmin University), Yoo Seung-soo (Adjunct Professor and Lawyer, Chung-Ang University), and Hong Hu-jo (Korea University) then took turns delivering speeches, pointing out the unfairness of the constitutional amendment point by point.

“Including the 5·18 Incident in the Preamble Without Publicizing the List of Participants is Absurd.”

In its statement, Ja-gyo-mo first claimed that although the current amendment bill superficially advocates for the inclusion of the 5·18 Democratization Movement and the Gwangju Democratization Movement in the constitutional preamble and the decentralization of presidential powers, it is actually "preparatory work for moving towards a totalitarian society."

Professor Nam Kwang-gyu of Kookmin University ⒸHanmi Ilbo

In particular, regarding the inclusion of the 5·18 incident in the constitutional preamble, the association stated, "The public does not even know who the contributors are or what their contributions were." It criticized, "It is an absurd logic to embellish a specific event and include it in the constitution without fully disclosing the names and achievements."

Second, it pointed out that the National Assembly, which already wields unchecked power through impeachment rights, is attempting to neutralize the executive branch and create a monarchical legislature.

Third, it warned that in a divided nation, the distribution of power under the guise of balanced regional development is highly likely to diminish national competitiveness and infringe upon security.

Fourth, mentioning the deletion of "freedom" from "liberal democracy" and the explicit mention of the "Candlelight Revolution" in the Democratic Party's amendment bill, it criticized this as being in line with totalitarian models found in North Korea or China.

Fifth, regarding the attempt to strengthen the public concept of land, it stated, "This is an attempt to follow North Korea and China, which implement land nationalization," and sharply criticized the disappearance of market economy principles, the spirit of nation-building.

“The Republic of Korea is at Risk of Degrading into a Chinese Vassal State.”

Ja-gyo-mo presented a pessimistic outlook, predicting that if the current amendment passes, the Republic of Korea will gradually become totalitarian and eventually be incorporated under China's sphere of influence.

The Professors' Association for the Practice of Freedom and Justice (Ja-gyo-mo) held a press conference in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, at 2 p.m. on the 17th, and urged the immediate withdrawal of the constitutional amendment bill recently proposed by the opposition parties, labeling it as a "destruction of the identity of the Republic of Korea." ⒸHanmi Ilbo

Standing Representative Lee Jae-bong declared, "Numerous anti-liberal laws have already been passed through successive administrations," adding, "We will together crush this attempt to complete totalitarianism through constitutional amendment and fight to the end."

Meanwhile, the current amendment bill was proposed on April 3rd with the signatures of 187 lawmakers from six opposition parties and has passed the State Council. Depending on the approval of the National Assembly in early May, a national referendum may be held concurrently with the local elections on June 3rd, leading to escalating backlash from civil society.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee