Draft:Three-Term Amendment

Three-Term Amendment (South Korea) The Three-Term Amendment in South Korea, enacted in 1969 during the Third Republic under President Park Chung-hee, was a significant constitutional change designed to permit the president to run for a third term. This amendment, known formally as the Sixth Constitutional Amendment, played a crucial role in shaping South Korea's political landscape during a period marked by economic development and political turbulence.

Background The 1962 Constitution of the Third Republic, established after a military coup led by Park Chung-hee, limited the president to two consecutive terms. As President Park approached the end of his second term, there was increasing debate within the ruling Democratic Republican Party (DRP) about the need for constitutional revision. Proponents of the amendment argued that Park's strong leadership was essential for maintaining political stability and continuing economic progress in the face of ongoing threats from North Korea.

On January 6, 1969, DRP Secretary General Gil Jae-ho unofficially announced that the party was considering constitutional amendments to address various shortcomings. The following day, Acting Party Chairman Yoon Chi-young suggested in a press conference that even the restriction on presidential terms might be reconsidered if necessary. These statements triggered intense public debate and opposition from the New Democratic Party (NDP) and other political groups.

Legislative Process Despite initial hesitation and a directive from President Park to halt discussions, the momentum for the amendment grew. In March 1969, smaller factions within the DRP initiated a public campaign to gather signatures in support of the amendment. Throughout the spring and summer, the DRP intensified its efforts, including public lectures, debates, and the distribution of literature advocating for the amendment.

The amendment proposal, formally submitted to the National Assembly on August 7, 1969, included three main provisions:

Allowing the president to serve three consecutive terms. Increasing the requirements for impeachment of the president. Permitting National Assembly members to concurrently hold positions as Prime Minister or cabinet ministers. This proposal faced strong opposition from the NDP, which saw it as a move to entrench Park's authoritarian rule. The NDP organized protests, legislative maneuvers, and nationwide campaigns to rally public opposition. Students from major universities also held demonstrations against the amendment, leading to clashes with the police.

Passage and Referendum Despite the fierce resistance, the DRP pushed the amendment through the legislative process. On September 14, 1969, in a controversial session held in the early morning hours at the National Assembly's third annex building, the amendment was passed with 122 votes in favor, solely from DRP and allied members, as opposition members boycotted the vote.

Following its passage in the National Assembly, the amendment was put to a national referendum on October 17, 1969. The government conducted an extensive campaign to secure public approval, and despite allegations of voting irregularities and coercion, the amendment was approved by 65.1% of the voters, with a turnout of 77.1%.

Historical Significance The ratification of the Three-Term Amendment marked a turning point in South Korean politics. It allowed Park Chung-hee to run for and win a third term in the 1971 presidential election. However, the amendment's most significant impact was in laying the groundwork for the Yushin Constitution in 1972, which granted Park near-absolute power and extended his rule indefinitely.

The Yushin system effectively transformed South Korea into an authoritarian state, curtailing democratic processes and civil liberties. This period saw significant economic growth and industrialization but also heightened political repression and human rights abuses. The legacy of the Three-Term Amendment and the subsequent Yushin Constitution remained contentious, contributing to the political discourse in South Korea long after Park's assassination in 1979.

The Three-Term Amendment thus represents a critical chapter in South Korean history, illustrating the tension between economic development and democratic governance during a formative period for the nation.