Calls in South Korea for constitutional change to reshape president's power

Presidential contenders vow to pursue reforms ahead of snap polls

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SEOUL - South Korea's political crisis has ignited bipartisan calls for constitutional amendments to reshape the power of the president, an issue hotly debated ahead of the June 3 snap election.

The election was called after former president Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and removed from office over his shock martial law decree in December, and contenders from major parties have vowed to pursue constitutional reforms.

The chances of succeeding in a constitutional amendment "are higher than ever", said Professor Chae Jin-won at Kyung Hee University's Institute of Public Governance.

The Constitution was last revised in 1987 to introduce direct presidential elections and a single, five-year term. Changes have long been debated but never implemented.