Politics29 October 1987

Ninth Constitutional Amendment

A constitution agreed by ruling and opposition parties introduced direct presidential elections and a single five-year term — the constitution in force today.

After the June 29 Declaration, an amendment agreed by both sides passed the National Assembly and was promulgated after a referendum in October 1987. The president is directly elected for a single five-year term; the president’s power to dissolve the Assembly was abolished and a Constitutional Court created. It remains the constitution today.

In the December election, with the opposition candidates Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung failing to unite, Roh Tae-woo won. In the 1988 general election the ruling party lost its majority, and hearings on the Fifth Republic were held.

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States and rulers at the time: South Korea — President Chun Doo-hwan

People

Roh Tae-woo1932 – 2021
related figure · 13th President (1988–1993). Announced the June 29 Declaration, became the first president directly elected under the 1987 constitution, and pursued Nordpolitik
Kim Young-sam1927 – 2015
related figure · 14th President (1993–1998). Introduced the real-name financial system and full local autonomy; the 1997 currency crisis came at the end of his term
Kim Dae-jung1924 – 2009
related figure · 15th President (1998–2003), the first transfer of power to the opposition by election. Steered recovery from the currency crisis and held the first inter-Korean summit; Nobel Peace Prize 2000

Before and after

Earlier: 1987 June Democratic Struggle
Later: 1988 Nordpolitik