President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday stressed the need for a constitutional amendment, arguing the Constitution may now be outdated.

In a televised Cabinet meeting, the president also highlighted a need to amend the Constitution partially and gradually if necessary.

"There needs to be a practical approach to do as much as possible," Lee said. "I think it would be practical to pursue a partial change in phases to an extent agreed (by relevant parties)."

His remarks came one day before the National Assembly is expected to vote on a ruling Democratic Party of Korea-led bill on a constitutional amendment, aimed primarily at toughening the conditions for declaring martial law.

The president noted the Constitution has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years since 1987, insisting the current charter may not be "sufficient" to fully guarantee the future of the country that has undergone significant changes over the decades.

An amendment to the Constitution requires approval in a public referendum.

Source: Korea Times News