South Korea is an Asian country located on the shores of the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan, sharing a border with North Korea. South Korea occupies the Southern half of the Korean peninsula. South Korea's border with North Korea is a disputed border as both sides claim the entire Korean Peninsula. South Korea, like its Northern counterpart, claims to be the legitimate government of the entire peninsula and adjacent islands. The population of this country is approx 5,19,66,000 with 1,00,363 square kilometers area. The official language is Korean. Ethnically 95% are Korean. In South Korea, 53% do not believe in any religion, 29% believe in Christianity and 13% believe in Buddhism.
South Korean citizens have the right to pursue happiness. Although the definition of happiness varies from person to person, the metaphorical addition of this provision is interesting. Citizens' liberties and rights may be limited by law only when necessary for national security, maintenance of law and order or public welfare. Even when such restrictions are imposed, no essential aspect of freedom or right shall be infringed. The term of office of the President shall be five years and the President shall not be re-elected. The term of office of the Chief Justice shall be six years and he or she shall not be re-appointed.
These are positive aspects. Now let's discuss the negative aspects.
According to the constitution of South Korea, the number of members of the parliament shall be determined by ordinary law, but the number shall be not less than 200. It is terribly strange. The ruling party can legislate "the number of members of Parliament shall be 10,000" at will. The constitution is the supreme law of the State, which means that only the fundamental provisions will be mentioned in it. Its amendment will be more difficult than ordinary laws, so that no one can change it easily. How such a big negligence was possible is a matter of concern.
Admirable Articles of South Korea's Constitution
Article 10
All citizens shall be assured of human worth and dignity and have the right to pursue happiness. It shall be the duty of the State to confirm and guarantee the fundamental and inviolable human rights of individuals.
Article 22
1. All citizens shall enjoy freedom of learning and the arts.
2. The rights of authors, inventors, scientists, engineers and artists shall be protected by law.
Article 23
1. The right of property of all citizens shall be guaranteed. The contents and limitations thereof shall be determined by law.
2. The exercise of property rights shall conform to the public welfare.
3. Expropriation, use or restriction of private property from public necessity and compensation therefor shall be governed by law. However, in such a case, just compensation shall be paid.
Article 37
1. Freedoms and rights of citizens shall not be neglected on the grounds that they are not enumerated in the Constitution.
2. The freedoms and rights of citizens may be restricted by law only when necessary for national security, the maintenance of law and order or for public welfare. Even when such restriction is imposed, no essential aspect of the freedom or right shall be violated.
Article 66 (Part of it)
1. The President shall be the Head of State and represent the State vis-a-vis foreign states.
4. Executive power shall be vested in the Executive Branch headed by the President.
Article 67 (Part of it)
1. The President shall be elected by universal, equal, direct and secret ballot by the people.
Article 70
The term of office of the President shall be five years, and the President shall not be reelected.
Article 105
1. The term of office of the Chief Justice shall be six years and he shall not be reappointed.
2. The term of office of the Justices of the Supreme Court shall be six years and they may be reappointed as prescribed by law.
3. The term of office of judges other than the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court shall be ten years, and they may be reappointed as prescribed by law.
4. The retirement age of judges shall be determined by law.
Facts of South Korea's Constitution
Article 41
1. The National Assembly shall be composed of members elected by universal, equal, direct and secret ballot by the citizens.
2. The number of members of the National Assembly shall be determined by law, but the number shall not be less than 200.
3. The constituencies of members of the National Assembly, proportional representation and other matters pertaining to National Assembly elections shall be determined by law.
