The article discusses the South Korean constitutional territorial clause and the implications of potential changes to it in the context of traditional understandings of sovereignty and territory.
The article by Jeong Wook-sik addresses the territorial clause of South Korea's constitution, which states that the country's territory comprises the Korean Peninsula and its adjacent islands. This clause has remained unchanged since its inception in 1948, leading to a common understanding among the populace that such a clause regarding geographical territory should remain immutable. The author highlights that discussions around amending the constitution often face resistance, with many viewing the territorial clause as a fundamental aspect of state sovereignty that should not be altered. Furthermore, the article notes that while about 87% of constitutions worldwide reference territorial concepts, only 14% specify geographical boundaries, indicating a unique stance in South Korea.
