South Korean presidential frontrunner Lee Jae-myung has proposed a constitutional amendment to tighten controls on martial law, aiming to prevent crises like former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration in December.

Speaking on a live YouTube broadcast, Lee said martial law should require parliamentary approval within 24 hours to prevent abuse. He also called for a special investigation into the December incident, urging accountability but leniency for military personnel who resisted orders.

With snap elections set for June 3, early voter turnout has surged, hitting 25.8% by midday Friday. Lee's rival, conservative Kim Moon-soo, warned against a “legislative dictatorship” under Lee’s Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority.