National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun on Thursday redoubled his call for constitutional revision, claiming that it is no longer a subject for debate, but a "matter of will."

During his inaugural press conference, Chung also stressed that political circles should break out of the "parochial" view based on political calculations and work together to create a basic law that embraces various social changes that have taken place since the Constitution was last amended nearly three decades ago.

"Currently, there are many people who have shared the need for constitutional revision," he told a press conference at the Assembly, pledging to try to "wrap up" the issue before the end of the 20th Assembly's term in 2020. "Constitutional amendment is now a matter of will." 

Chung, who has recently left the opposition Minjoo Party of Korea due to a parliamentary rule, also pointed out that a major holdup in the discussion of the revision was the "parochial view" of the politicians who have approached the issue from the perspective of political interests.

The issue of amending the Constitution resurfaced after Chung broached it during his speech marking the official launch of the newly elected National Assembly on Monday.

The sensitive issue has long been pushed to the back burner due to fears that the debate over it could trigger intense political wrangling to the detriment of government efforts to focus on more urgent issues, including revitalizing the economy.

Nevertheless, a series of big-name politicians, including Gyeonggi Province Gov. Nam Kyung-pil, have continuously raised the matter.

Despite calls for change getting attention, the discussions as a whole have yet to gain substantial momentum, since potential presidential contenders have remained silent on the issue.

The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae has maintained a cautious stance. It once likened the move toward constitutional revision to a "black hole" that would divert attention from more important economic issues such as those concerning people's livelihoods.

Touching on how he would maintain relations with the Park administration, Chung said that he would help it if need be, but would also say "no" to government moves that he deems inappropriate.

"The criteria of my judgment is not power, but the people," he said. "This is because the government may fail, but people must not fail.

Chung also pledged to maintain "close communication" in the 300-member parliament and push for a legislature that focuses on "working for the people" -- not on pursuing partisan interests.

"What people want us to do is only one thing -- stop fighting and work for the people and the nation," he said. "The National Assembly should be reborn as one that could give strength to the people rather than adding their burden." (Yonhap)