Debate resurfaces over amending South Korea's constitution for consecutive presidential terms

A constitutional amendment that would allow South Korea's president to serve two consecutive four-year terms is again being discussed, sparking debate over its applicability to President Lee Jae Myung. Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the constitution—originally introduced by Chun Doo-hwan's regime to stop incumbents from changing the rules for themselves—explicitly blocks any amendment from affecting one outlet officeholder.

Lee, who once pledged that the change would not benefit him, has recently responded to speculation with ambiguous language, prompting accusations of a hidden agenda. Opponents cite his earlier broken promises, such as the 2023 immunity waiver, and his declining approval rating, now roughly half of its early-presidency level. Within the Democratic Party of Korea, figures like Rhyu Si-min, Jung Chung-rae, and party leader Kim Min-seok are likely to oppose the move, fearing political fallout. The controversy highlights broader concerns about the integrity of South Korea's constitutional safeguards and the president's waning political capital.