South Korean president rules out any move to extend his term
Lee Jae Myung reiterated that his presidency is limited to one five-year term and dismissed proposals to amend the constitution for a consecutive term. He made the comment while on a state visit to France, noting the advantage of starting early. Senior spokesperson Seong Ghi-hong said the idea of a consecutive term is "completely impossible." Critics warned the move could pause ongoing criminal trials, including bribery charges. A recent Gallup Korea poll shows his approval rating has slipped to about 40 %.
President Lee Jae Myung affirmed that he will not seek to alter South Korea's constitution to permit a second presidential term, stressing that his current five-year mandate is fixed. Speaking in Paris during a state visit, Lee explained that an early start to his term allows the nation to enjoy its benefits longer. Senior presidential secretary Seong Ghi-hong interpreted Lee's remarks as a definitive rejection of any amendment for consecutive terms.
The debate resurfaced after National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik raised the question of voter input on term limits, and the opposition People Power Party accused Lee and allies of considering such a change, which could suspend five criminal cases against him, including bribery charges tied to an $8 million transfer to North Korea. Lee had previously floated the idea of a four-year term with possible re-election and a shift of powers to parliament.
His approval rating has fallen to its lowest level, recorded at 40 % by Gallup Korea. The single-term rule has been in place since 1987 to prevent prolonged presidential power.
Related stories
5 in this thread