President Lee Jae Myung Rules Out Reelection via Constitutional Reform
Quick Look
President Lee Jae Myung stated during a meeting with South Korean residents in Mexico City that he will not seek reelection through constitutional reform, emphasizing his term will not extend beyond June 2, 2030, amid opposition accusations of potential power extension.
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Why It Matters
President Lee Jae Myung took office in June 2023 for a five-year term, with the current constitution prohibiting any presidential system changes from applying to the incumbent president during a revision.
MEXICO CITY, Sept. 24 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed Thursday that he will not seek reelection through constitutional reform.
The president made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean residents in Mexico while on a state visit.
"Those who are worried, don't be. ... There will never be a case of my (term) going beyond June 2, 2030," the president said.
Lee has repeatedly said he has no intention of seeking reelection through constitutional revision amid opposition accusations that he may seek a second term through the push for constitutional revision by his administration and his ruling Democratic Party.
The Constitution currently stipulates any changes to the presidential system shall not apply to the president in office at the time of a revision.
Lee took office in June last year for a five-year term.
Open Questions
- What specific constitutional revision proposals is the administration pushing?
- How are opposition parties responding to the president's reelection denial?
