Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik Clarifies Remarks on Consecutive Term for Incumbent President Amid Controversy

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik has clarified his recent remarks that a constitutional amendment allowing a consecutive term for an incumbent president is a matter of public choice, stating that "a consecutive term for the incumbent president is not subject to constitutional amendment discussions."

In a post uploaded to Facebook early this morning (July 29), Speaker Cho wrote, "Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution stipulates that 'an amendment to the Constitution for the extension or change of the term of office of the President shall not apply to the President in office at the time of the proposal of such amendment for the amendment of the Constitution,' and this is how it stands."

He stated, "The provisions of Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution must be respected, and a consecutive term for the incumbent president is not a subject of discussion in future constitutional amendment talks." He added, "My response at the press conference was intended to explain the basic procedure that, for a constitutional amendment—including the reorganization of the power structure—to take place, there must be a consensus among political actors and the choice of the public."

He went on to say, "It is regrettable that my remarks unintentionally caused misunderstandings and controversy."

He also added, "We will do our utmost to open the future of the Republic of Korea by promoting constitutional amendments centered on subjects that the ruling and opposition parties can agree on and the public approves of."

During a press conference held at the National Assembly yesterday, when asked about the opposition bloc's stance against a constitutional amendment to extend the incumbent president's term, Speaker Cho replied, "Issues such as a constitutional amendment for a consecutive term of the incumbent president in relation to the reorganization of the power structure are matters of public opinion and the choice of the citizens, who are the sovereigns."

In response, criticism poured in, primarily from the conservative opposition bloc, with remarks such as "pushing for a constitutional amendment for a consecutive term that goes against the spirit of the Constitution is true rebellion."

Jang Hyun-joo, Senior Public Relations Secretary to the Speaker, also stated in a separate briefing yesterday afternoon, "Speaker Cho is fully aware of the provisions of Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution," adding, "Speaker Cho's response was an expression of his principled stance that [any amendment] must proceed based on public consensus and agreement within the political circles."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.