The Blue House has re-emphasized that President Lee Jae-myung has a firm stance against a consecutive term, following political controversies sparked by National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-shik's remarks that "constitutional amendment for a consecutive term for the incumbent president is a matter of public choice."

Chief of Staff to the President Kang Hoon-sik met with reporters at the Blue House today (July 29) and stated that President Lee remarked regarding a consecutive term, "Our constitutional system does not allow it, the public will not tolerate it, and it is realistically impossible."

Kang explained, "President Lee has been saying this since he was a presidential candidate, and this simply summarizes what he continues to say."

He added, "To add my personal thought, this content in Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea must not be shaken going forward," emphasizing that "this was a historical consensus we must protect."

The relevant constitutional provision (Article 128, Paragraph 2) stipulates that "an amendment to the Constitution for extension of the term of office of the President or for changing the provisions allowing a consecutive term shall not be effective for the President who is in office at the time of the proposal for such amendment to the Constitution."

Kang pointed out, "Even though Speaker Cho has clarified his remarks and the President has stated that it is impossible, I express deep regret over attempts to drag the President into political controversy."

He continued, "At a time when real estate policy, stock prices, and the livelihood economy are critical, the Blue House has no time to waste on unnecessary and inappropriate discussions," adding, "We are focused on reviving people's livelihoods and making South Korea leap forward, and President Lee shares the exact same view."

The Chief of Staff's direct intervention to address the controversy is interpreted as a proactive effort to block adverse effects where political disputes escalate and overshadow various government policies and the achievements of President Lee's overseas trips.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)