President Lee Jae-myung, who is currently making a state visit to France, stated, "My term is clearly limited by the Constitution."

The remark came while he was explaining why his schedule is packed with summit diplomacy early in his term, and it can also be interpreted as a rebuttal to speculations over a "consecutive-term constitutional amendment" raised by the conservative opposition, including the People Power Party.

Speaking at an opening remark during a meeting with local Korean residents in downtown Paris on the 9th (local time), President Lee made the remarks and explained, "(Summit diplomacy) needs to be started quickly so that its effects can be enjoyed for a long time."

He added, "No matter how good relationships we build (with other countries) in the latter half of our term, the opportunities to utilize them will inevitably be limited."

President Lee noted, "Summit diplomacy provides great opportunities for investment, economic cooperation, and security cooperation for South Korea, which is called an open trading nation," adding, "In fact, countries I have visited have seen a sharp rise in export growth, alongside more active private exchanges and corporate cooperation."

He continued, "I try to meet with many overseas Koreans in every country I visit. (The lives of overseas Koreans) must have improved a lot as well."

President Lee also promised, "Domestic citizens may not feel it as much, but the reactions of locals toward overseas Koreans have changed a lot. The perspective toward South Korea has shifted, and a massive change is taking place in our international standing, enough to be called a sea change," adding, "We must make good use of this opportunity. I will do my best so that you do not have to worry about South Korea."

President Lee also drew a comparison between the French Revolution and South Korea's current situation.

He assessed, "France completely transformed human social systems through the historic event of the French Revolution," adding, "South Korea is also undergoing a tremendous, revolutionary change starting from that night of December 3, 2024 (when the December 3 illegal martial law took place)."

He went on to explain his views on revolution and reform, saying, "It seems there are points where we are experiencing confusion right now. Since France is also a country of the great revolution, I definitely want to share these words."

President Lee diagnosed, "France also went through periods of reaction and counter-revolution during the course of the revolution, accompanied by immense sacrifices," adding, "Because they pushed the situation too far, they faced what is called a reaction."

He emphasized, "We faced dark times of counter-revolution through counter-mobilization and the defection of centrists," stressing that "time passed and immense sacrifices were paid before history progressed again, but we must not repeat those past experiences."

President Lee added, "When energy is overflowing, there is a need for restraint. We must move forward in a desirable direction while minimizing pain and resistance with the consent of many people," noting that "this is historical experience and something we ourselves must be careful about."

(Photo: Yonhap News)