Regarding allegations raised mainly by the opposition bloc that a constitutional amendment could allow him to seek reelection, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "I have absolutely no intention of serving a consecutive term."

In his opening remarks at a press conference for the nation held today (September 18) at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House, President Lee noted, "Serving a consecutive term through constitutional revision is constitutionally impossible, and I have stated repeatedly on numerous occasions that I have never even thought about serving a consecutive term."

He added, "Therefore, I considered demands urging me to promise not to seek a consecutive term to be a political offensive aimed at creating a narrative that I am giving up on a second term after planning one."

He continued, "Nevertheless, taking this opportunity, I state once again firmly: I have absolutely no intention of serving a consecutive term."

Describing the current constitution as "clothes that do not fit the Republic of Korea," President Lee pledged, "I will also make efforts to ensure that it can be amended through rational discussions between the ruling and opposition political circles and national consensus."

He also said, "My position on constitutional revision has long been consistent—including incorporating the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and the Bu-Ma Democratic Protests into the preamble of the Constitution, strengthening fundamental civil rights, decentralizing some presidential powers to the National Assembly and local governments, and introducing a system allowing consecutive presidential terms to ensure policy consistency and stability in state governance."

President Lee also emphasized, "Claims from some quarters that there are attempts to introduce a parliamentary cabinet system or a semi-presidential system are absurd."

(Photo: Yonhap News)