President Lee's Push for Term Limit Reform Faces Opposition Hurdles

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has reignited discussions on constitutional reform by proposing changes to the presidential term. In a social media post, he outlined his support for a four-year single term or a four-year renewable term, emphasizing the potential for more accountable governance through mid-term evaluations.

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The presidential term should be changed to a four-year single term or a four-year renewable term to enable responsible politics through mid-term evaluations, and constitutional amendments should strengthen local autonomy and basic rights.

President Lee further stated his willingness to consider shortening the presidential term if deemed necessary for constitutional revision, reiterating a stance he held during his 2022 presidential campaign. He explicitly dismissed presidential-parliamentary or cabinet systems as undesirable and impractical given public opinion. The President stressed that the specifics of any constitutional amendment should be determined through bipartisan agreement in the National Assembly.

This initiative follows a meeting between the President and Kim Tae-ho, a lawmaker from the main opposition People Power Party, who had suggested Lee mentioned the possibility of a term reduction. While the presidential office characterized Lee's remarks as a reaffirmation of his existing principles, the mention of a four-year single term alongside the possibility of a term reduction has opened the door for significant political interpretation.

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If shortening the presidential term is necessary for constitutional revision, I can accept it. That was my official position during the 2022 presidential election, and my thoughts have not changed.

The People Power Party has voiced strong opposition, labeling the proposal a "political card" aimed at distracting from the president's legal challenges and securing a longer tenure. The party cited constitutional provisions that prevent presidential term extensions or re-elections for the incumbent president. They also criticized the call for the president to publicly renounce any potential term benefits as an excessive political attack on a matter already addressed by the constitution.

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The presidential-parliamentary system or the cabinet system is neither desirable nor feasible in light of public opinion.

Constitutional amendments in South Korea require the consent of two-thirds of the National Assembly members and a national referendum. With the People Power Party holding 109 seats, their cooperation is essential, and their current stance makes the prospects for reform uncertain. Political analysts suggest that building consensus and engaging in thorough persuasion are crucial before any legislative action can be taken, urging dialogue rather than public pronouncements.

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It could be a starting point for the sincerity of constitutional revision to declare that no term benefits will be gained through constitutional amendments.