Presidential aide: Term extension amendment impossible

A top presidential aide has firmly stated that President Lee Jae-myung cannot pursue constitutional amendments to extend his term or allow for re-election, emphasizing that such a move is constitutionally impossible and unlikely to be accepted by the public. Kang Hoon-sik, the Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, made these remarks on June 29.

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President Lee Jae-myung has stated that our country's constitutional system does not permit the extension of a current president's term, and the public would not easily accept it, making it realistically impossible.

Kang's comments were a direct response to recent remarks by National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik, who suggested that the issue of constitutional amendments for a current president's term extension is a matter of public choice. Cho's statement had sparked controversy, leading to interpretations that it did not rule out the possibility of President Lee seeking a second term through constitutional revision.

Kang clarified President Lee's consistent stance: "President Lee Jae-myung has stated that our country's constitutional system does not permit the extension of a current president's term, and the public would not easily accept it, making it realistically impossible." He specifically referenced Article 128, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which states that constitutional amendments proposing to extend or change the presidential term do not take effect for the president in office at the time of the proposal.

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We believe Article 128, Clause 2 must remain unshaken. It was a historical consensus that we must uphold.

"We believe Article 128, Clause 2 must remain unshaken," Kang asserted, calling it a "historical consensus that we must uphold." He expressed strong regret over the opposition's actions, stating, "Even though the National Assembly Speaker has clarified and the President has stated it is impossible, they are dragging the President into political debates."

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Even though the National Assembly Speaker has clarified and the President has stated it is impossible, they are dragging the President into political debates. We express strong regret.

Kang emphasized that the President and the presidential office are currently focused on overseas diplomatic missions and achieving policy successes. He highlighted the critical importance of addressing issues like real estate policy, stock market conditions, and the overall economy. "The Blue House has no time for unnecessary and inappropriate discussions," he added. "We are concentrating on revitalizing the people's economy and advancing Korea, and the President shares this view."

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The Blue House has no time for unnecessary and inappropriate discussions. We are concentrating on revitalizing the people's economy and advancing Korea, and the President shares this view.