Lee Says His Term Is Clearly Limited by Constitution Amid Opposition's Re-election Claims

President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 9 that "my term is clearly limited by the Constitution." This remark is seen as a rebuttal to recent opposition claims that proposed constitutional amendments are aimed at enabling self-re-election.

Lee made his comments during a luncheon for expatriates at a hotel in Paris, part of his state visit to France, while explaining the rationale behind his proactive approach to diplomacy since taking office.

He emphasized, "Ultimately, we must start early to reap the benefits for a long time," adding that opportunities for utilizing good relationships become limited as time progresses.

Lee highlighted that meetings between heads of state and diplomatic efforts provide South Korea, an open trading nation, with opportunities for trade, investment, and economic and security cooperation. He noted that countries he has visited have seen significant increases in export rates, along with enhanced private exchanges and cooperation among businesses, benefiting the expatriate community.

His comments regarding constitutional amendments and re-election were not directly in response to questions but were part of a broader discussion on the importance of early diplomatic engagement to maximize outcomes. During a visit to Brazil in July, he made similar remarks, indicating that late visits abroad would limit the ability to leverage newly established cooperation.

On the previous day, Kim Jeong-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, raised suspicions during a representative speech in the National Assembly, questioning whether Lee's mention of a two-term constitutional amendment was an attempt to delay judicial proceedings, noting that the president has not explicitly stated he would not seek re-election.

Kim also referenced recent declines in approval ratings, asserting that a drop in support necessitates a change in national policy. He criticized the Lee administration for being out of touch, claiming it is "blindly pursuing its own path" regarding recent cabinet reshuffles, real estate policies, the abolition of investigative powers, and police reforms. He referred to a term coined by some opposition members, combining Lee's name with "pandemic," calling it a "jamdemic" and labeling it a national disaster.

Lee also addressed the domestic political situation, stating, "South Korea is undergoing tremendous changes as of the night of December 3, 2024, and is experiencing revolutionary transformations."

He explained that the French Revolution was a process of gathering the people's energy to create a new system and world, but warned that excessive momentum can lead to backlash.

Lee stressed the need for restraint when energy is high, stating, "We must move in a desirable direction while minimizing pain and resistance with the consent of many people."

He added, "We must not repeat the mistakes of the past," emphasizing the importance of caution.

Earlier that day, during a meeting with Yael Braun-Pivet, the President of the French National Assembly, Lee underscored that reflecting the will of the people in politics is the essence of democracy. He noted that the French Revolution played a significant role in spreading the values of freedom, equality, and popular sovereignty, which have also been crucial in South Korea's journey toward a new era of popular sovereignty.