Public Opinion on Lee Jae-myung's Proposed Four-Year Presidential Term Amid Low Approval Ratings

President Lee Jae-myung's mention of a 'decentralized constitutional amendment' has sparked controversy, prompting the Blue House to take early action to quell the situation. However, on the same day, Lee's approval rating hit a record low since taking office, leading to online criticism such as, 'Don't ruin the country, just step down,' and 'Worry about being disqualified from office rather than seeking re-election.'

The Blue House stated on the 14th that it believes a four-year term for a president with enhanced parliamentary powers has the highest level of public acceptance. A Blue House official commented to reporters, 'We recognize the issues associated with a powerful presidential system.'

The official added, 'We aim to address the limitations of a powerful presidency by transitioning to a term-limited presidency, but this does not mean we are advocating for a parliamentary system or specifically endorsing a decentralized presidential system.'

The problem arises as Lee's performance ratings are at their lowest, and the possibility of constitutional amendments has intensified public backlash. Online users expressed sentiments like, 'Hearing about re-election plans, even if it means shortening your term, is truly chilling,' and 'Why pursue a constitutional amendment? What is the hidden agenda?' Many questioned, 'Who among the public supports a four-year term?'

Comments such as 'The public does not want this,' 'Who exactly are you referring to as the public?' and 'I don't understand why you want to pursue a constitutional amendment' also surfaced.

One user remarked, 'Stop making horrifying statements and focus on your trial,' adding, 'Consider stepping down with a disqualification ruling after restoring the national debt you increased over the past year and fixing the security, diplomatic, and economic mess you created.'

Another user stated, 'You have demonized past presidents like Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee as dictators for 40 years, and now you want to serve a second term? Especially in a situation where public trust has been shattered due to election fraud? After ruining the national economy? This is true dictatorship.'

Some users reacted to the approval rating survey results, saying, 'If Gallup shows this, the actual public sentiment must be even worse,' and '44% in a phone interview means you've already entered the 30% range.'

* This article has been translated by AI.