South Korea’s leader rules out term extension

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has firmly ruled out the possibility of extending his one-term presidency, despite initial suggestions from himself and his allies, according to a spokesman for the president. Critics have pointed out that a second term would prolong ongoing criminal trials against him, including bribery charges related to alleged illicit transfers of US$8 million to North Korea.

The current five-year presidential term was instituted in 1987 during South Korea's transition from authoritarian rule to prevent the undue concentration of presidential power. In August, Lee had expressed support for a four-year term with multiple re-elections and proposed shifting some presidential powers to the parliament. However, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik noted that voters should decide on the matter through a revised constitution.

Speaking during a state visit to France, Lee reiterated that his term is constitutionally limited to one term, and his decision to schedule numerous overseas visits stemmed from the fact that his term would soon end. Seong Ghi-hong, a senior presidential secretary, interpreted Lee's recent remarks as completely dismissing the idea of seeking re-election through a constitutional amendment.

Opposition parties, including the People Power Party, have accused Lee and his associates of discussing an amendment to permit him to remain in office. Proposed amendments allowing for multiple terms have been floated since the 1987 constitutional revision but have consistently failed due to political opposition. Lee's assertion comes amid a decline in his approval rating, which reached its lowest point of 40% as reported by Gallup Korea.