South Korea’s Lee rules out second term amid push to change one-term presidency

President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has firmly stated that he has no intention of seeking a second term in office, according to a spokesman. This comes after initial discussions within his administration and among allies about potentially revising the constitution to allow for re-election. Critics of Lee have pointed out that a second term would prolong the suspension of five criminal trials against him, including one related to a bribery scandal involving a firm's alleged $8 million transfer to North Korea.

South Korea implemented a one-term presidential system in 1987 as part of its transition from authoritarian rule, with the aim of preventing excessive concentration of power. In August, Lee himself suggested favoring a four-year term with multiple renewals, along with shifting some presidential powers to the parliament. However, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik, a former ally, argued in July that the voters should decide whether a president can run for re-election under a constitutional amendment.

During a recent state visit to France, Lee clarified to South Korean audiences that his term is strictly limited by the constitution, ruling out any attempt to seek re-election through a constitutional amendment. Seong Ghi-hong, a senior presidential spokesperson, confirmed Lee's stance, declaring that the idea of a consecutive term being discussed by some is entirely impossible and not under consideration.

The opposition People Power Party has accused Lee and his associates of considering a constitutional amendment to permit another term. Despite this, Lee's approval rating has plummeted to its lowest point since his inauguration, with a recent Gallup Korea poll showing it at 40 percent.