(LEAD) Lee says has no intention to seek reelection through constitutional revision

SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has firmly stated that he has no intention to seek reelection through constitutional revision, also emphasizing that his reelection is deemed impossible under the current Constitution. In a televised press conference on Friday, Lee reiterated that he has no intention of standing for reelection.

His comments came in response to persistent demands from the opposition parties for him to disclose his plans, which they accused him of seeking reelection despite a constitutional provision stating that alterations to the presidential system would not affect the incumbent president at the time of revision. This marked the seventh press conference by the president since his inauguration in June 2025, though it was unusual, as most of his prior press conferences had been scheduled around significant events, such as the first anniversary of his administration.

The event was announced three days prior and occurred amidst declining approval ratings, with Lee's support dropping to the lowest levels in the mid-30 percent range in recent weeks, particularly among younger voters.