(LEAD) Nat'l Assembly speaker vows push for constitutional revision, rules out Lee seeking 2nd term

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik expressed his determination to push for a constitutional revision on Wednesday, dismissing accusations that the move was intended to permit President Lee Jae Myung to run for a second term. The speaker's statements followed opposition lawmakers' concerns over the potential flexibility granted to Lee, despite his earlier remarks at a July press conference.

This conference saw Lee stating that the decision on an incumbent president's eligibility to seek another term would ultimately be determined by the people. Article 128 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits any discussions regarding the extension of a sitting president's term during a constitutional revision, as per Cho's clarification during a discussion hosted by the Kwanhun Club, a distinguished journalists' association.

Cho emphasized that this issue should not be exploited for political gain. He further asserted that the National Assembly should spearhead the constitutional reform process, revealing his intention to establish an advisory committee under his office soon to outline the direction and key priorities for the revision. Additionally, Cho pledged to continue advancing Korea's national interests.