{
  "id": 1259677,
  "title": "[Editorial] To revise the constitution, President Lee must directly state \"no re-election or re-appointment.\"",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/story-1259677",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T09:55:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hankyoreh",
    "slug": "hankyoreh",
    "url": "https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/opinion/editorial/1273162.html"
  },
  "original_language": "ko",
  "account": "The post by President Jeemin from last April 14th mentioned a reform proposal to change the presidential term structure, including the possibility of reducing or altering the length of a presidential term. He stated that he would accept a reduction in presidential term length if it were necessary for constitutional reform. This was his official stance during the 2022 presidential election, and he has remained consistent in this view. The disclosure of his reform plans raised questions and controversy. The current constitution has become outdated and unable to reflect the changing society and modern values, according to many people across the political spectrum and the general public. From less contentious reforms like strengthening the emergency measure to more comprehensive reforms involving the power structure, all need to be openly discussed and debated. While President Jeemin's commitment to constitutional reform, even at the cost of shortening his own term, is commendable, some political commentators continue to suggest that he may introduce his own re-election or succession plans. This claim has been dismissed by the majority of citizens as mere speculation or conspiracy. However, with Vice President Choi Jee-seok's recent comments in a press briefing, where he described the re-election reform as \"an issue of the will of the people and of their choice,\" the situation has changed. The current constitutional provision, Article 128(2), does not allow for the alteration of the presidential term length or re-election of the incumbent, which reflects the collective sentiment of the nation. Any attempt to undermine this principle is unacceptable. After the controversy surrounding the Vice President's statement, the Office of the President clarified that President Jeemin considers re-election \"unrealistic.\" However, such ambiguous statements are not sufficient to address the current controversy and public skepticism. The president himself must clearly state that he will not seek re-election or succession. This clarity would not only empower the reform efforts but also prevent any potential erosion of trust in the presidency.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}