{
  "id": 6545317,
  "title": "South Korea’s Lee rules out second term amid push to change one-term presidency",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/south-koreas-lee-rules-out-second-term-amid-push-to-change-one-term",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T05:12:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/10/south-koreas-lee-rules-out-second-term-amid-push-to-change-one-term-presidency/234685"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Sept 10 — South Korea’s president has ruled out even considering to extend his constitutionally-cappe...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "South Korea’s leader rules out term extension",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/south-koreas-leader-rules-out-term-extension",
        "published": "2026-09-10T04:49:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Pakistan sends rare greeting to North Korea",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/pakistan-sends-rare-greeting-to-north-korea",
        "published": "2026-09-10T04:52:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "North Korea leader salutes 'overseas' troops",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/north-korea-leader-salutes-overseas-troops",
        "published": "2026-09-10T05:23:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Korea, EU seek stronger supply chain ties as industry rules evolve",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/korea-eu-seek-stronger-supply-chain-ties-as-industry-rules-evolve",
        "published": "2026-09-10T06:27:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "South Korea leader rules out term extension",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/south-korea-leader-rules-out-term-extension-6561467",
        "published": "2026-09-10T07:36:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}