{
  "id": 887740,
  "title": "Lee backs four-year, two-term presidency even if it shortens his term",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/lee-backs-four-year-two-term-presidency-even-if-it-shortens-his-term-887740",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-14T16:52:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20260815/lee-backs-four-year-two-term-presidency-even-if-it-shortens-his-term"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Lee Jae Myung has once again expressed his backing for a four-year, two-term presidential system through constitutional reform, emphasizing that he remains open to reducing his term length if necessary. This position has been a cornerstone of his campaign, reflecting his belief that such a change would allow voters to make a mid-election assessment and enhance local autonomy and civil liberties.\n\nIn a recent social media update, President Lee reiterated his stance, stating that the existing 40-year-old constitution has become outdated and ill-suited to modern times. He underscored the widespread agreement among citizens on the urgent need for a revision, which he believes would benefit the nation immensely.\n\nArticle 128 of the current Constitution explicitly prohibits the extension of the presidential term to apply to any president in office when the amendment is proposed. This legal provision underscores the potential for a fresh start if the constitution is reformed. As the Constitution ages, President Lee advocates for a more democratic and adaptable system, suggesting that the National Assembly should have the final say on the precise details of the amendment through a democratic process.",
  "summary": "President Lee Jae Myung on Friday reiterated his support for a four-year, two-term presidential system through a constitutional revision, stressing that he is also open to shortening his term. \"It has been my campaign pledge and consistent position that we should pursue a constitutional revision to introduce a four-year presidency allowing either nonconsecutive or consecutive terms, enabling…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "(LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/lead-lee-reiterates-support-for-four-year-two-term-presidential-system",
        "published": "2026-08-14T11:09:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Lee backs four-year, two-term presidency even if it shortens his term",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/lee-backs-four-year-two-term-presidency-even-if-it-shortens-his-term",
        "published": "2026-08-14T16:42:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}