Lee Rules Out Reelection While Renewing Constitutional Reform Push

President Lee Jae Myung has categorically ruled out seeking reelection while reaffirming his support for revising South Korea’s Constitution to allow future presidents to serve consecutive terms.

Speaking at a special press conference at Cheong Wa Dae on Friday, Lee rejected speculation that his constitutional reform campaign was intended to prolong his own time in office. He said he had never considered seeking another term and emphasized that a change to presidential term limits could not benefit the sitting president.

Article 128 of the Constitution states that an amendment extending a president’s tenure or permitting another term does not apply to the incumbent at the time the change is proposed. South Korea currently limits presidents to a single five-year term.

Lee nevertheless argued that the Constitution adopted in 1987 no longer fully reflects the country’s political and social circumstances. He said a consecutive-term system could improve policy continuity and stability, and pledged to pursue reform through talks between the governing and opposition parties as well as broader public consensus. He also dismissed claims that he was trying to introduce either a parliamentary cabinet system or a semi-presidential model.

The president used the press conference to respond to public dissatisfaction following the June 3 local elections. Although the Democratic Party won 12 of the country’s 16 major mayoral and gubernatorial races, it lost the politically important Seoul mayoral contest and several closely watched parliamentary by-elections. Ballot shortages at some Seoul polling stations also drew anger and protests.

Lee acknowledged that his administration had not paid enough attention to people affected by its policy agenda. He said urgency over livelihoods, reform and national unity had sometimes led him to move too quickly, and promised to govern with greater humility and care.

At the same time, Lee signaled that a change in tone would not mean abandoning major reforms. He pledged to complete the restructuring of the criminal justice system, which is set to abolish the existing prosecution service and divide investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities between newly created agencies from Oct. 2.

The president said safeguards would be needed to prevent gaps in victim protection after prosecutors lose investigative powers. He also called for broad police reform to ensure that expanded police authority does not create a new unchecked center of power.

Lee’s remarks come as his approval ratings have declined for several weeks. He framed the electoral setback and weakening public support as a warning that his administration must listen more closely while continuing its institutional reform agenda.