Cheong Wa Dae: President Lee's Remarks on Term Limits "Could Be Interpreted as Saying He Will Not Seek Reelection"

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae Chief of Public Relations and Communications Seong Gi-hong said President Lee Jae Myung's remarks at a gathering with Korean residents in Paris, France, on the 9th local time—that "my term is clearly limited under the Constitution"—could be interpreted as meaning that presidential reelection, as discussed publicly, is "entirely impossible and cannot even be considered."
In an interview on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)'s "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" radio program on the morning of the 10th, Seong said this in response to the host's question about whether the president's remarks should be understood as saying that he would not pursue a constitutional amendment allowing reelection. "Yes," he replied.
When the host followed up by asking whether the president's remarks the previous day could be directly understood as meaning that he would not seek reelection, Seong answered, "I think they could be interpreted that way."
Regarding the opposition's demand that the president declare he would not seek reelection, Seong explained, "The president is listening closely to what the opposition is saying, as well as to points raised by the media." He added, "The president may have an opportunity to express his position at another public event where he meets with the people, rather than at a gathering with Korean residents. Of course, I believe that will be a matter for the president to decide."
He continued, "Basically, the president's decision not to seek reelection does not itself prohibit presidential reelection. It is already prohibited by the Constitution." He emphasized, "Wouldn't the government based on popular sovereignty have been created by fighting alongside the people to overcome an unconstitutional coup that destroyed the constitutional order? If so, changing the constitutional order itself is unthinkable."
Seong also noted, "The president is making meetings transparent and open to the public in various ways, such as through Cabinet meetings." He added, "He has always been committed to creating opportunities to communicate directly with the people at any time. In that regard, there will be various forms of communication between the president and the public. However, if an internal decision is made on the specific format and timing, there may be an opportunity to announce it then."
Earlier, at a gathering with Korean residents in Paris, the president explained why he was undertaking numerous overseas trips early in his term. He said, "In any case, because my term is clearly limited under the Constitution, I ultimately need to begin normal diplomacy quickly so that its benefits can be enjoyed for a longer period. Even if I establish good relations late in my term, the opportunities to make use of them will inevitably be limited."
Meanwhile, regarding various allegations raised against Kim Seung-won, the nominee for minister of the Ministry of Justice, and Yong Hye-in, the nominee for minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Seong explained, "I believe we need to hear what the nominees have to say through the formal confirmation-hearing process, in which questions are asked and answered." He added, "After that process, we plan to make a judgment based on factors including whether they meet the public's expectations."

[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter