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

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae Senior Secretary for Public Relations and Communication Sung Ki-hong said that President Lee Jae Myung's remarks at a meeting with Korean compatriots in France on the ninth local time—that "my term in office is clearly limited under the Constitution"—could be understood as meaning that reelection, as discussed by some, is entirely impossible and cannot even be considered.
During an interview on MBC radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the morning of the 10th, Sung said this in response to the host's question about whether Lee's remarks should be understood as meaning 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, Sung answered, "I think they could be interpreted that way."
Regarding the opposition's demand for a declaration that reelection would not be allowed, Sung explained, "The president is listening closely to what the opposition is saying, as well as to matters being discussed in the media. As for the president expressing his intention, I believe that will of course be a matter for his judgment, but he may have an opportunity to speak about it at another public event with the people, rather than at a meeting with compatriots."
He emphasized, "Basically, the president's decision not to seek reelection does not itself ban presidential reelection. It is already prohibited by the Constitution. Isn't the government of popular sovereignty one that was created by overcoming, together with the people, an unconstitutional coup situation in which the constitutional order was collapsing? If so, changing the constitutional order itself in any way is unthinkable."
He also said, "The president is making meetings transparent and public in various ways, such as Cabinet meetings, isn't he? In the same way, he always intends to have opportunities to communicate directly with the people. In that regard, there will be opportunities for the president to communicate with the public in various formats. However, if an internal decision is made about the specific format and timing, there will likely be an opportunity to announce it then."
Earlier, at a meeting with Korean compatriots in Paris, France, President Lee explained why he was undertaking many overseas trips early in his term and said, "In any event, because my term in office is clearly limited under the Constitution, I ultimately need to start (summit diplomacy) quickly in order to enjoy its benefits for a longer period. Even if I establish good relations late in my term, opportunities to make use of them will inevitably be limited."
Meanwhile, regarding various allegations raised against Kim Seung-won, the candidate for minister of the Ministry of Justice, and Yong Hye-in, the candidate for minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Sung explained, "I believe we need to hear what the candidates have to say through the formal hearing process of asking and answering questions." He added, "After that process, we plan to make a judgment based on public expectations and other considerations."
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter