Lee says he has 'no intention whatsoever' of seeking reelection
President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that he has “no intention whatsoever” of seeking reelection, drawing a clear line between his push for a constitutional amendment allowing presidents to serve consecutive terms and his own political future.
“Under the Constitution, it is impossible for me to seek reelection through a constitutional amendment and I have repeatedly made clear through various channels that I have never even considered seeking reelection,” Lee said during a press conference.
He described demands that he pledge not to seek another term as a “political offensive” aimed at creating the impression that he had considered reelection before abandoning the idea.
“Nevertheless, I want to make it absolutely clear once again on this occasion,” Lee said. “I have no intention whatsoever of seeking reelection.”
Lee has advocated constitutional revision to introduce a system allowing presidents to serve consecutive terms, saying it would help ensure policy continuity and stability in state affairs.