Did President Lee Jae Myung say he would seek reelection through constitutional revision?

No. Lee said he has no intention of seeking reelection through constitutional reform and told worried supporters not to be concerned. He also said his term will not go beyond June 2, 2030.

Where did President Lee Jae Myung make his remarks about reelection and constitutional reform?

He made the comments in Mexico City during a meeting with South Korean residents while on a state visit. The remarks came in response to concerns about claims that he might try to pursue a second term.

Why are opposition lawmakers accusing Lee Jae Myung of trying to seek another term?

They suspect that the Democratic Party-led push for constitutional revision could be used to help him seek a second term. Lee rejected that claim and said repeated public remarks have made clear he does not intend to run again.

Lee reaffirms he will not seek reelection through constitutional revision

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Summary

President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed Thursday in Mexico City that he will not seek reelection through constitutional reform. He made the remark during a meeting with South Korean residents while on a state visit. Lee said his term will never go beyond June 2, 2030. He has repeatedly rejected opposition claims that he may try for a second term through constitutional revision.

Key Facts

Lee made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean residents in Mexico while he was on a state visit.
He said there will never be a case of his term going beyond June 2, 2030.
The Constitution currently says changes to the presidential system do not apply to the sitting president when a revision is made.
Lee took office in June last year for a five-year term.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 25, 2026 10:42 am KST

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a joint press announcement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City, Sept. 24. Yonhap

MEXICO CITY — President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed Thursday that he will not seek reelection through constitutional reform.

The president made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean residents in Mexico while on a state visit.

"Those who are worried, don't be. ... There will never be a case of my (term) going beyond June 2, 2030," the president said.

Lee has repeatedly said he has no intention of seeking reelection through constitutional revision amid opposition accusations that he may seek a second term through the push for constitutional revision by his administration and his ruling Democratic Party.

The Constitution currently stipulates any changes to the presidential system shall not apply to the president in office at the time of a revision.

Lee took office in June last year for a five-year term.

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