Lee Jae-myung: "Constitutional Reform Should Be Gradual, Not Comprehensive... Not a Special Plan but My Usual Conviction"

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the Shindaebang 2-dong Senior Citizens' Center in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 19th, where he received the "List of 1,000 Senior Citizens' Center Chairpersons Nationwide Supporting Candidate Lee Jae-myung for President" from the nationwide senior citizens' center chairpersons. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 19th that his mention of constitutional amendment in a broadcast interview the previous day was “because I was asked a question and I expressed my usual opinion,” adding, “I do not have any special plans.”

After visiting a senior center in Shindaebang 2-dong, Dongjak-gu, in the afternoon, Lee told reporters, “Even if we talk about a full constitutional amendment, the possibility of it being realized is low, and it is likely to only waste energy.”

He emphasized, “Now, we should gradually and sequentially amend the constitution step by step whenever possible, starting from parts that everyone can agree on. It is clear that we need to change clothes that do not fit.”

Regarding Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, criticizing the four-year renewable term system by saying, “Are you saying the president would serve for eight years?” Lee explained, “It seems there is a misunderstanding. Our constitution prohibits applying a constitutional amendment to the sitting president at the time of the amendment.”

He added, “If the term is shortened and a four-year renewable term amendment is created and passed, only the term is shortened, and running for office again afterward is impossible. If an agreement on a four-year renewable term system for national responsibility in environmental and climate crisis response, strengthening basic rights, and decentralizing presidential powers is possible, it would be better to proceed with the amendment even if it shortens the term.”