Key facts
- National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik clarified that an incumbent president's eligibility for another term is not a topic for discussion.
- Cho's prior statement that such eligibility is "ultimately the choice of the people" sparked controversy.
- Opposition lawmakers questioned if this implied President Lee Jae Myung could seek a second term.
- Cho explained his remarks were meant to highlight the need for public consensus on constitutional revision.
- The Constitution stipulates that amendments to presidential term limits do not apply to the incumbent president.
National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik clarified on Wednesday that he was not suggesting an incumbent president could seek another term under a revised Constitution, after his remarks fueled controversy over the possibility of President Lee Jae Myung's reelection.
During a press conference the previous day, Cho had stated that an incumbent president's eligibility to seek another term is "ultimately the choice of the people." This prompted opposition lawmakers to question whether he had left open the possibility of Lee seeking a second term.
Cho explained in a Facebook post that his remarks were misunderstood and that the issue is "not up for discussion." He added that at the press conference, he intended to explain the basic procedure that a constitutional revision, including changes in the power structure, requires political consensus and support from the people. Cho also expressed "regret" that his remarks caused misunderstanding and controversy.