Seoul, Aug 14 (Reuters) – President Lee Jae Myung said he backs a constitutional amendment that would shorten South Korea’s presidential term from five to four years and permit a president to serve two consecutive terms. The proposal, which Lee described as a principle rather than a specific model, would mark the most significant overhaul of the nation’s executive system since democratic transition in the late 1980s.
Current system and proposed shift
South Korea currently limits the president to a single, non‑renewable five‑year term, a rule introduced to curb authoritarianism after decades of military rule. Moving to a four‑year, two‑term framework would align the country with many Western democracies and could reshape the balance of power between the executive and the legislature.
Lee’s stance and legislative path
Lee told reporters that he supports the idea "in principle" but has not endorsed any particular draft, the Blue House said. He added that any amendment should be decided by the National Assembly, stressing the need for a stronger parliament to accompany the shortened term.
"I support a four‑year, two‑term presidency and a more robust parliamentary role," Lee said, according to a statement released by the presidential office.
Lee also referenced his election pledge to consider constitutional change, noting that he would be willing to accept a shorter term if the political climate demanded it. This flexibility was highlighted in a Korean-language report that quoted him saying the amendment could be adopted "if necessary" to meet public expectations.
While the president’s position is clear, the specifics of the reform remain unsettled. Some lawmakers have suggested that the amendment should be paired with measures to increase legislative oversight, while others caution that allowing re‑election could revive concerns about power consolidation.
Political analysts note that the proposal could become a focal point of the upcoming parliamentary session, where the ruling Democratic Party and opposition factions are expected to debate the merits and risks of a multi‑term presidency. The president’s emphasis on parliamentary involvement reflects a broader trend of seeking consensus on constitutional matters.
Lee’s advocacy for a four‑year term comes amid other legislative initiatives, such as a bill introduced by the Democratic Party aimed at preventing the defamation of historical events, which would impose up to one year of suspension for offending lawmakers. Although unrelated to the presidential term debate, the bill illustrates the broader reform agenda the administration is pursuing.
Observers will watch how the National Assembly responds, as any amendment requires a two‑thirds majority in parliament and a public referendum. If passed, the change could reshape South Korea’s political landscape for a generation, influencing everything from campaign strategies to the dynamics of executive‑legislative relations.
