Speaker Cho pushes constitutional revision, rules out Lee second term
Cho said a term extension for a sitting president falls outside the scope of the revision, and he plans an advisory committee soon.
South Korea's National Assembly speaker Cho Jeong-sik pledged on Wednesday to push ahead with constitutional reform, South Korea's national news agency Yonhap reported.
Cho rejected opposition claims that the amendment would open a path for President Lee Jae Myung to serve a second term, (Yonhap News Agency)
Opposition lawmakers had questioned his position after he told a press conference in July that voters should decide whether an incumbent president may seek another term, (Yonhap News Agency)
Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Kwanhun Club, an association of senior journalists, Cho said extending a sitting president's term is not a subject for constitutional revision under Article 128.
He added that the issue should no longer be used as a source of political conflict.
Cho said the National Assembly should lead the reform effort and that he plans to set up an advisory committee under his office soon to define the direction and key priorities.
He also said he intends to visit major countries, including the United States and China, next year to advance South Korea's national interest.
Under the current Constitution, presidents serve a single five-year term, and any amendment extending that term does not apply to the president in office when the amendment is proposed.
Lee took office in June 2025 after a snap presidential election held following the removal of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, from office.
Amendments to South Korea's Constitution require approval from two-thirds of lawmakers in the National Assembly and a national referendum.