South Korea's President Lee Seeks Constitutional Overhaul for Two-Term Limit

South Korea: President Lee Urges Constitutional Reforms for Two-Term Limit SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 - Less than four months after his election, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung has launched a campaign to reform the constitution and allow future presidents to serve two consecutive four-year terms. The initiative is at the top of the administration's 123-item policy agenda. According to officials, the proposed reforms aim to synchronize presidential elections with votes for members of the National Assembly, promoting continuity of policies and greater responsibility among lawmakers. "This change will enable our government to focus on long-term goals without being hindered by short-term election cycles," said a spokesperson for President Lee's administration. However, analysts point out that pushing through constitutional changes in South Korea requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority, which is unlikely given the opposition's strong presence in the National Assembly. "The opposition will not give up their power easily," said Lee Sang-sin, a research fellow specializing in political science at the Korea Institute for National Unification. "When the present constitution was written in 1987, the biggest controversy was over how to elect the president." President Lee's proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and citizens alike. Some argue that the change will lead to more effective governance, while others fear it will concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals. "We need to be cautious about any attempts to extend presidential terms," said Kim Tae-hyun, a member of the opposition party. "This could undermine democracy and the rule of law." The current constitution, adopted in 1987, limits presidents to a single five-year term. The proposed reforms would allow future presidents to serve two consecutive four-year terms, with a maximum of eight years in office. President Lee's administration insists that the proposed reforms will not be used to extend his time in power. "This is about creating a more stable and effective government, not about personal interests," said a spokesperson for President Lee's administration. The fate of the constitutional reforms remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate the proposal. If passed, the changes would take effect after the next presidential election in 2029. *Reporting by Dw.*