Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for a constitutional revision that would introduce a four-year, two-term presidential system. He emphasized his willingness to shorten his current term if it would facilitate this change.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee reiterated his campaign pledge to pursue a constitutional revision aimed at establishing a system that allows for either nonconsecutive or consecutive terms. This change, he argues, would enable voters to conduct a midpoint evaluation while enhancing local autonomy and citizens' basic rights. In his social media post, Lee stressed the importance of aligning the country's Constitution, which is now 40 years old, with contemporary societal needs.

Article 128 of the Constitution currently prevents any extension of the presidential term for the incumbent president when an amendment is proposed. However, Lee expressed a readiness to adjust his term to accommodate the proposed changes. He also emphasized that the details of any constitutional revision should be determined by the National Assembly through bipartisan agreement, reflecting the general consensus among citizens on the need for constitutional reform.

Additionally, President Lee highlighted the significance of including the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising and the 1979 Busan-Masan pro-democracy protests in the Constitution's preamble. He dismissed the idea of adopting a semi-presidential or parliamentary system, citing public opinion against such changes.

The president's remarks followed statements from a presidential official who pointed out the issues stemming from the current governance system, which centralizes power excessively in the presidential office. According to the official, Lee believes that a four-year, two-term presidential system, which would empower the National Assembly, might be the most publicly acceptable option.

President Lee maintains that any constitutional reform should be pursued through consensus in the National Assembly, requiring the agreement of at least two-thirds of its 300 members. This reflects his long-standing stance on the necessity for bipartisan support in constitutional reform efforts.