National Assembly Cho Jeong-sik attends the first press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Tuesday, since his inauguration in June as the new parliamentary speaker for the second half of the 22nd parliament until May 2028. Yonhap
The parliamentary speaker clarified 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, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik said an incumbent president's eligibility to seek another term is "ultimately the choice of the people," prompting opposition lawmakers to question whether he had left open the possibility of Lee seeking a second term.
Rep. Cho explained that his remarks were misunderstood in a Facebook post, saying the issue is "not up for discussion."
Article 128 of the Constitution stipulates that the extension of the presidential term shall not be effective for the president in office at the time the amendment is proposed.
