Kim Min-seok Labels Proposal Unrealistic and Unconstitutional

South Korean officials have flatly rejected claims that the government is pursuing a constitutional amendment to allow presidents to serve consecutive terms. Lawmakers and administration officials maintain that such a move is legally impossible, according to a JoongAng Ilbo report dated July 29, 2026.

Direct Denials from the Presidential Office

The controversy centers on whether the current administration is seeking to alter the constitution to extend presidential tenure. Rep. Kang Hoon-sik stated that the president himself has confirmed that such an amendment is not possible, according to JoongAng Ilbo.

High-Ranking Officials Label Move “Unrealistic”

The pushback extends to social media. Candidate Kim Min-seok wrote on Facebook that the idea of a consecutive term amendment is 비현실적이다 (unrealistic), asserting that it is prohibited under the constitution.

Kim Min-seok noted in the same post that this impossibility has been confirmed by a slate of top leadership, including the National Assembly Speaker, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs.

The Five-Year Single Term Mandate

The South Korean Constitution currently mandates a single five-year term for the president. It is a restriction designed to prevent the concentration of power.

Changing this structure is not a simple matter. It would require a rigorous constitutional amendment process: first, a proposal by a majority of the National Assembly, and then, ratification by a national referendum.

Quelling Speculation on Executive Power

These public denials from the presidential office and senior staff are intended to shut down speculation that the executive branch is seeking a legal path to extend its mandate. Among the cited officials, the consensus is clear: the legal and political barriers make such an amendment unfeasible.