Regarding President Lee Jae-myung's remark that "my term is clearly limited under the Constitution," Seong Gi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations, said on the 10th that "it could be interpreted to mean there will be no consecutive term."
Seong made the remarks that morning on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus." The day before (local time) in Paris, France, President Lee, while meeting with compatriots and explaining "the reason for frequent overseas trips," said, "My term is clearly limited under the Constitution."
When the host asked, "Can we take the president's comment to mean 'no consecutive term' directly?" Seong answered, "It could be interpreted that way."
Seong said, "On numerous occasions, the president and the presidential office conveyed that intent when meeting with the opposition leader," adding, "Because the term is already limited within the constitutional order, what people are talking about—a consecutive term—is entirely impossible and not even subject to review, as we understand it."
He added, "There may be a chance to clarify this in another public setting with the people," and said, "However, as for the specific format and timing, if something is decided internally, we will be able to explain it then."
On some reports that deployment to the Strait of Hormuz has effectively become visible, he said they were "reports getting too far ahead," noting that because of such reports, "the word 'deployment' is being highlighted in the public's perception."
Seong said, "The issue of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is not something we started thinking about yesterday or today," and drew a line, saying, "There are various options for how to make a responsible contribution internationally, but no final decision has been made on the specific method yet."
Regarding the controversies surrounding Minister nominees including Yong Hye-in and Kim Seung-won after the Cabinet reshuffle announcement, he reiterated the existing position, saying, "I think we need to hear the nominees in the official question-and-answer process of the confirmation hearings." He added, "After that process, the presidential office will make a judgment based on the public's expectations."