President Lee Meets Koreans in Paris: "My Term Is Clearly Limited by the Constitution" (Comprehensive)

At Paris Luncheon, President Lee Stresses Summit Diplomacy Early in His Term
Draws Attention Amid Controversy Over Constitutional Amendment for Re-election
"Our Diplomatic Missions Must Serve as Bases Not Only for Overseas Business Expansion, Bu

President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 9th (local time), "In any case, my term is clearly limited by the Constitution." While this remark was made in the context of emphasizing the importance of diplomacy early in his presidency, it draws attention as President Lee directly mentioned his term amid ongoing discussions in political circles about constitutional amendments for presidential re-election.

President Lee Jae-myung delivers an encouragement speech at a luncheon meeting with expatriates held at a hotel in Paris, France on the 9th (local time). 2026.9.9 Yonhap News Agency Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, during a luncheon meeting with expatriates held in Paris, France, President Lee explained, "At the beginning of my term, I scheduled as many overseas visits as possible."

President Lee elaborated, "Meetings between heads of state present great opportunities for the Republic of Korea—a nation described as an open trading country—in terms of trade, investment, and security. No matter how strong the relationships built in the latter part of a presidential term, there are inevitable limitations in leveraging them at that time." Given the fixed presidential term, his point was that it is essential to actively develop external relations from the early stages of his presidency in order to fully utilize the diplomatic and economic assets gained from summit diplomacy across national governance.

President Lee’s reference to term limits is also being interpreted in connection with the opposition's push for constitutional amendments regarding presidential re-election. On the same day, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, claimed via social media that President Lee's mention of the need for constitutional revision in a French media interview was "solely motivated by the desire for re-election." Jeong Jeom-sik, the party’s floor leader, also criticized the president the previous day, saying, "He never says he won’t seek another term."

Previously, in an interview with French media, President Lee discussed the necessity of constitutional revision to decentralize the powers concentrated in the presidency. Afterward, some opposition figures argued that the true intention behind this was to enable presidential re-election, which in turn led to calls for President Lee to clarify his position directly.

The luncheon was organized to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France and to facilitate communication with the local Korean community. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung also attended, and a total of 130 members from the French Korean Association, the Korean Women’s Association in France, the Next Generation Korean Association in France, adoption diaspora groups, and other representatives of the Korean community participated.

President Lee remarked, "When you go abroad, interest in your home country grows and you become a patriot concerned for Korea," adding, "Early in my term, I am striving to meet as many expatriates as possible to address their concerns."

He also emphasized the shift in Korea’s international standing, as witnessed during this state visit to France. President Lee said, "Countries around the world increasingly wish to cooperate with Korea in a wide range of areas from advanced industries to culture and the arts. In my summit talks with President Macron, I could sense South Korea’s rising status, even in France, a global cultural powerhouse, especially through discussions on cooperation in the film and video sectors."

He also called for an expanded role for overseas diplomatic missions. President Lee stressed, "From now on, our diplomatic missions abroad must serve not only as bases for the global expansion of Korean businesses, but also as centers for spreading our culture."

Regarding the needs of the overseas Korean community, President Lee promised practical solutions. He stated, "Compared to a year ago, the concerns voiced by Koreans abroad are becoming more diverse, ranging from support for Korean language schools, lowering the age for dual citizenship, and improving the convenience of voting for citizens overseas," adding, "We will work to provide practical solutions for these demands from the expatriate community."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are saluting the national flag at a luncheon meeting with compatriots held at a hotel in Paris, France, on the 9th (local time). 2026.9.9 Yonhap News Agency.

During the luncheon, experiences and suggestions from Koreans active in France were also shared. Lee Sora, an advisor for the 22nd term of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, noted rising local interest in Korean cuisine and requested that opportunities be broadened for young creators and professionals in culture, the arts, and gastronomy to participate in official Korean events. Kim Hye-kyung, professor of Korean Studies at Aix-Marseille University, highlighted a significant increase in demand for Korean language and Korean Studies in France over the past 20 years.

Lee Jae-dong, president of the Association for Korean Roots and a Korean adoptee, expressed gratitude for the government’s measures related to international adoption, such as the ratification of the Hague Convention and support for ending international adoptions, while expressing hope for further support in restoring citizenship and helping adoptee diaspora reconnect with their roots.

In his closing remarks, President Lee said, "Even when far away, the voices of the people must reach the government, and the government, for its part, will diligently fulfill whatever responsibilities it has."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.