President Lee: "No Intention to Seek a Second Term; Public Disappointment Is Due to My Own Shortcomings"

President Lee Holds Seventh Press Conference Since Inauguration

Responds to Opposition's 'Re-election Amendment' Allegations: "Impossible"

On Declining Approval Ratings: "Sincerely Apologetic for Public's Disappointment"

President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 18th that he has "absolutely no intention of seeking re-election." Regarding the recent sharp decline in his administration’s approval ratings, he expressed his regret and added, "It is entirely due to my own shortcomings," while striking a humble tone.

On the issue of sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz, he said, "There will be no dispatch of troops to get involved in or intervene in any war. I can state this clearly." He continued, "We have adhered to our principles thus far and will continue to do so in the future. However, just as other countries do, it is necessary to protect our own merchant vessels, oil transport routes, and the safety of our people."

On this day at the Blue House Guesthouse Hall, President Lee held his seventh press conference since taking office, under the theme "The Will of the People, The Lives of the People – We Will Pay Closer Attention." He stated, "The 1987 Constitution, born out of political compromise, no longer fits the reality of Korea today," adding, "My position on constitutional amendments, including the introduction of a presidential re-election system, has been consistent for a long time."

President Lee Jae-myung is greeting before a press conference at the Blue House's Guesthouse Hall on September 18, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

He went on to stress, "Assertions from some quarters that I am seeking to introduce a cabinet system or a dual executive system are baseless," and emphasized, "Re-election through constitutional revision is legally impossible, and I have repeatedly made it clear through various channels that I have never even considered re-election."

Until now, the Blue House has dismissed opposition party suspicions regarding re-election-related constitutional amendments as mere political offensives, saying they are "not possible." However, since the controversy failed to subside, President Lee has now made it clear himself that he will not seek re-election.

Regarding the administration's approval ratings, which have fallen into the 30% range, he stated, "After the local elections, I was admittedly taken aback by the sudden disappointment and concern among the people." He emphasized, "After much reflection and introspection, I have come to the conclusion that 'the people are always right.'"

President Lee apologized, stating, "Faced with so many tasks, I was so preoccupied that I failed to fully understand the hearts of more people," adding, "Believing that I had to prove myself not through bold claims or declarations, but through practical results, I was insufficiently empathetic to the inevitable conflicts and pains that arise during the processes of improving livelihoods, pursuing reform, and seeking unity."

He continued, "In the face of small accomplishments and the great support from the public, my sense of fear and humility diminished," admitting, "Since power is meant to be exercised solely on behalf of the people and the nation, I should have approached my duties with greater servitude." As for the difficult economic conditions affecting daily life, he said, "When people ask, 'The economic indicators have improved, so why hasn’t my life changed?' or, 'No, why is it even getting worse?' I have not responded sufficiently."

However, President Lee made it clear that he intends to maintain the direction of reform. He said, "I have been criticized for watering down reform in the name of unity, and when pursuing reform, the sincerity of my efforts toward unity has been questioned." He then declared, "If there were shortcomings in the process and methods of myself and my administration, I can say with conviction that the direction we must continue to head in has not changed."

President Lee emphasized, "I will reignite my sense of humility before the people and carry out every task with greater thoroughness, lower posture, and more fierce dedication." He added, "The ultimate goal of governance is the people's welfare, that is, creating a better life for the public and a brighter future for the country." He pledged, "I will tighten my shoelaces once more. I will communicate more, respect more, act more prudently, and show greater consideration."

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