(LEAD) president-press conference

▲ President Lee Jae Myung attends a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae, marking the first anniversary of his taking office, in this file photo from June 8, 2026. (Yonhap)

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SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed Friday that he has no intention to seek reelection through constitutional revision, also noting his reelection is impossible under the Constitution.

"I once again make it clear that I have no intention to seek reelection," he told a televised press conference.

His remarks follow repeated calls from the opposition bloc for the president to declare his intentions, accusing him of seeking reelection, despite a constitutional clause that stipulates any changes to the presidential system shall not apply to the president in office at the time of a revision.

Friday's event marked the seventh press conference by the president since he took office in June 2025 but a rare one, given that most of his previous pressers were held on and around special occasions, such as the first year anniversary of his administration.

The event, announced three days earlier, comes after Lee saw his approval ratings decline to the lowest levels in the mid-30 percent range in recent weeks, especially among young voters.

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