National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik holds his first press conference since taking office at Sarangjae, National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 28th. [National Assembly Press Corps] 

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik clarified once again on the 29th regarding the controversy surrounding his remarks that "a constitutional amendment allowing the current president to serve consecutive terms is a matter of public choice," stating, "The consecutive term of an incumbent president is not subject to discussion for constitutional amendment."

In a post on his Facebook page that day, Speaker Cho wrote, "Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution stipulates that 'even if a constitutional amendment is made to extend or change the term of the president, it shall not apply to the president in office at that time,'" and explained his position as follows.

He stated, "The content of Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution must be respected, and the consecutive term of an incumbent president is not a subject for future constitutional amendment discussions," adding, "My response at the press conference was meant to explain the basic procedure that any constitutional amendment, including reform of the power structure, is only possible through consensus among political entities and the choice of the people."

He continued, "I express my regret for causing misunderstandings and controversy contrary to my original intentions."

He further added, "I will do my utmost to open a future for the Republic of Korea by promoting constitutional amendments centered on topics that can be agreed upon by both the ruling and opposition parties and supported by the public."

Previously, when asked during a press conference at the National Assembly the day before about the opposition party's stance against a constitutional amendment to extend the incumbent president's term, Speaker Cho replied, "Issues such as a constitutional amendment for a consecutive term for the incumbent president in the context of power structure reform are a matter of public opinion and the choice of the people, who are the sovereign."

In response, criticisms poured in, particularly from the conservative opposition, with remarks such as "pushing for a consecutive-term amendment that defies the spirit of the Constitution is a true act of insurrection."

Jang Hyun-ju, the Speaker's Chief Communications Secretary, also stated in a separate briefing yesterday afternoon that "Speaker Cho is fully aware of the provisions of Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution," and that "the Speaker's response was a statement of a fundamental principle that any such process must be based on public consensus and agreement within the political sphere."