Roh Moo Hyun on Presidential Term
TL;DR
Roh Moo Hyun strongly advocated for revising the presidential term structure, eventually supporting a two-term presidency.
Key Points
He stated a desire for a two-term presidency, viewing the single term as insufficient for national governance.
Roh Moo Hyun called for the revision of the presidential term structure to be undertaken by the next administration following his term in office.
His position on term revision generated significant political discussion within ruling party circles, particularly around January 2007.
Summary
Roh Moo Hyun expressed a public position favoring a revision to the single, five-year term limit for the South Korean presidency, seeing the current structure as detrimental. Early in his tenure, he indicated support for changing the system to allow for a two-term presidency, which he believed would provide more stability and allow for the continuation of long-term policies. This stance was a shift from his earlier political positions, leading to internal debate within his political circle.
This push for constitutional revision became a notable policy goal, with the former president calling for such a change to be enacted during a subsequent administration rather than his own. The context of this advocacy involved a desire to break from a perceived cycle of policy instability and corruption often associated with the single-term structure in South Korean politics. He formally urged his successor's administration to undertake the necessary steps for revising the presidential term limits.
Key Quotes
"I think five years is a little too long. I feel that way personally, and isn't that a little too long in terms of the system, too?"
"I will not shorten the presidential term."
"The next president will have to cut his or her tenure by nearly one year if the constitutional revision is carried out by the National Assembly,"
Frequently Asked Questions
Roh Moo Hyun took a strong stance advocating for the revision of the South Korean presidential term structure. He believed the existing single five-year term contributed to instability and favored a change toward a two-term system.
Yes, his position evolved; he eventually expressed support for a two-term presidency after his political career began. This advocacy for change sparked considerable internal debate among his political allies.
The former president indicated that he would not seek the change for himself but urged that the constitutional revision be handled by the incoming administration after his term concluded. Roh Moo Hyun wanted the change to take effect for future leaders.
Sources5
South Korea's Roh wants two-term presidency
South Korea's Roh Calls for Term Revision During Next Administration
SOUTH KOREA: PRESIDENT MAY SEEK TERM CHANGE
Breaking the Cycle of Presidential Corruption in South Korea
Roh suggests constitutional change for two-term presidency
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.