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President Lee Jae-myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung greet well-wishers after arriving at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam on Sept. 10 following a state visit to France. / Yonhap

President Lee Jae-myung returned home on Sept. 10 after completing a five-day, three-night state visit to France. Having wrapped up his summit diplomacy in France, Lee is expected to turn his attention to domestic issues, including controversy over constitutional revision, the special counsel bill and upcoming confirmation hearings.

According to the presidential office, Lee arrived at Seoul Air Base at around 1:37 p.m. aboard the presidential aircraft. Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok, floor leader Han Byung-do, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, senior political affairs secretary Hong Ihk-pyo and Interior and Safety Minister Yoon Ho-jung were among those who greeted him at the airport.

Lee then traveled by helicopter from the airport to the presidential office, where he was expected to review domestic issues that had accumulated during his overseas trip. Attention is focused on what position he will take on the opposition’s continuing attacks over the controversy surrounding a constitutional amendment that could allow reelection, as well as the dispute over the withdrawal of indictments.

Presidential aides have indicated that Lee may address the constitutional revision issue during a public event where he meets directly with citizens.

Earlier in the day, Sung Ki-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communications, said in a radio interview that Lee’s remark that “my term is clearly limited under the Constitution” could be interpreted as meaning that he does not intend to seek reelection.

Meanwhile, the presidential office is reportedly considering holding a press conference as early as next week.

                                                                                                        Park Young-hoon