Why has South Korean President Lee's approval rating dropped to 54 percent?
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Synopsis
Amid rising criticisms and public dissatisfaction, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has declined to 54 percent as indicated by a recent poll. Discover the factors contributing to this change and what it means for his administration's future.
Key Takeaways
- President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has decreased to 54 percent.
- The decline is attributed to economic concerns and diplomatic criticisms.
- Negative sentiments are linked to policies on China and real estate.
- Approval ratings for political parties are also shifting.
- The survey has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
Seoul, Oct 17 (NationPress) The approval rating of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has slightly decreased to 54 percent, according to a recent survey released on Friday.
Conducted by Gallup Korea among 1,001 adults from Tuesday to Thursday, this poll revealed a 1 percentage point drop from the previous assessment conducted in late September, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
The percentage of respondents holding a negative view of Lee's performance rose by 1 percentage point to 35 percent.
Among those expressing a favorable opinion, 16 percent attributed their views to the economy, while 18 percent of the critical respondents cited diplomatic failures, including 8 percent who criticized the visa-free entry policy for Chinese tourists and perceived pro-China stances.
Gallup highlighted that prior to the recent Chuseok holiday from October 3 to 9, public discontent was primarily directed at the controversies surrounding the resignation of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
In this latest survey, criticisms of Lee's policies regarding China and real estate were noted as significant factors contributing to the negative sentiment.
Additionally, concerns regarding the visa-free access for Chinese nationals, alongside a series of abductions and detentions of South Koreans in Cambodia, as well as new real estate policies unveiled earlier this week, may have fueled public dissatisfaction, according to the polling organization.
The approval ratings for the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party also saw a slight increase, both rising by 1 percentage point to 39 percent and 25 percent respectively.
This survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points with a 95 percent confidence level.
Recently, Lee Jae Myung inspected a state data center that was affected by a significant fire last month, as reported by the presidential office.
His visit to the National Information Resources Service (NIRS) located in central Daejeon was part of the government's efforts to restore online services disrupted by the fire that damaged crucial data storage systems, as per Yonhap News Agency.
Although Lee had initially planned to take a day off following the extended Chuseok holiday, he opted to visit the state data center instead.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the fluctuating approval ratings of President Lee Jae Myung. This decline is reflective of public sentiment that warrants attention. The concerns surrounding economic stability and diplomatic relations, particularly with China, are critical factors influencing the electorate. It is essential for the government to address these issues proactively to regain public trust and confidence.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current approval rating of President Lee Jae Myung?
President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating is currently at 54 percent, according to a recent Gallup Korea survey.
What factors contributed to the decline in approval ratings?
The decline in approval ratings can be attributed to concerns over economic performance, diplomatic issues, and policies related to China and real estate.
What is the margin of error for the Gallup Korea survey?
The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.
How did the ruling and opposition parties fare in the latest poll?
Both the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party saw their approval ratings increase by 1 percentage point to 39 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
Where did President Lee visit recently?
President Lee recently visited the National Information Resources Service in Daejeon to inspect recovery efforts following a major fire.
