Seoul, Jan 9 (NationPress) The approval rating for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has risen to 60 percent this week, reflecting a surge in public approval regarding his diplomatic efforts, according to a recent poll released on Friday.

The survey, conducted by Gallup Korea from Tuesday to Thursday with 1,000 participants aged 18 and older, indicated a 5 percentage point increase in the positive evaluation of Lee's overall performance compared to the prior poll in mid-December.

Negative views decreased to 33 percent, down from 36 percent in the previous survey, while 7 percent of respondents chose not to provide an evaluation, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Among the reasons for positive evaluations, diplomacy topped the list at 30 percent, followed by 14 percent citing his leadership in economic and livelihood issues.

On the other hand, negative assessments were primarily influenced by critiques of his handling of economic and livelihood challenges.

The pollster noted that Lee's recent state visit to China seemed to have revitalized interest in his diplomatic activities, leading to the rise in positive evaluations.

During his recent four-day state visit to China, Lee engaged in summit discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping to bolster economic relations and coordinate peace efforts regarding North Korea.

The discussions also tackled sensitive matters, such as the presence of Chinese steel structures in disputed waters of the Yellow Sea, which Seoul perceives as potential grounds for territorial claims.

Furthermore, the approval rating for the ruling Democratic Party stood at 45 percent, while the main opposition People Power Party registered 26 percent.

The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

In addition, President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a two-day visit to Nara prefecture in Japan early next week for summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations, as announced by Cheong Wa Dae.

Lee's departure for Japan is scheduled for next Tuesday, with the summit taking place in Nara, Takaichi's hometown, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

The two leaders are anticipated to discuss a broad spectrum of regional and global matters, including economic, social, and cultural issues, as stated by Cheong Wa Dae.

Previously, Lee and Takaichi convened for summit discussions on October 30 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju and had a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 leaders' gathering in South Africa in November.

Lee is also scheduled to participate in a friendship event with Takaichi next Wednesday and engage with ethnic Koreans residing in Japan before returning home that same day.

This upcoming visit marks Lee's second trip to Japan after his August visit to Tokyo, where he had summit talks with Takaichi's predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba.

Observers anticipate that this visit will reinforce the future-oriented progression of bilateral ties through "shuttle diplomacy", involving reciprocal visits, as highlighted by Cheong Wa Dae.