Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung's administration is witnessing a significant decline in approval ratings as he enters his second year in office. The president, who initially enjoyed high approval ratings in the 60 percent range, now faces growing public discontent with his administration. A recent Gallup Korea poll revealed that approval ratings have dropped to 42 percent, with 50 percent of respondents negatively assessing his handling of state affairs. This represents the lowest approval rating for President Lee in a Gallup poll to date.
According to Yonhap News Agency, an earlier Realmeter survey commissioned by Energy Economic News showed Lee's approval rating at 40.2 percent, with 56.9 percent expressing a negative view of his administrative affairs. Additionally, a survey by The Straight News conducted by Jowon CandI indicated an even lower approval rating of 38.9 percent. Such a decline in approval ratings is not uncommon in an administration's second year, as initial optimism gives way to demands for tangible results. The decline is particularly striking given the goodwill President Lee initially enjoyed, bolstered by his political style and moral authority following opposition to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration in December 2024.
President Lee has pledged to transform Korea into one of the world's top three AI powers, pursue pragmatic national interests, and promote balanced regional growth. His efforts to address U.S. tariffs and boost Korean stocks initially reinforced public confidence in his leadership. However, subsequent developments, including a DPK leadership race overshadowing livelihood policies, a lackluster market performance, and a housing policy focused more on tax increases than stability, have left constituents dissatisfied. As Myongji University professor Shin Yul noted, the Korean populace is prioritizing personal interests over political beliefs.
The Lee administration's recent policy moves have raised concerns about its ability to implement major reforms effectively. The administration's prosecutorial reform, granting investigative authority to the police, has come under scrutiny following scandals involving police investigations. Additionally, President Lee's rejection of Supreme Court Justice Cho Hee-dae's nominee to fill a vacant seat on the court, citing due process concerns, has drawn criticism. The abrupt delay in announcing the basic pension by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the sudden decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to scale back joint Korea-U.S. military exercises have further fueled unease about Korea's domestic and international policies.
New DPK leader Kim Min-seok has emphasized the party's commitment to supporting the Lee administration's success by focusing on affordability, expanding its support base, and enhancing political competence. Despite the challenges ahead, Kim has pledged to transform the DPK into a party that addresses tangible concerns over politically driven reforms. President Lee's recent reshuffle of six Cabinet members may provide an opportunity to tackle livelihood issues and policy confusion, proving that their policy goals will not succumb to partisan interests.