Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has plummeted to the low 30s, as revealed by a recent Realmeter poll. This marks a significant drop from just a few months ago when his support was close to 60 percent.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this sharp decline poses a serious concern for both President Lee and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). Approval ratings are not merely a measure of popularity; they are a reflection of public confidence, which is crucial for effective governance. The central responsibility for this decline lies with President Lee. Initially, his popularity was built on promises of a results-driven government, but issues related to the stock market, housing, and controversial personnel decisions have eroded public trust.
President Lee's approach to governance, including his frequent use of social media and livestreamed Cabinet meetings, was aimed at enhancing communication. However, it has also led to criticism that he is overly involved in government details. More troubling are the controversies surrounding constitutional reform and proposals to grant prosecutors broader authority to withdraw indictments. The lack of a clear presidential stance has fueled suspicions that political interests may be influencing these institutional changes. It is imperative for the president to directly address these concerns and clarify his position to the public.
The DPK's handling of personnel controversies has further exacerbated the situation. If the party demands the resignation of one nominee over allegations but defends another facing serious scrutiny, it risks appearing inconsistent. A government committed to fairness must subject its nominees to the same scrutiny it demands of others. The controversy surrounding Kim Seung-won, the nominee for justice minister, underscores this point. Allegations about his involvement in a COVID-19 treatment require thorough investigation. The government must provide evidence to dispel unfounded allegations or ensure accountability if they are substantiated.
Infighting within the ruling party is also damaging public confidence. Recent clashes over prosecutorial reform and the nomination of the first head of the new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency have created internal conflicts. While disagreement is not unusual in a governing party, it should be resolved through substantive debate, not personal attacks or inflammatory rhetoric. Such behavior risks turning policy disagreements into factional struggles, which may appear to voters as early contests for political power.
Recent polls indicate that the DPK is falling behind the opposition People Power Party in party support. While individual polls can fluctuate, the broader concern is that declining support for both the president and his party may indicate weakening confidence in the governing coalition. The challenges faced by the government, including housing costs, security concerns, and criminal justice reforms, require careful attention and competent administration.
President Lee's presidency is still in its early stages, providing an opportunity to restore public confidence. However, this requires more than a short-term effort to boost approval ratings. The president must address public concerns with candor, and the ruling party must adhere to the same standards it applies to opponents. Public trust is earned through consistent decisions, accountability, and restraint in power. The latest polling numbers should serve as a warning rather than a verdict. The upcoming press conference on Friday should be an opportunity for President Lee to begin rebuilding public trust and gain momentum for his major policy initiatives.