President Lee Jae Myung's Approval Rating Hits Record Low of 38 Percent

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has fallen to a record low of 38 percent, according to a Gallup Korea poll of 1,000 people released Friday. This marks the first time the president's popularity has dipped below 40 percent since he took office in June last year. The survey showed that 51 percent of respondents gave a negative assessment of his handling of state affairs.

Both reports attribute the decline to controversies surrounding recent Cabinet nominations. Among those who disapproved of Lee's performance, 16 percent cited personnel appointments. Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won has faced allegations regarding the approval of a COVID 19 treatment and stock manipulation. Poll respondents indicated that 43 percent found Kim unfit for the post, while 22 percent considered him fit. Gender Equality Minister nominee Yong Hye-in has been criticized for her decision to retain her proportional representation seat in the National Assembly, as well as allegations of nepotism. The poll found that 61 percent of respondents viewed her as unsuitable for the position, while 13 percent viewed her as fit.

Other factors contributing to the negative rating include real estate policies and economic livelihood issues. While the center outlet focused on the general criticism of real estate policies, the center right outlet framed these as a housing affordability crisis resulting from the liberal administration's measures and taxation on homeowners.

Additional data from the poll showed that support for the ruling Democratic Party remained at 38 percent, while the main opposition People Power Party saw a 1 percentage point drop to 29 percent. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.