President Lee's approval rating drops to 57.1% after six weeks, with declines in Seoul and the Yeongnam region
President Lee's approval rating has fallen to 57.1% after six weeks, reflecting declines particularly in Seoul and the Yeongnam region due to various social and economic issues.
President Lee's approval rating has dropped to 57.1%, marking a decline of 1.1 percentage points compared to the previous week. This survey, conducted by Realmeter under the commission of the Energy Economic Newspaper, involved 2,507 voters aged 18 and above nationwide, and it highlights a translation of discontent within the populace despite favorable economic indicators such as rising financial exports. Both an emerging sense of local marginalization and debates surrounding youth crime legislation have contributed to this decline in public support.
The decrease in approval ratings is particularly pronounced in Seoul and the Yeongnam region, where feelings of alienation among certain demographics have been accentuated by an ongoing decline in real estate prices. The analysis suggests that these complex factors, including socio-economic disparities and perceived injustices during bureaucratic reforms, have fueled public discontent. On the political front, there is noticeable movement in party support, with the ruling Democratic Party's approval dwindling to 47.1% while the opposition People's Power Party has gained ground, climbing to 33.8%. This shift indicates a narrowing gap between the two parties.
Further examined, the Democratic Party's decline can be associated with controversial legislative maneuvers perceived as unilateral by the government, alongside regional discontent triggered by administrative reforms favoring specific areas while alienating others. Conversely, the People's Power Party has managed to rally conservative voters around issues such as opposition to rushed integration processes, potentially cementing their position within key constituencies. The overall political landscape remains quite dynamic, with a notable 10% of voters still undecided, reflecting a significant opportunity for shifts ahead as concerns about economic stability and governance play crucial roles in shaping public sentiment.