President Lee's approval rating reaches 67%, 'highest since inauguration'... rising for 7 consecutive weeks
President Lee's approval rating has soared to 67%, the highest since his inauguration, after seven weeks of consecutive growth according to a recent Gallup poll in South Korea.
According to a recent Gallup Korea survey, President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has reached an all-time high of 67%, marking the first time it has climbed to this level since he took office. This increase comes after seven consecutive weeks of rising support, reflecting a positive response to his administration's performance. The survey conducted from February 17 to 19 showed that 67% of respondents believe he is doing well in his job, while only 25% disapprove of his performance. Gallup indicated that this positive rating is the highest recorded since his inauguration.
Historically, President Lee's approval ratings have fluctuated, with the lowest point recorded at 54% in the third week of October of the previous year, a dip attributed to crises such as the kidnapping of South Koreans in Cambodia. Since then, his rating has been on the upswing, with gradual increases registered every week from February onward. The declining disapproval ratings during this same period—from 29% to 25%—further illustrate growing support across the population, including among younger voters and constituencies traditionally considered conservative.
The main reasons cited for the strong approval ratings include perceptions regarding the economy and living conditions, which accounted for 17% of positive feedback. However, 18% of those who disapprove of his performance pointed to economic issues, high exchange rates, and the overall cost of living as their main concerns. Political support remains polarized, with the Democratic Party of Korea continuing to lead in party approval ratings at 46%, while the main opposition party, the People Power Party, lags significantly at 20%. The results indicate that the Democratic Party may be poised for a strong showing in upcoming local elections, underpinned by substantial backing from centrist voters.