Sourced fact
The News
According to Anadolu Agency, the approval rating of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has fallen for a fourth consecutive week to 43.3%, with a particularly sharp decline among voters in Seoul.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Politically, this continued drop in President Lee Jae-myung’s approval rating represents significant challenges facing the South Korean government. Low popularity of presidents in South Korea is often linked to pressing economic or social problems, as well as the politicization of the political landscape and escalating tensions between competing political parties. Historically, the democratic republic of South Korea has witnessed considerable fluctuations in presidential popularity, driven by economic conditions and security challenges, indicating that this phenomenon is not new.
In a broader context, this development can be considered part of a wider trend toward declining trust in political institutions in South Korea, which coincides with growing concerns regarding issues such as corruption, unemployment, and the delay of affordable housing programs. These factors interact to create a tense and difficult environment for presidents seeking to maintain their popularity and legitimacy of their rule.



