President Lee’s Approval Rating Falls to New Low of 37%
A Gallup Korea survey shows President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating falling to 37 percent, while disapproval climbed to 56 percent amid concern over housing policy and Cabinet appointments.
President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating has fallen to 37 percent, marking a new low for the fourth consecutive week, according to a Gallup Korea survey released Friday. The result adds to the political pressure on Lee as his administration faces growing public concern over housing policy and recent Cabinet nominations.
The poll surveyed 1,002 adults from Tuesday through Thursday. Lee’s positive job rating declined by 1 percentage point from the previous week, while his disapproval rating rose by 5 points to 56 percent. That left negative assessments 19 percentage points above positive ones, the widest gap and highest disapproval level since Lee took office in June 2025.
Real estate policy was the most frequently cited reason for dissatisfaction. Among respondents who rated Lee’s performance negatively, 20 percent pointed to the government’s handling of real estate. Personnel appointments followed at 16 percent, while economic and livelihood issues accounted for 9 percent.
Gallup Korea said real estate concerns have remained the leading source of negative assessments since late July. Scrutiny of personnel choices has also intensified following controversy surrounding nominees for key Cabinet posts.
Rep. Yong Hye-in, who had been nominated as gender equality minister, withdrew from consideration earlier this week after facing questions over her qualifications. Justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won, meanwhile, appeared at a parliamentary confirmation hearing Tuesday amid allegations that he improperly lobbied drug regulators in 2021 to accelerate approval of a COVID-19 treatment. Kim has been at the center of a partisan dispute over his suitability for the post.
The poll nevertheless showed a different movement in party support. Backing for the ruling Democratic Party increased by 2 percentage points to 40 percent, while support for the main opposition People Power Party fell by 2 points to 27 percent. The divergence suggests that Lee’s personal ratings and his party’s standing are not moving in lockstep.
The survey results arrive as the president prepares to address reporters amid mounting pressure to explain his policy direction and personnel decisions. With disapproval now well above approval, the administration faces a challenge in rebuilding confidence while responding to housing, economic and governance concerns.
The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.