Lee Jae Myung’s Approval Rating Returns to 40 Percent in Gallup Korea Poll

President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating has returned to 40 percent for the first time since early September, according to a Gallup Korea survey released Friday, offering a modest improvement after several weeks of weaker public assessments.

The poll found that positive evaluations of Lee’s performance rose one percentage point from the previous week. Negative assessments declined by two points to 50 percent, leaving disapproval still 10 percentage points higher than approval.

Gallup Korea surveyed 1,001 adults aged 18 and older from Tuesday through Thursday. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

Lee’s approval rating had last reached 40 percent in the first week of September. It later fell to a record low of 37 percent in two consecutive surveys conducted in late September and early October. The latest result suggests some recovery, though the gap between favorable and unfavorable views remains substantial.

Among respondents who approved of Lee’s performance, 21 percent cited diplomacy as the main reason. Economic and livelihood issues followed at 14 percent, while communication accounted for 7 percent. Respondents who viewed the president negatively frequently pointed to real estate policy as well as economic and security concerns.

Support for both major political parties also edged higher. The ruling Democratic Party gained one point to 37 percent, extending its recovery for a second week after falling to a record low of 35 percent in early October. The main opposition People Power Party also rose one point, reaching 28 percent.

The survey separately measured public opinion on whether Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae should be impeached. Thirty-four percent supported impeachment, while 39 percent opposed it. The remaining respondents did not choose either position.

Calls for Cho’s impeachment have emerged among some lawmakers amid disputes over his refusal to newly recommend a candidate for the Supreme Court despite a request from the presidential office, along with allegations concerning the improper use of official funds.

The findings show that Lee and the governing party have regained some ground, but they do not indicate a decisive shift in public sentiment. With half of respondents still disapproving of the president’s performance, economic conditions, housing policy and security concerns are likely to remain central tests for the administration.