President Lee to Face Press as Approval Ratings Hit New Lows

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to hold a 90-minute press conference Friday as his administration confronts declining public support and a series of politically sensitive disputes.

The event, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., will be held under a slogan promising closer attention to the public’s wishes and livelihoods. It will be Lee’s seventh press conference since he took office in June 2025, but it stands out because most of his previous appearances were tied to milestones or other special occasions. The presidential office announced the session three days in advance.

The meeting with reporters comes as Lee’s approval ratings have fallen to their lowest levels, reaching the mid-30 percent range in recent weeks. The decline has been especially pronounced among younger voters, raising pressure on the president to explain the direction of his government and respond directly to controversies surrounding major policies.

One expected topic is constitutional revision. Lee and the ruling Democratic Party have advocated replacing South Korea’s single five-year presidential term with a system allowing two four-year terms. Opposition lawmakers have alleged that the proposal could be intended to open a path for Lee to seek another term. The Constitution, however, states that changes to the presidential term system would not apply to the president serving when a revision is adopted.

Lee is also likely to be questioned about criminal cases that were suspended after he assumed office. Critics have accused the administration and ruling party of pursuing prosecution reforms that could ultimately lead to the cancellation of his indictments. The issue has intensified the broader partisan conflict over changes to South Korea’s prosecution system.

Foreign and security policy may also feature prominently. Lee faces questions over whether South Korea should deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz amid pressure from the United States. Any decision would carry implications for the alliance as well as South Korea’s exposure to security risks in the Middle East.

The president may additionally be asked about controversy surrounding his ministerial choices. Rep. Yong Hye-in recently withdrew as nominee for gender equality minister following mounting scrutiny of her qualifications.

With several contentious issues converging, the press conference offers Lee an opportunity to reset his public message. It will also test whether direct engagement can arrest the slide in support while giving clearer answers on the administration’s domestic and security priorities.