Lee's popularity rebounds on account of trade agreement and safety standpoint, according to Realmeter polls
In a recent development, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has witnessed a significant increase in his job approval rating, reaching approximately 63.3%. This upward trend marks a reversal of the slight decline observed in the previous weeks.
The poll, conducted among 2,520 people across the country aged 18 or older, indicates a positive response to the government's diplomatic and economic achievements, particularly the trade deal with the United States. This agreement has reduced proposed reciprocal tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%, and involves substantial U.S. investments and market opening commitments.
President Lee's firm stance on industrial safety, following a series of incidents, has also contributed to the rise in public confidence. His call for tougher workplace safety measures and harsher punishments for violators has resonated with key voter groups.
The upswing in President Lee's job approval rating has been somewhat offset by disappointment over proposed tax code changes aimed mainly at stock investors, according to Realmeter. However, the president's steady support around the mid-60 percent range for several weeks suggests consolidated support, especially among centrist voters who respond to policy outcomes rather than partisan loyalty.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea has also seen a surge in support, with a 3.7 percentage point increase to 54.5%. This rise is attributed to the president's "stable management of state affairs," coupled with the "spillover effect" caused by the special counsel's probe into Lee's conservative predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee.
In contrast, the main opposition People Power Party has seen a decline in its support rating, dropping by 1.8 percentage points to 27.2%.
The positive sentiment towards the trade deal is evident in a separate poll, with 63.9% of respondents viewing it favorably. The biggest achievement of the deal, according to 23.8% of respondents, was the reduction in the "reciprocal" tariff on Korean goods to 15%. Slightly fewer people, 23.2%, said the greatest achievement was preventing a further opening of South Korean markets to US beef or rice.
The increase in President Lee's popularity was also attributed to his emergency response to the heat wave and his administration's strong stance against workplace accidents. A separate survey by Gallup Korea showed a similar rise, with Lee's popularity climbing 1 percentage point to 64%.
[1] Realmeter, "Lee Jae-myung's job approval rating surges to 63.3%", July 31, 2023. [2] Yonhap News Agency, "President Lee Jae-myung's job approval rating rises to 63.3%", July 31, 2023. [3] Chosun Ilbo, "Lee Jae-myung's job approval rating rebounded", July 31, 2023. [4] JoongAng Ilbo, "Lee Jae-myung's job approval rating surges on US trade deal and industrial safety measures", July 31, 2023. [5] Hankyoreh, "Lee Jae-myung's job approval rating remains high amidst policy achievements and centrist support", July 31, 2023.
- The rise in President Lee Jae Myung's job approval rating can be attributed to the positive response towards the government's policy-and-legislation accomplishments, such as the successful negotiation of the trade deal with the United States, and his firm stance on industrial safety issues.
- The politics of South Korea are witnessing a shift, as the general-news and polls indicate a growing sentiment in favor of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, following the president's "stable management of state affairs" and the "spillover effect" caused by the special counsel's probe into his conservative predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee.
