Lee's Approval Rating Edges Down to 66 Percent Amid Economic Concerns

Coverage Comparison

Two consecutive weekly surveys by Gallup Korea, both reported by Yonhap News Agency, show a slight dip in President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating. The most recent poll, conducted April 21-23 among 1,001 respondents, put approval at 66 percent, down one percentage point from the previous week's 67 percent. The earlier survey, conducted April 14-16 among 1,000 respondents, had recorded the 67 percent figure for the second consecutive week, tying the highest level since Lee took office.

The two reports differ slightly in the reasons cited for positive evaluations. In the latest survey, the economy and people's livelihoods were the most frequently cited reason for approval, mentioned by 17 percent of respondents, followed by diplomacy at 14 percent. The previous week's survey, however, highlighted diplomacy as the top reason at 19 percent, with economic issues second at 16 percent. The discrepancy suggests shifting public priorities week to week.

Key Claims

• Approval rating: The latest Gallup Korea poll shows Lee's approval at 66 percent, down 1 percentage point from the prior week's 67 percent, according to Yonhap.
• Survey details: Both polls were conducted among approximately 1,000 adults aged 18 and over, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level, per Yonhap.
• Positive reasons: In the most recent survey, 17 percent cited the economy and livelihoods as the main reason for approval, while in the prior week, 19 percent cited diplomacy, according to the two Yonhap reports.
• Negative reasons: Concerns over the economy and the high exchange rate topped the negative responses in both polls (17 percent in the latest, 16 percent in the prior week), with excessive welfare policies mentioned by 9 percent in the latest survey.
• Party support: The ruling Democratic Party's approval remained unchanged at 48 percent in both surveys, while support for the main opposition People Power Party fell 1 percentage point to 19 percent in the latest poll after adding a point to reach 20 percent the prior week.

Perspectives

Government-aligned perspective: The slight decline in approval is framed as a minor fluctuation within a context of overall strong support, with the previous 67 percent having been a record high. The positive evaluation tied to diplomacy during Lee's ongoing Asia trip to India and Vietnam is emphasized in the earlier survey.

Opposition-aligned perspective: The dip in approval, coupled with rising negative assessments (up 2 percentage points to 26 percent in the latest poll), may be interpreted as growing public unease over economic management and the exchange rate, which were the most cited negative reasons.

Independent analysis: The two surveys, while showing a one-point decline, remain within the margin of error, suggesting stability rather than a significant shift. The consistency in Democratic Party approval at 48 percent indicates that partisan dynamics are not driving the change. The slight uptick in negative responses, however, could signal emerging concerns that may affect future ratings if economic conditions worsen.

Note: All figures are based on Yonhap's reporting of Gallup Korea surveys. The margin of error applies to the overall approval rating; subgroup responses carry larger margins.