President Lee Jae Myung's disapproval exceeds approval for first time
· UPIJune 22 (Asia Today) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's disapproval rating surpassed his approval rating for the first time since he took office as public dissatisfaction grew over election management failures and infighting within the ruling Democratic Party.
A Realmeter survey released Monday showed that 46.7% of respondents approved of Lee's performance, down 4.8 percentage points from the previous week.
His disapproval rating rose 5.5 percentage points to 49.7%, while 3.6% said they were unsure.
Lee's approval rating has declined for five consecutive weeks. The latest result also marked the first time it fell below 50% in a Realmeter survey since his inauguration in June 2025.
The poll was commissioned by the EKN newspaper and conducted from June 15 through Friday among 2,517 voters age 18 and older nationwide.
It had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Realmeter attributed the decline partly to growing demands for accountability following problems in the administration of the June 3 local elections.
Ballot shortages were reported at polling locations during the elections, triggering public anger, investigations and calls for an overhaul of the National Election Commission.
Realmeter said a leadership dispute within the ruling Democratic Party also contributed to negative public sentiment.
The polling company said support continued to decline despite positive developments including Lee's European trip and gains in South Korea's stock market.
Concerns about widening inequality in the asset market appeared to contribute to declining support among politically moderate voters and residents of the Seoul metropolitan area, Realmeter said.
Cheong Wa Dae issued a response to the survey Monday, saying it took the decline in Lee's approval rating seriously.
"We believe the recent changes in approval ratings comprehensively reflect how the public experiences current economic conditions and evaluates the administration's overall management of state affairs," the presidential office said.
"We accept the result seriously and humbly and will examine the public's concerns more carefully," it said.
Lee called Friday for a comprehensive overhaul of South Korea's election management system following the ballot shortages.
He also ordered prosecutors and police to investigate the election problems and determine who was responsible.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260623010007704