Yoon’s Approval Rating Hits New Low at 27%, Fuelled byScandals and Economic Woes
Seoul, South Korea – South Korean President YoonSuk-yeol’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low of 27%, according to a recent poll conducted by Realmeter, a leadingKorean polling agency. This marks a significant drop from the previous week’s rating and represents the lowest point since Yoon took office in May 2022.
The poll, conducted between September 9th and 13th, surveyed 2,503 individuals aged 18 and above nationwide. The results revealed a 2.9 percentage point decline in Yoon’s approval rating,surpassing the previous low of 29.3% recorded in the first week of August 2022. Conversely, the disapproval rating saw a 2.6 percentage point increase, reaching a record high of 68.7%, exceeding the previous peak of 67.8% from the same period in August 2022.
Realmeter attributed the decline in Yoon’s approval rating to a weakening of support within the conservative camp and among Yoon’s supporters. Several factors have contributed to this erosion of public confidence, including:
- Scandals involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon-hee: Allegations of corruption and unethical behavior surrounding Kim Keon-hee have fueled public discontent and cast a shadow over Yoon’s administration.
- Opposition calls for a special investigation into the death of a flood control soldier: Theopposition party’s persistent demand for a special investigation into the death of a soldier during flood control operations has further strained relations between the ruling and opposition parties, adding to the public’s dissatisfaction.
- Rising consumer prices: The surge in consumer prices, particularly during the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holiday period, hasput a strain on household budgets and contributed to a sense of economic hardship, further impacting Yoon’s approval rating.
The poll also revealed a decline in the ruling People Power Party’s support, dropping 1.6 percentage points to 33%. Conversely, the main opposition Democratic Party saw a slight decrease of 0.5 percentage points, settling at 39.6%. Other smaller parties, including the Justice Party, the Reform Party, and the Progressive Party, followed with lower support rates.
The declining approval rating for Yoon and his party signals a growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration. This trend is likely to impact the upcoming2024 general elections, potentially favoring the opposition Democratic Party.
The ongoing scandals, coupled with economic challenges and political gridlock, have created a challenging environment for Yoon’s presidency. The public’s growing dissatisfaction is a clear indication that Yoon’s administration needs to address these issues effectively to regain public trust andimprove its standing ahead of the crucial elections next year.
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