SEOUL, South Korea — President Yoon Suk-yeol’s approval rating has experienced a significant decline, according to the latest survey conducted by the Korean Gallup. The poll, released on August 30, reveals that only 23% of respondents express satisfaction with the president’s performance, while a staggering 66% disapprove.
Poll Details
The Korean Gallup conducted the survey from August 27 to 29, polling 1002 adults aged 18 and older across the nation. The results indicate a 4-point drop in Yoon’s approval rating from the previous survey, now standing at 23%. Conversely, the disapproval rate has climbed by 3 points to reach 66%.
Positive and Negative Feedback
Among the reasons cited for the positive assessment, successful diplomacy topped the list at 17%. Other reasons included decisive and strong leadership (8%), adequate national defense and security (5%), expansion of medical school admissions (5%), and effective economic and livelihood work (5%).
On the flip side, the most significant concern among respondents was ineffective management of the economy, livelihood, and prices at 14%. Other negative feedback included the expansion of medical school admissions (8%), lack of communication (8%), autocratic behavior (7%), and overall poor performance (7%).
Party Support Ratings
The poll also assessed the support ratings for political parties. The ruling People Power Party saw a 2-point decline, with a current support rate of 30%. The main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, remained unchanged at 31%. The People’s Party garnered 7%, the New Reform Party 2%, and the Progressive Party 1%. A significant portion of respondents, 26%, did not express support for any party.
Poll Reliability and Methodology
The Korean Gallup poll has a reliability rate of 95%, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points. The response rate for the survey was 12.1%.
Analysis
The latest poll results reflect a growing dissatisfaction among the South Korean public towards President Yoon’s administration. The decline in approval ratings can be attributed to a variety of factors, including economic challenges, policy decisions, and perceived leadership style.
Yoon’s administration has faced criticism for its handling of the economy, particularly amid rising inflation and housing costs. The expansion of medical school admissions, initially aimed at addressing a shortage of medical professionals, has also faced backlash, with concerns about the quality of education and the potential impact on the healthcare system.
Political Implications
The drop in Yoon’s approval ratings could have significant political implications. The ruling party’s sliding support could impact its ability to push through legislation and maintain its grip on power. Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, which has consistently trailed the ruling party in recent polls, may see this as an opportunity to regain momentum.
Conclusion
The plummeting approval rating of President Yoon Suk-yeol underscores the challenges he faces in his presidency. With the public’s concerns ranging from economic issues to leadership style, Yoon will need to address these concerns effectively to regain the trust of the South Korean people. As the country navigates through uncertain times, the president’s ability to tackle these challenges will be crucial in shaping the political landscape of South Korea.
This article is based on the information provided by the Yonhap News Agency and reflects the current state of public opinion in South Korea regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration.
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