Policy Chief: Lee's Approval Drop Not Just Policy; Changes Under Discussion

South Korean Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom acknowledged that President Lee Jae-myung's declining approval ratings are not solely attributable to policy missteps. Speaking at a press conference, Kim stated that the administration is actively discussing "parts that need to be changed" without resorting to a "major shift in policy direction."

“

It cannot be seen as solely due to policies such as labor, taxation, and real estate. We are discussing parts that need to be changed without a major shift in policy direction.

Kim suggested that public dissatisfaction reflected in the approval ratings stems from "various factors." He noted that while specific policies related to labor, taxation, and real estate might be points of concern, they are not the sole drivers of the decline. The policy chief also pointed to "elections" as a contributing element to the rating fluctuations.

“

Public dissatisfaction and complaints about various factors are reflected when approval ratings change.

The administration is prioritizing "polarization" and "youth concerns," with President Lee himself reportedly emphasizing these issues. Kim indicated a careful approach, stating the need to "listen meticulously to the areas that are lacking" and "carefully craft policies."

“

Rather than a major shift in policy direction, we have the stance that we must listen meticulously to the areas that are lacking and carefully craft policies.

He recalled past periods of significant rating volatility, including a "scandal involving a pardon" and subsequent "political events like elections," suggesting a pattern of public sentiment reacting to a combination of governance and political occurrences. The focus remains on refining existing policies rather than enacting drastic changes.

“

I do not think approval ratings have dropped significantly solely due to labor, taxation, and housing. There were also elections. We have an opportunity to look at it internally and overall.