President Lee apologizes for sharp drop in approval rating: 'I am sorry to the people'

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung apologized on June 10 (local time) following the release of a poll showing a significant drop in his approval rating. "I am sorry to the people," Lee stated on X, formerly Twitter. "I will govern with a lower stance, more humility, a wider embrace, greater inclusivity, and work harder."

The president shared the poll results, which indicated his job performance approval rating at 50.4%. This represents a sharp decline of over 9 percentage points from the previous survey conducted between June 8-9. The poll, conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI), surveyed 1002 adults nationwide and had a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points. The results showed 45.7% of respondents disapproved of his performance.

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I am sorry to the people. I will govern with a lower stance, more humility, a wider embrace, greater inclusivity, and work harder.

Lee's apology comes amid a notable dip in public confidence. The previous survey in the fourth week of May had shown his approval rating at 59.8%. The current figures suggest a challenging period for the administration as it navigates public opinion.

The president's statement emphasized a commitment to a more responsive and humble approach to governance. He acknowledged the "sober assessment of the people" and vowed to improve his performance based on this feedback. The shared poll data highlights the volatility of public sentiment and the direct impact it has on the president's standing.

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I humbly accept the sober assessment of the people.