President Lee's approval rating at 52% positive; Democrats lead party support

President Lee Jae-myung's job performance is viewed positively by 52% of respondents, while 37% express negative sentiment, according to a public opinion poll released on August 17.

The survey, conducted by Korea Gallup from August 14-16 among 1,003 adults nationwide, showed a slight dip in approval from the previous week's poll (August 7-9), which recorded 53% positive and 35% negative ratings. The primary reasons cited for positive evaluations included foreign policy (21%), economy and public livelihood (19%), and general performance (8%).

Conversely, negative assessments were most frequently attributed to economic issues and exchange rates (16%), real estate policy (11%), and overall poor performance (7%). Notably, the proportion of respondents citing real estate policy as a reason for negative evaluation increased by 5 percentage points from the prior week.

In terms of party support, the Democratic Party garnered 40%, maintaining its lead over the People Power Party, which received 26% support. The Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the Reform Party each registered 2%, while the Progressive Party and other parties received 1% each. Unaffiliated voters constituted 28% of respondents.