President Lee's approval rating at 54%, PM Han's suitability 'judgment reserved' at 46%: Gallup

President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has risen to 54%, showing an increase from the 51% recorded the previous week, according to a recent poll by Korea Gallup. The survey, conducted from June 30 to July 2 among 1,005 eligible voters nationwide, also indicated that 36% of respondents disapproved of his job performance.

Respondents who viewed the president's performance positively most frequently cited economic and livelihood issues (24%), followed by foreign policy (14%) and general competence (8%). Conversely, negative evaluations were primarily driven by concerns over the economy, livelihoods, and the exchange rate (16%), real estate policy (9%), and perceptions of authoritarianism or unilateral decision-making (7%).

In terms of political party support, the Democratic Party maintained its standing at 41%, unchanged from the prior week. The People Power Party garnered 26% support. Other parties, including the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the Reform Party, each received 2% support, while the Progressive Party and Basic Income Party received 1% each. A significant portion of respondents, 25%, remained unaffiliated with any party.

Regarding the newly appointed Prime Minister Han Sung-sook, who took office on July 2, the poll revealed that 46% of respondents reserved judgment on her suitability for the position. A notable 31% expressed confidence in her capabilities, while 23% stated she was not suitable.

Detailed findings from the survey are available on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.