President Lee's approval rating rises to 45%

President Lee Jae-myung's job approval rating has reached 45%, with 45% of respondents expressing disapproval, according to a poll released on August 21. The survey, conducted by Korea Gallup from August 18-20 among 1,004 adults nationwide, found a 1% point increase in positive approval and a 1% point decrease in negative approval compared to the previous survey.

Respondents cited "foreign policy" (19%) as the primary reason for their positive assessment of the president's performance. Other factors included general economic and livelihood management (11%) and communication (7%). On the other hand, "real estate policy" (28%) was the most frequently mentioned reason for disapproval, followed by economic and livelihood issues (12%) and defense, security, and North Korea policy (7%).

Korea Gallup suggested that the gradual increase in negative sentiment regarding defense and security may be influenced by the recent integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies and remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump concerning North Korea's nuclear program. The ruling Democratic Party garnered 41% support, with the People Power Party at 25%. The Jo Guk Innovation Party, the Progressive Party, and the Reform Party each received 2% support. The Democratic Party's support remained unchanged despite the election of Kim Min-seok as its new leader on August 17. The proportion of undecided voters decreased by 2% points to 26%.