S. Korean President Lee’s approval rating turns negative for first time

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's job approval rating has dipped below 50 percent for the first time since he assumed office, with negative evaluations now surpassing positive ones, according to a poll released on June 22. The survey by Realmeter indicated that 46.7 percent of respondents approved of Lee's performance, a decrease of 4.8 percentage points from the previous week.

This marks a significant shift, as June 22 was the first time his approval rating fell below the 50 percent threshold since his inauguration on June 4, 2025. The rating has been on a steady decline from 60.5 percent in early May. Concurrently, negative assessments rose by 5.5 percentage points to 49.7 percent, placing them just ahead of positive ratings, although still within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Realmeter attributed the downturn to two primary factors: ballot shortages during the June 3 local elections and escalating divisions within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea concerning its leadership race. The pollster noted that these issues have negatively impacted the broader political landscape, despite some positive developments like Lee's European trip and the Kospi index surpassing 9,000 points.

The poll, conducted from June 15 to June 19 among 2,517 voters, also revealed regional and ideological shifts. Lee's approval rating saw its steepest fall in conservative strongholds like Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Concerns over widening asset market disparities also appeared to erode support among moderate voters and residents in the Greater Seoul area. For context, former President Yoon Suk Yeol's disapproval rating surpassed his approval rating six weeks into his term.