South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's Approval Rating Plummets to Record Low

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea is facing a significant challenge as his approval rating has dropped to an all-time low of 23%, according to a recent poll conducted by Gallup Korea. The survey, carried out from April 16-18, 2024, revealed that 68% of respondents disapproved of Yoon's performance, marking a 10 percentage point increase from the previous week.

The plunge in Yoon's popularity follows his conservative People Power Party's crushing defeat in the recent general elections, where they secured only 108 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly. In contrast, the main opposition Democratic Party expanded its majority to 175 seats. The election outcome is widely seen as a referendum on Yoon's leadership, as it was the only national vote during his single five-year term.

Respondents cited various factors contributing to their negative assessment of Yoon's presidency, including his handling of the economy, inflation, and communication skills. The president's management of medical school quotas and foreign policy decisions have also drawn criticism. Yoon's failure to apologize for the election loss during a public speech and concerns over his consideration of both conservative and liberal figures for key posts have further fueled public discontent.

Why this matters: The record low approval rating for President Yoon Suk Yeol reflects growing public dissatisfaction with his leadership and policies. As the head of state, Yoon's ability to effectively govern and address the nation's pressing issues is crucial for South Korea's stability and progress.

The president has pledged to listen to the people and change direction in light of the election results. However, he has yet to announce a plan to overhaul the government. A presidential office official revealed that Yoon and the Daegu mayor discussed the possibility of appointing a new prime minister, but the office denied that pro-Moon figures were being considered for key positions.

As South Korea grapples with economic challenges and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, President Yoon faces an uphill battle to regain public trust and support. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether he can effectively address the concerns of the South Korean people and steer the nation towards a more stable and prosperous future.

Key Takeaways

• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating plunged to 23%.
• Yoon's conservative party suffered a crushing defeat in recent elections.
• Respondents cited economic, inflation, and communication issues for their negative assessment.
• Yoon pledged to listen to the people and change direction after the election loss.
• Yoon faces an uphill battle to regain public trust and address the nation's challenges.