Key facts
- President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating fell to 33.8% in a poll published Monday.
- Disapproval for President Lee Jae-myung's performance stood at 63.3%.
- Public dissatisfaction with housing policy and cabinet appointments contributed to the decline.
- A nominee for gender equality minister withdrew amid controversy.
- President Lee Jae-myung has not publicly commented on his falling popularity.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has fallen to a new low of 33.8%, with disapproval at 63.3%, according to a Realmeter survey published Monday. The decline, which comes as Lee enters the second year of his five-year term, is attributed to public discontent with key policies, including housing, and controversy over cabinet appointments. A nominee for gender equality minister withdrew amid accusations of ethics violations against the justice minister nominee. President Lee has not publicly commented on his falling popularity, but a Blue House spokesperson stated that the administration is listening to public voices with a heavy sense of responsibility. Housing policy has emerged as a major source of dissatisfaction, echoing challenges faced by the previous liberal administration. Lee has proposed measures to curb property speculation, such as raising taxes on multiple home owners and tightening borrowing restrictions, which critics argue have made housing less accessible for prospective buyers. A debate is ongoing regarding the development of 2,800 acres in Seoul's Yongsan district, including a 740-acre parkland, into high-density housing, highlighting competing demands for housing and green space.