South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's Approval Rating Hits New Low

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating has hit its lowest point since taking office in May 2022, according to a Gallup Korea poll. Only 20% of respondents approved of his performance, citing issues with medical reforms, cost of living, and communication. The ruling party suffered a significant loss in the April general election.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating plummeted to its lowest since his inauguration in May 2022, according to a recent Gallup Korea poll.

Only 20% of those surveyed expressed approval for Yoon's performance, attributing their dissatisfaction to his handling of medical reforms, the cost of living, and communication issues. The president's conservative People Power Party faced a crushing defeat in April's general election, as the opposition Democratic Party of Korea secured 175 out of 300 seats in the National Assembly.

Widely perceived as a mid-term referendum on Yoon's governance, the election has since marked consistently low approval ratings, now lingering below 30%. Yoon, who enjoyed a peak approval rating of 53% in June 2022, shortly after assuming office, has since faced mounting public criticism.

The Yoon administration pledges to address the country's doctor shortage by increasing medical student admissions by 2,000 annually, a move that has sparked a months-long walkout by young doctors, further straining the healthcare system.

In light of the backlash, Yoon's office announced potential revisions to the plan. Despite challenges, Yoon highlights his foreign policy achievements, including strengthened ties with Tokyo, as a key success of his presidency.

The Gallup Korea poll surveyed 1,002 respondents via phone. A separate Realmeter poll on September 2 reported Yoon's approval rating at 29.6%.

(With inputs from agencies.)