Rising criticism directed against South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is causing his approval ratings to reach historic lows. Public discontent is mostly related to what many consider as his poor political handling, high inflation, and continuous scandals surrounding his wife, Kim Keon-hee.
Since his inauguration in May 2022, Yoon’s approval rating has now dropped to just 20 percent, the lowest position since then. A new Gallup Korea poll indicates that voters have voiced disappointment about his handling of several important issues, including the continuous doctors’ strike, the growing cost of living, and what is generally seen as his ineffective public communication.
From his first approval rating of 53 percent in June 2022, just after entering office, this shows a dramatic drop. The decline in popularity coincides with a pivotal moment as South Korea negotiates public discontent and economic uncertainty.
Difficulties and Setbacks for Yoon’s Rule
The general election in April, which Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) lost handily, was one of the most major setbacks to his leadership. Considered as a referendum on Yoon’s administration, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea obtained an astounding 192 out of 300 seats in the National Assembly. This loss has further damaged his reputation and begged doubts on his capacity for good leadership.
Yoon’s rating slipped to 27 percent in another recent Realmeter poll, down 2.9 percentage points from the week before. The poll revealed unhappiness even among conservatives, many of whom have been annoyed with the government’s incapacity to control growing prices, particularly during the Chuseok harvest festival. Analysts point to too optimistic economic projections from Yoon’s government, which seem increasingly distant from the hard financial reality many South Koreans experience.
There is testing of Yoon’s administration on several fronts. The country is experiencing a healthcare crisis where the departure of trainee doctors causes extensive disruptions. Surgeries are postponed, ERs are packed, and there doesn’t seem to be a quick fix visible. Elderly South Koreans, a major conservative group who has always supported the president, find great resonance in this problem. Many feel abandoned by the government as they try to get required medical treatment.
Head of the Institute for Presidential Leadership Choi Jin noted that Yoon’s circumstances are unstable and made worse by a number of political blunders and mounting public discontent. Choi said, “The president doesn’t seem to grasp how fragile his position has become,” stressing that Yoon’s unwillingness to change his leadership approach is just aggravating things. Approval ratings so low make projecting strength and keeping control almost impossible.
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Scandals Complicating First Lady Kim Keon-hee
Yoon’s administration is further complicated by the issues surrounding First Lady Kim Keon-hee. Allegations of market manipulation and claims Kim has meddled in candidate selection for the National Assembly have undermined public confidence. Prosecutors recently chose not to pursue charges against her for taking an expensive handbag from a US-based preacher, ruling there was no basis for criminal prosecution. This choice, however, has not helped to dispel suspicions or change public opinion of the First Lady.
Following a period of relative silence, Kim reappeared in the public glare last week visiting a bridge in Seoul to monitor efforts at suicide prevention. Critics, however, were fast to criticize her presence as tone-deaf, charging her of returning to public service without noting the ongoing controversy around her.
Observers warn that Yoon’s refusal to negotiate with opposition parties and his aggressive attitude toward medical experts and labor unions could aggravate the already existing crises. Growingly disappointed with his leadership, his appointment of people with far-right or pro-Japanese opinions to important government posts has further alienated sections of the population.
Political scientist Yoon Sung-suk of Chonnam National University underlined the immediate need of Yoon to change his strategy. “Without notable changes in leadership style, the crises Yoon is facing will only worsen,” he advised.
Many in the government are waiting and seeing as Yoon’s government battles diminishing support, hoping he will understand the need for reform. For now, though, the president seems committed to follow his present path despite growing data showing it is bringing him into more political unrest.
