South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating has slightly decreased to 66%, as per a recent poll by Gallup Korea. The survey, conducted on 1,000 respondents aged 18 and over, revealed a 1% drop in positive assessment of Lee’s overall performance compared to the previous week. The negative assessment increased by 2 percentage points to 26%, with 8% undecided.
Lee’s handling of the economy and people’s livelihoods was the primary reason for positive evaluation at 17%, followed by diplomacy at 14% and competence at 11%. On the other hand, concerns over the economy and the high exchange rate were cited by 17% of respondents for the negative assessment, followed by diplomacy at 12% and excessive welfare policies at 9%.
The ruling Democratic Party’s approval rating remained steady at 48%, maintaining its highest level since the current administration began. Conversely, support for the main opposition People Power Party dropped by 1 percentage point to 19%. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to participate in talks led by Britain and France regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The virtual meeting, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to ensure free and safe passage through the vital waterway. Lee will address energy supply chains, Seoul’s stance on the Middle East situation, and the importance of international solidarity for the free passage through the shipping route.
The leader-level meeting follows previous consultations, including a France-led video conference of top military officials on March 26 and a Britain-led ministerial meeting on April 2, both of which South Korea attended. The United States is not expected to attend the meeting, while China’s and Japan’s participation is yet to be confirmed.
