President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating has edged back up to 64%, signaling stable public support as his administration approaches the two-month mark. The figures come from a newly released Gallup Korea survey conducted from Tuesday to Thursday, sampling 1,001 adults nationwide.
The survey shows a 1 percentage point increase from the previous week, reflecting a rebound in confidence following a minor dip to 63%. Meanwhile, negative perceptions of President Lee’s performance remained unchanged at 23%. The data suggests that while criticism persists over issues such as perceived excessive welfare spending, controversial diplomatic decisions, and personnel appointments, overall public sentiment remains largely favorable.
President Lee began his term with a 64% approval rating in Gallup Korea’s initial polling three weeks into office. His rating peaked at 65% in early July before briefly declining. The latest uptick may signal a growing tolerance or acceptance of his policy agenda, which has focused heavily on social welfare, cost-of-living measures, and expanding public housing initiatives.
Critics, however, continue to point to what they describe as unsustainable social spending, a lack of cohesion in foreign policy, and several appointments that have sparked public and parliamentary scrutiny. These concerns appear to be holding back a broader rise in approval, though they have not significantly eroded the president’s popularity.
In parallel with President Lee’s gains, support for the ruling Democratic Party has also increased. The party’s approval rating rose to 46%, a 3 percentage point jump from the previous week. The increase may be tied to the government’s proactive response to recent natural disasters, as well as a raft of new economic support measures unveiled last week.
In contrast, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) failed to make gains, holding steady at 19%. Political analysts suggest that the PPP’s stagnant numbers may reflect internal divisions and a lack of a coherent alternative policy platform in the face of the Democratic Party’s ongoing legislative initiatives.
The Gallup Korea poll carries a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, ensuring the reliability of the trend.
As President Lee continues to solidify his leadership early in his term, upcoming legislative debates and foreign policy tests could further influence public perception. With a strong base of support, the administration now faces the challenge of converting popular approval into sustained policy achievements while navigating domestic and international headwinds.
