Lee's approval rating sinks to lowest point since taking office: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating dropped to an all-time low as a poll released on Monday revealed the extent of the controversy surrounding his administration's policies. Conducted by Realmeter and commissioned by the EKN newspaper, the poll showed a 2.6 percentage point decrease in Lee's approval rating, bringing it down to 43.3 percent from the previous week.

This represents the fourth consecutive weekly decline in his approval rating. The poll also indicated that negative assessments of Lee's performance had risen by 2.5 percentage points, reaching 53 percent.

The decline in Lee's approval rating appears to be driven by several factors. One key issue causing concern is the government's proposed property tax revisions, which have been met with resistance. Additionally, controversy has arisen regarding a recently passed revision to the Criminal Procedure Act, which critics argue weakens prosecutors' authority to conduct direct investigations.

The new tax adjustments announced last week aim to impose a heavier tax burden on owners of high-end homes and homeowners who do not reside in their properties. This move is part of the government's efforts to stabilize the housing market.

Furthermore, the prolonged heat wave has also contributed to the decline in Lee's approval rating. The pollster also pointed to controversy surrounding Lee's remarks suggesting that the Korea Military Academy played a central role in the country's past.