Lee's approval rating inches up from record low to 45%: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has increased slightly from a record low, according to a recent poll. Conducted by Gallup Korea between Tuesday and Thursday, the survey of 1,004 individuals aged 18 and older revealed that 45% of respondents positively evaluated Lee's management of state affairs, marking a 1 percentage point increase from the previous week's record low of 44%. However, Lee's disapproval rating remained at 45%, with 11% of respondents expressing uncertainty about their stance.

The pollster did not provide a specific reason for the rise in Lee's approval rating. Nevertheless, diplomacy was the most commonly cited reason for the positive evaluation at 19% of the respondents, followed by the economy and people's livelihoods at 11%, and overall performance and communication each at 7%. Among those who disapproved of Lee's performance, 28% pointed to his real estate policies, 12% cited concerns over the economy and people's livelihoods, and 7% mentioned defense, security, and North Korea-related policies.

The pollster noted that the increase in the number of respondents mentioning defense may be significant.