[사설] 하락세 계속되는 대통령 지지율, 국정 전반 점검하고 개선해야

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings continue to decline, with a nationwide survey revealing a public dissatisfaction. The Korean Gallup poll, released on the 28th, showed a 3% point drop in positive evaluations of the government's performance, now at 42%, while negative evaluations reached a record high of 50%.

This downward trend began after a remote automated survey (ARS) on the 26th recorded only 40% positive sentiment. The nationwide indicator survey (NBS) from the 27th revealed a 50% positive rating, a 1% point increase from the previous two-week survey, but the government's ability to stabilize support remains questionable, especially with the upcoming 6·3 local elections and the Democratic Party's Central Committee meeting.

The government must urgently review the overall national administration and take corrective action to regain public trust. Falling approval ratings may signal weakened government momentum, potentially accelerating erosion of public support. The recent stock market decline and stagnant real estate prices, exacerbated by the government's corrective measures, also contribute to this growing anxiety.

Severe criticism over political advertising and the controversy surrounding the "Lee Yoon-gi" and "Jeju disappearance" cases have further damaged the government's standing. The government must prioritize addressing the concerns of the general public, particularly in key social issues, and demonstrate a thorough review process along with strong counterarguments to win back public confidence.

The looming changes to South Korea's criminal procedure system and the "Lee Yoon-gi" and "Jeju disappearance" case investigations heighten citizens' concerns about judicial integrity. While the opposition party's focus on "quick legislative processing of welfare legislation, budget reforms, judicial reform, and election system reforms" is commendable, it is crucial for the ruling party to double down on efforts to stabilize public sentiment and alleviate widespread anxieties, beginning with tangible policy improvements.