Lee's approval rating hits new low of 40%: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has plummeted to a new low of 40%, according to a recent poll conducted by Gallup Korea. The survey, which polled 1,001 individuals aged 18 and above between Tuesday and Thursday, revealed that Lee's management of state affairs received positive feedback from only 40% of respondents, a decline of 2 percentage points from the previous week. Conversely, Lee's disapproval rating increased by 1 percentage point to 51%, marking the highest level since his inauguration.

The economy and people's livelihoods emerged as the primary reasons for the positive assessment, cited by 14% of those polled. Diplomacy and overall performance followed, with 13% and 10% respectively. When assessing Lee negatively, 23% of respondents pointed to his real estate policies as the main concern, while 11% cited economic and livelihood issues, and 9% were critical of personnel appointments.

Gallup attributed the recent surge in concerns over personnel appointments to Lee's recent Cabinet reshuffle, wherein six new ministers were nominated.

The pollster also noted that real estate policies have remained a persistent concern throughout the poll, suggesting a continued source of discontent among the public.