Lee's approval rating drops to lowest level since taking office: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has plummeted to its lowest point since assuming office in June of the previous year, according to a recent poll. The National Barometer Survey, which polled 1,002 individuals aged 18 and above, revealed that 43 percent held a favorable view of Lee's handling of state affairs, a drop of 7 percentage points from the previous survey conducted two weeks prior.

Disapproval of Lee's performance reached a staggering 48 percent, marking the first time it has exceeded his approval rating in the biweekly survey. The recent Cabinet reshuffle saw 47 percent of respondents negatively view the nomination of Rep. Kim Seung-won as justice minister, while only 24 percent had a positive opinion. Similarly, 63 percent criticized Lee's choice of Rep. Yong Hye-in as gender equality minister nominee, compared to 17 percent who supported his decision.

Both nominees have faced criticism following their nominations, with Kim accused of illegally lobbying for a COVID-19 treatment in 2021 and Yong for declining to relinquish her proportional representation seat in the National Assembly.