Lee's approval rating dips to record low of 38%: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has plummeted to a record low of 38%, according to a Gallup Korea survey released on Friday. The survey, conducted from Tuesday to Thursday, polled 1,000 individuals aged 18 and older and found that 38% of respondents positively assessed Lee's handling of state affairs, a decrease of 2 percentage points from the previous week. This marks the lowest approval rating in a Gallup poll since Lee assumed office in June of the previous year.

The negative sentiment was widespread, with 51% of respondents giving a negative assessment of Lee's performance. When asked to specify their concerns, 24% of the detractors cited Lee's real estate policies, while 16% pointed to personnel appointments and 10% mentioned economic and livelihood issues.

The pollster noted that the rise in respondents citing personnel appointments is likely a response to the controversy surrounding Lee's Cabinet picks ahead of their confirmation hearings. Lee's nomination of Rep. Kim Seung-won as justice minister drew significant criticism, with 43% of respondents deeming him unfit for the role, compared to 22% who believed he was suitable for the position.