Lee must rebuild public trust

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has plummeted into the low 30s, according to a recent poll conducted by Realmeter. This dramatic drop from around 60 percent just a few months prior is a matter of serious concern for the president and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). Approval ratings are not merely a measure of popularity; they also serve as a crucial foundation for effective governance.

The erosion of public confidence stems from several factors. Lee's initial popularity was largely founded on the promise of a government that would deliver tangible results. However, concerns over the stock market and housing market, coupled with a string of controversial personnel decisions, have significantly undermined that trust.

Additionally, Lee's frequent use of social media and highly publicized, live-streamed Cabinet meetings, while likely intended to enhance communication, have inadvertently exposed him to criticism for becoming overly entangled in the day-to-day intricacies of governance.

Perhaps most troubling is the escalating controversy surrounding constitutional reform. There is speculation about the potential granting of prosecutors with broader authority to withdraw indictments, a move that has only added to the president's unpopularity and the mounting challenges facing his administration.