Lee's approval rating hits 40% for 1st time since early September: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has reached 40 percent for the first time since early September, according to a poll conducted by Gallup Korea. The survey, which polled 1,001 individuals aged 18 and above, revealed a 1 percentage point increase in positive assessments of Lee's performance compared to the previous week. Disapproval of his handling of state affairs dropped by 2 percentage points on-week to 50 percent.

Lee's approval rating had previously stood at 40 percent in the first week of September, before plummeting to a record low of 37 percent in two successive polls conducted in late September and early October. Among those who positively evaluated Lee's performance, 21 percent cited diplomacy, 14 percent mentioned economic and livelihood issues, and 7 percent highlighted communication.

On the other hand, those who disapproved of Lee's performance cited real estate policies, economic and security concerns as the primary reasons. Support for the ruling Democratic Party experienced a 1 percentage point increase to 37 percent, marking its second consecutive weekly gain since hitting a record low.