Lee's approval rating falls back below 40%: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating dropped to 39 percent in the latest weekly poll, indicating a decline from 41 percent the previous week, according to a Gallup Korea survey conducted from Tuesday to Thursday. The survey polled 1,002 individuals aged 18 and above. Positive assessments of Lee's performance decreased by 2 percentage points compared to the prior week.

Lee's approval rating has oscillated around the 40 percent range in recent weeks, with a low of 37 percent in October. Disapproval of Lee's management of state affairs remained steady at 50 percent. Real estate policies emerged as the primary concern for those who disapproved of Lee, cited by 17 percent of respondents, followed by economic and livelihood issues at 15 percent.

Among those who approved of Lee's performance, 19 percent cited economic and livelihood concerns, while diplomacy was mentioned by 17 percent and communication by 9 percent. The survey comes amidst political debates over a contentious special counsel bill, which has sparked controversies and allegations.