{
  "id": 8161976,
  "title": "South Korea’s Lee issues high-stakes apology as public support sinks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/south-koreas-lee-issues-high-stakes-apology-as-public-support-sinks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T03:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/18/asia-pacific/politics/south-korea-president-approval/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korean President Lee Jae Myung faced a critical situation as he addressed the nation, apologizing for his perceived shortcomings and pledging to be more humble in his leadership. The apology came as public support for the president continued to plummet, with recent polls indicating a record low approval rating of 37%. The news briefing aimed to reverse the tide of criticism, particularly from the United States, where President Donald Trump has voiced discontent over South Korea's reluctance to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the slow progress of the $350 billion U.S. trade deal. Lee's remarks were a desperate attempt to regain control and rebuild trust with the public amidst a barrage of criticism.",
  "summary": "The move comes as the U.S. slams Seoul over not aiding the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, slow movement on a U.S. trade deal and economic pressure at home.",
  "key_points": [
    "President Lee Jae Myung issues high-stakes apology to nation",
    "Public support for president drops to record low 37%",
    "Apology aims to regain trust amid US criticism"
  ],
  "editors_take": "President Lee's apology signals a shift in his leadership approach, acknowledging public discontent and attempting to regain trust, but its impact on his sinking approval ratings remains uncertain.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}