Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Lee Jae Myung's approval rating hits record low, poll shows
President Lee Jae Myung is the leader of South Korea.
Surveys ask people what they think about his job.
The newest surveys show that fewer people like his work than ever before since he became president.
In one survey, only 49 out of 100 people said they approved.
In another survey, more people were unhappy (46 out of 100) than were happy (44 out of 100).
Many people are upset about the government's housing and rent policies.
The government wants to change property taxes, and many people worry rents will go up.
To help with housing, the government promised to build more than 230,000 new homes near Seoul.
Meanwhile, the president opened a brand-new hospital just for firefighters and other rescue workers.
He said the most important job of the state is to keep people safe.
Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to 49 per cent in the National Barometer Survey, the lowest since his inauguration and the first time below 50 per cent.
In a separate Gallup Korea poll, disapproval (46 per cent) exceeded approval (44 per cent) for the first time since the president took office.
Real estate policies were the top reason cited for disapproval, drawing criticism from 30 per cent in the Gallup poll and a poor rating from 56 per cent in the National Barometer Survey.
The government's property tax revision plan drew 46 per cent support versus 41 per cent opposition, and a housing plan aims to supply more than 230,000 additional homes in the Seoul metropolitan area.
President Lee opened the National Fire Hospital in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, the country's first hospital dedicated to treating first responders.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung
- What
- His approval rating fell to a record-low 49 per cent in the National Barometer Survey, while a Gallup Korea poll showed disapproval surpassing approval for the first time; he also opened the National Fire Hospital for first responders.
- When
- The National Barometer Survey was conducted from Monday to Wednesday and released Thursday; the Gallup poll ran from Tuesday to Thursday and was released Friday.
- Where
- South Korea; the National Fire Hospital is in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, and the housing plan targets the Seoul metropolitan area.
- Why
- Approval fell amid public criticism of the government's real estate policies and its recently unveiled property tax revision plan.
Government supporters
Government critics
Real estate policy performance
Government supporters
34 per cent of respondents gave the government positive assessments on its real estate policies.
Government critics
56 per cent said the administration was doing a poor job; 30 per cent of Gallup respondents cited real estate policies as the top reason for disapproval.
Property tax revision plan
Government supporters
46 per cent supported the government's property tax revision plan, which raises taxes on owners of high-end homes and non-resident owners.
Government critics
41 per cent opposed the plan, amid concerns it increases the tax burden on high-end home owners and non-resident property owners.
Impact on jeonse and rental prices
Government supporters
27 per cent expected little change and 8 per cent predicted a decline in jeonse and monthly rental prices.
Government critics
55 per cent expected the revision to drive up jeonse and monthly rental prices.
Housing supply plan
Government supporters
The government unveiled a comprehensive plan to supply more than 230,000 additional homes in the Seoul metropolitan area.
Government critics
Critics questioned whether the plan would be effective in easing the housing shortage.
- National Barometer approval rating
- 49% (down 4 points, record low since inauguration)
- National Barometer disapproval rating
- 43% (up 6 points)
- Gallup Korea approval rating
- 44% (down 7 points)
- Gallup Korea disapproval rating
- 46% (up 8 points, first time above approval)
- Real estate policy assessment
- 56% poor job vs 34% positive
- Property tax revision plan
- 46% support vs 41% oppose; 55% expect rents to rise
- Housing supply plan
- More than 230,000 additional homes in the Seoul metropolitan area
- Party support
- Democratic Party 40-41%; People Power Party 23-25%
