Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
Lee Jae-myung’s approval rises to 39% in South Korean poll
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s approval rating rose to 39% in a Gallup Korea poll conducted from October 13 to 15.
That was up two percentage points from the previous week, after his rating had matched its lowest level since taking office in two earlier polls.
Disapproval stood at 52%, up one point, while 9% of respondents had no opinion.
Among those who approved of Lee’s performance, foreign affairs was the most common reason; among critics, housing policy ranked first.
The Democratic Party led the People Power Party 36% to 27% in party support, with both parties up one point.
Housing and economic concerns remain key sources of criticism, and the poll said comments about the stock market may relate to a seven-day fall in the KOSPI index.
The survey interviewed 1,003 voters aged 18 or older and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Lee Jae-myung’s job approval rose 2 percentage points to 39%, according to a Gallup Korea poll released on October 16.
Disapproval increased 1 point to 52%, while 9% of respondents did not give an opinion.
The survey found that diplomacy was the most common reason for positive assessments, while real estate policy was the leading reason for negative assessments.
The share citing the economy, livelihoods and the stock market as reasons for disapproval rose by 5 points to 12%.
The poll surveyed 1,003 adults from October 13 to 15.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and the adults surveyed by Gallup Korea.
- What
- Lee’s approval rating rose 2 percentage points to 39%; disapproval was 52%.
- When
- The survey was conducted October 13–15 and released October 16, 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The poll found diplomacy was the most cited reason for approval and real estate policy for disapproval. Gallup Korea said criticism of the economy and stock-market response appeared linked to a seven-session decline in the KOSPI.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lee’s approval rating was 45% in a Gallup Korea poll.
Lee’s approval rating was 37% in both polls, matching his lowest level since taking office.
Gallup Korea surveyed 1,003 adults across South Korea.
Gallup Korea released the poll, reporting Lee’s approval at 39%.
- Approval rating
- 39%, up 2 percentage points
- Disapproval rating
- 52%, up 1 percentage point
- Survey sample
- 1,003 adults aged 18 or older
- Survey dates
- October 13–15, 2026
- Most cited reason for approval
- Diplomacy, 20%
- Most cited reason for disapproval
- Real estate policy, 19%
3 sources
What people are saying
The increase in criticism related to the economy, including the stock-market response, appears to be connected to the KOSPI’s seven consecutive trading-day decline from the 7,000 level to the 5,500 level.