South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is facing a decline in public approval despite ramping up his engagement on the social media platform X. Recent polling data indicates that Lee’s approval rating has dropped by 2.2 percentage points to 35.2%, with disapproval climbing to 61.4%. The decline reflects growing unease among centrist, conservative, and progressive voters over various government policies and political tensions.
Criticism has been directed at Lee’s administration regarding personnel appointments, judicial independence, national security, and the rising housing costs in the Seoul metropolitan area. The ongoing debate over prosecution reform has also fueled tension within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Meanwhile, the party itself has experienced a significant drop in public support, falling seven percentage points to 35.5%, while the main opposition People Power Party rose to 41.3%, reversing the previous week’s standings, though the difference remains within the margin of error.
In response to these challenges, President Lee has significantly increased his activity on X, posting more frequently to clarify government policies, address controversies, and emphasize his administration’s efforts. His posts surged from 37 in August to 116 in September, with 65 more already by October’s report. Lee has also committed to more direct public engagement through press conferences, public debates, field visits, and livestreams.
Despite these efforts, some of Lee’s comments on social media and personnel decisions have attracted criticism, particularly over disagreements with supporters on prosecution reform. Opposition leaders have questioned whether his social media strategy effectively addresses widespread public concerns or merely engages his political base.
As Lee strives to regain public support, the political landscape remains fraught with disputes over economic policy, national security, and the independence of the judiciary. The president’s increased social media presence is part of a broader attempt to reconnect with the public and navigate the complex political challenges he faces. However, whether this strategy will succeed in reversing his declining approval ratings remains to be seen.