South Korea's Lee Jae-myung hits 66% approval as ruling DP leads poll

President Lee Jae-myung’s job approval rating rose to 66%, the highest since taking office in June last year, according to a Gallup Korea poll conducted 10–12 of the month with 1,002 adults nationwide. The figure marks a 1-point increase from the previous survey.

The poll shows broad support across age groups and regions, with 66% approving and 24% disapproving. Undecided or undecided respondents accounted for 11%. Among the reasons for approval, respondents cited the economy and people’s livelihoods (20%), diplomacy (10%), and overall performance, housing policy, and communication (each about 8%).

Disapproval focused largely on economic and livelihoods concerns and the exchange rate, with 16% citing these as reasons. Other recurring criticisms included diplomacy and perceptions of autocracy or unilateral decision-making (8%), and a general sense that things are not going well (7%).

In political party terms, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) led with 47% support, up 1 percentage point from the previous survey and the highest since Lee’s government began. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) stood at 20%, down 1 point. Among independents or moderates, DP led 51% to 12% for PPP.

Beyond these two main parties, small parties received minor share: Jokuk Innovation Party 2%, Reform New Party 1%, and Progressive Party 1%. Favorability ratings showed DP at 50% favorable and 39% unfavorable; Jokuk Innovation Party had 25% favorable and 60% unfavorable; PPP had 19% favorable and 70% unfavorable.

Methodologically, the survey used random-digit dialing with mobile virtual numbers provided by three mobile carriers, conducted via CATI interviews. The response rate was 11.9%, and the margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Details are available on the Commission’s website overseeing public opinion surveys in elections.

Why this matters for U.S. readers: Korea’s domestic politics shape its economic and foreign policy, including how Seoul—an important U.S. ally and security partner—can advance trade, technology, and defense collaboration. A strong showing for the ruling party may influence Korea’s economic policy, housing measures, and stance on issues tied to the U.S.-Korea alliance, such as defense cost-sharing, supply chains for semiconductors and other high-tech goods, and regional diplomacy with China and North Korea. The poll also signals how public sentiment could affect Korea’s policy direction on diplomacy, sanctions, or technology export controls that have implications for American firms and global markets.