Seoul: The first half of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s five-year term has largely been disappointing, as he has been beset by controversies and challenges that have contributed to declining approval ratings. Instead of advancing key policy initiatives, Yoon’s presidency has been mired in issues that have led to widespread public criticism, particularly concerning first lady Kim Keon Hee.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a recent Gallup Korea poll revealed that President Yoon’s approval rating has plunged to 17 percent, marking the lowest point since he assumed office in May 2022. Meanwhile, his disapproval rating has soared to an unprecedented 74 percent. The scandals involving the first lady have been cited for three consecutive weeks as the primary reason for the president’s high disapproval rating, indicating a deep-seated public discontent that remains unresolved.
In a rare press conference on Thursday, Yoon issued an apology to mark the beginning of his term’s second half but notably did not address issues
related to his wife. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea criticized Yoon’s public address, describing it as “full of excuses and tricks to avoid the situation.” The opposition often highlights a president’s shortcomings, but Yoon’s predicament is exacerbated by the fact that many Korean citizens share similar negative perceptions of his presidency, complicating the outlook for the remainder of his term.
An official from the presidential office stated that Yoon intends to regain public trust by implementing changes. In a bid to address the situation, the presidential office announced several follow-up steps, such as first lady Kim refraining from accompanying Yoon on overseas trips and minimizing her public engagements until the end of the year. Additionally, both Yoon and Kim have changed their personal mobile phones to ensure all communication is conducted through official channels, a measure aimed at preventing further controversies.
Despite these efforts, Yoon faces considerable challenges in r
eversing the negative public perception. He must prioritize embracing advice and fostering communication with both allies and political opponents, including those from opposition parties. Initially, Yoon had expressed intentions to transcend the liberal-conservative divide, but the April 10 general election resulted in a significant defeat for his ruling People Power Party, hindering the administration’s ability to pursue ambitious reform plans.
Yoon’s strained relations with key political figures, including People Power Party Chair Han Dong-hoon, have also led to unnecessary conflicts, suggesting a reluctance to heed criticisms. Furthermore, his medical reform plan has faltered, as efforts to increase the medical school admissions quota met with resistance from the medical community, resulting in mass resignations of junior doctors.
South Korea’s economy is currently sluggish, grappling with weak domestic demand. On the international front, the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency adds unc
ertainty to Korea-US relations and trade dynamics, presenting further challenges for Yoon’s administration.
As controversies continue to mount and signs of trouble loom, President Yoon must adapt his approach to governance and improve his communication style to avoid becoming a lame-duck president.