President Yoon’s Approval Ratings Plunge Amid Diplomatic Setbacks and Controversial Law

President Yoon’s Approval Ratings Decline Amid Diplomatic Setbacks and Special Prosecutor Law

Source: Kyunghyang Shinmun

President Yoon’s approval ratings have been on a downward trend, particularly in the field of diplomacy. Recent surveys indicate a decline in public support for President Yoon, despite his previous high ratings for his frequent overseas visits and achievements in the diplomatic arena.

However, a series of setbacks, including the failed bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan and controversies surrounding social gatherings with business leaders, have contributed to the decline in his approval ratings.

Declining Approval Ratings

According to recent surveys, President Yoon’s approval ratings have dropped to 36.3%. This marks a three-week consecutive decline, while disapproval ratings have risen to 61.2%. The gap in approval ratings between the ruling party and the opposition party has widened, with the ruling party’s approval rating also declining to 36.7%.

Diplomatic Setbacks

President Yoon’s frequent overseas visits have traditionally boosted his approval ratings. However, recent shortcomings in the diplomatic field, such as the failed bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan, controversies surrounding social gatherings with business leaders, and the controversy surrounding his demand for an official apology during his state visit to the Netherlands, have negatively impacted his approval ratings.

Business Gatherings and Public Backlash

President Yoon’s social gatherings with business leaders have faced criticism and public backlash. Additionally, the “Kim Gun-hee Special Prosecutor Law” has the potential to affect President Yoon and the ruling party. President Yoon must decide whether to accept or reject the Special Prosecutor Law, taking into account the potential backlash from public opinion.

Criticism of Economic Model and Governance

President Yoon has been criticized for adopting the economic model and governance style of former President Park Chung-hee. While President Yoon has emphasized the achievements of the Park era and expressed admiration for the former president, this business-centric governance approach has failed to resonate with the public, leading to criticism and a decline in his approval ratings.

Potential Impact on General Elections

The upcoming general elections could be significantly influenced by the “Kim Gun-hee Special Prosecutor Law.” The opposition party plans to push for the passage of the “Twin Special Prosecutor Law,” which includes both the “Kim Gun-hee Special Prosecutor” bill and the “Daechangdong 5 Billion Club” special prosecutor bill. The majority of the public believes that President Yoon should not exercise his veto power against the Special Prosecutor Law, particularly in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. However, the opposition party and civic organizations are increasing pressure on President Yoon, creating a competitive atmosphere for the ruling party and President Yoon in the lead-up to the general elections.

As President Yoon faces criticism and pressure, his approval ratings are being impacted. The public is closely watching how President Yoon will respond to these challenges and how it will affect his approval ratings. The Kyunghyang Shinmun article provides additional information and sources for those interested in further reading.