On the 8th, the President’s Office again expressed its will to reform President Yoon Seok-yeol’s approval rating, which has hit its lowest since taking office.
A high-ranking official from the Presidential Office met with reporters this morning and responded to a related question by saying, “We will work hard to gain public trust and confidence through change.”
This official said, “Yesterday’s address to the public was made with the common recognition that change is needed from the perspective of the President and the President’s Office,” and added, “We will continue to pursue change and reform.”
Previously, Gallup Korea announced that the president’s approval rating for state administration had fallen to its lowest point in a public opinion poll this week.
As a result of a survey conducted on 1,002 people over the age of 18 nationwide from the 5th to the 7th, the positive rate of the president’s performance of duties was calculated to be 17%, a 2 percentage point (p) drop from the previous week.
The negative evaluation rose by 2 percentage points to 74%, the highest since he took office. (For details, refer to the Central Public Opinion Survey Deliberation Committee website)
The President’s Office is said to be closely watching critical public opinion following President Yoon’s public address and press conference the day before to seek a change in government affairs.
A second annex office has been launched to assist first lady Kim Kun-hee, and as first lady Kim has decided not to accompany her on her next trip, the current trend within the President’s Office is that it will continue to fulfill its promise to reform state affairs and resolve the public sentiment that has turned around.
In particular, the President’s Office is said to be planning to carry out the personnel reform announced by President Yoon as quickly as possible without limiting the scope to the Yongsan staff and cabinet.
Right now, there is talk coming out of the President’s Office that the Office of the Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs, which is in charge of personnel verification, has become very busy.
However, considering that the second Trump administration is currently inaugurated in the United States and that there are many urgent issues such as North Korea’s troop dispatch to Russia and the Middle East crisis, it is highly likely that personnel reorganization will be carried out without damaging the response to current issues.
Apart from the press conference held by visiting reporters, the plan is to hold a separate ‘dialogue with the people’ as soon as the overseas tour schedule ends in the middle of this month
The issue of ‘lack of communication’, which was one of the main causes of criticism towards President Yoon, can be interpreted as a determination to use the turning point of his term as an opportunity to shake it off.
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Time.news Editor: Welcome to our segment on current political developments. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Min-jun Lee, a political analyst specializing in South Korean politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Last week, President Yoon Seok-yeol made a public address where he bowed his head and apologized to the people. Following that, we saw the Presidential Office communicate their commitment to reform amidst his declining approval ratings, which have hit an all-time low. What do you think prompted this public apology?
Dr. Lee: President Yoon’s apology is significant, particularly because it reflects an acknowledgment of the disconnect between his administration and public sentiment. The recent Gallup Korea poll, which indicated that only 17% approved of his performance while 74% disapproved, underscores the urgency for change. His address may have been a strategic attempt to rebuild trust and align governance more closely with public expectations.
Editor: Many experts have pointed to a ‘lack of communication’ from President Yoon as a key issue. Considering this, how crucial do you think effective communication is for his administration moving forward?
Dr. Lee: Effective communication is absolutely vital, especially in a time of crisis. The perception that the administration is disconnected from the populace can significantly impact trust. By actively engaging with citizens—through dialogues and ensuring transparency—President Yoon can begin to mend this rift. His administration needs to prioritize regular communication to demonstrate responsiveness and accountability.
Editor: The Presidential Office has expressed intentions to carry out personnel reforms swiftly. How do you see these changes influencing his governance in light of pressing national issues, like North Korea’s military actions and the Middle East crisis?
Dr. Lee: Personnel reforms are essential for injecting new ideas and approaches into the administration. However, balancing these changes with the ongoing urgent matters is crucial. If the reforms are perceived as too chaotic or distracting, they could potentially undermine the government’s capacity to respond effectively to foreign policy challenges. It’s a delicate tightrope walk, and the administration must ensure that reforms enhance rather than impede their functionality on critical issues.
Editor: There’s also mention of a ‘second annex office’ to assist First Lady Kim Kun-hee, which some speculate indicates a shift in how family members interact with the public image of the presidency. What are your insights on this?
Dr. Lee: The establishment of a second annex is intriguing. It suggests an intention to portray a more engaged and approachable presidential family. In South Korean politics, the role of the First Lady can significantly influence public perception. If Kim Kun-hee can connect with citizens effectively, she may help humanize the presidency and improve public relations. However, it will be essential for the focus to remain on policy reform and governance rather than becoming merely a PR exercise.
Editor: how do you foresee the upcoming ‘dialogue with the people’ event impacting public opinion, particularly in light of the critical sentiment currently surrounding the presidency?
Dr. Lee: The dialogue with the people is a pivotal opportunity for President Yoon to directly address concerns and listen to citizens. If executed genuinely, it could serve as a platform for restoring public trust. However, its impact will depend on both the content of the dialogue and follow-up actions taken by the administration. If citizens feel their voices lead to tangible policy changes, it could markedly improve public sentiment. On the other hand, failure to follow through could exacerbate existing frustrations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights today. It seems clear that President Yoon’s administration is at a crucial juncture, facing both challenges and opportunities.
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. Thank you for the discussion. It’s a fascinating time in South Korean politics, and it will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
Editor: Thank you for joining us. We’ll continue to monitor these developments as they emerge.