South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s approval rating has slipped into the 10-percent range, according to public opinion polls released on Nov. 1. A Gallup Korea poll conducted from Oct. 29–31 reported a 19% approval rating and a 72% disapproval rating, while an Embrain Public poll from Oct. 27–28 recorded 17% approval and 78% disapproval—the lowest ratings since Yoon took office. Ratings in the 10-percent range are typically seen in extreme situations, such as during impeachment or national crises like the IMF bailout, making this level of discontent unusual for a presidency only halfway through its term.
The reasons for the low ratings are widely understood. In the Gallup Korea poll, the top issue cited was “First Lady Kim Keon-hee issues,” with 17% naming it specifically. In the Embrain Public poll, 57% of respondents supported a special prosecutor’s investigation into the First Lady. While the opposition Democratic Party is pressing for such an investigation, 54% of respondents said they agree with this move. Allegations of Kim’s involvement in candidate selections and government affairs have pushed public patience to its limits. The First Lady’s controversies are reportedly fueling a rift between President Yoon and People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon. Notably, Han’s support for his leadership style within the party is nearly double the president’s approval rating.
If Yoon’s ratings fail to recover from the 10-percent range, his administration’s momentum could suffer. Public officials may become more hesitant to cooperate, with reports already suggesting that some are reluctant to take positions in the presidential office. In traditional ruling-party strongholds like Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, support reportedly has dipped below 20%, reducing the incentive for the ruling party to align closely with the president and potentially weakening his control over policy. Meanwhile, the opposition has begun openly discussing the president’s resignation or a shortened term, with plans for large-scale weekend rallies.
In response, President Yoon recently emphasized that “reforms in pensions, healthcare, education, and labor are critical to improving people’s livelihoods” and urged for accelerated progress by year-end. This pivot appears aimed at shifting attention from political controversies and regaining public support through reform initiatives. However, reforms require public backing; successful change gains strength not from presidential orders but from public consensus. Rather than relying on reforms to restore public support, it is the restoration of public support that grants the mandate necessary to pursue reform.
