President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating has climbed above 60 percent for the first time in approximately seven months. This approval rating surge reached 60.3 percent according to a Realmeter poll released Monday, up 2.1 percentage points from the previous week. Negative evaluations fell correspondingly to 35.0 percent. Consequently, this approval rating increase marks the second consecutive weekly gain.
The survey, conducted from March 9 to 13, polled 2,513 voters aged 18 and older nationwide. Lee’s approval rating last exceeded 60 percent in the fifth week of July last year at 63.3 percent. The current figure approaches that previous high-water mark. Therefore, this approval rating improvement represents significant political momentum.
Realmeter attributed the rise to the government’s swift rollout of preemptive economic measures. International oil prices surged, and inflation concerns grew as the Middle East crisis worsened. The administration responded with an oil price cap and an early supplementary budget. Consequently, this approval rating boost reflects public appreciation for crisis management.
The daily approval rating showed particularly sharp movement. It jumped from 56.6 percent on March 6 to 62.3 percent on March 10. This spike appears to reflect the immediate effect of policy announcements, including the formalization of a supplementary budget. Therefore, this rating increase correlates closely with specific government actions.
President Lee ordered extraordinary measures at an emergency economic response meeting on March 9. He directed officials to shore up energy supplies and rein in surging oil prices. Policy chief Kim Yong-beom announced fuel price cap plans later that week. The government is also prepared to draw up a supplementary budget if the conflict drags on. Consequently, this approval surge rewarded proactive executive action.
Centrist voters drove most of the approval rating improvement. Support among centrists rose 4.6 percentage points to 63.5 percent. Conservative support edged up 3.1 percentage points to 33.9 percent, while progressive support held steady. Therefore, this approval rating increase broadened Lee’s political base beyond core supporters.
Regional patterns showed positive evaluations rising everywhere except in two areas. Gwangju and Jeolla provinces, a progressive stronghold, and Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, a conservative base, saw slight declines. All other regions recorded gains. Consequently, this approval rating increase demonstrated geographically broad support.
A separate Realmeter survey on party approval showed the ruling Democratic Party at 50.5 percent. The main opposition People Power Party recorded 31.9 percent, widening the gap to 18.6 percentage points. Democratic Party support rose for a second straight week, topping 50 percent for the first time since July. Therefore, this rating boost for Lee translated into party gains.
Realmeter analyzed that the government’s livelihood-focused policies translated into ruling party support. Internal turmoil within the People Power Party also produced a backlash effect benefiting Democrats. The sharp rise in Seoul, where Democratic support jumped 10.9 percentage points, reflected growing consolidation among ruling party supporters. Consequently, this approval environment creates headwinds for the opposition.
The decision by incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon not to seek the People Power Party nomination also influenced voter behavior. Some conservative voters apparently shifted toward the Democratic Party in response. Chong Won-o’s announced bid for Seoul mayor consolidated ruling party supporters. Therefore, this approval rating landscape affects electoral dynamics ahead of local elections.
The survey’s margin of error and sample size provide statistical confidence in the findings. With 2,513 respondents, the results offer robust insight into public sentiment. The seventh consecutive week of double-digit gaps between major parties exceeds any margin of error. Consequently, this approval rating trend represents a genuine political shift rather than statistical noise.
Economic concerns remain paramount for Korean voters as global uncertainties persist. The Middle East crisis threatens energy supplies and price stability. Government responsiveness to these challenges shapes public perceptions of competence. Therefore, this approval rating increase reflects confidence in crisis management capabilities.
The supplementary budget and fuel price caps demonstrate policy agility that voters reward. Preemptive action contrasts with reactive governance that may appear weak or indecisive. Lee’s emergency meeting and rapid implementation signal executive effectiveness. Consequently, this approval rating boost reinforces the value of decisive leadership.
Looking ahead, maintaining this approval rating requires continued effective governance. The Middle East situation remains volatile with potential for further disruption. Domestic political dynamics, including opposition turmoil, may continue benefiting the ruling camp. Therefore, sustaining this approval rating depends on multiple factors.
In conclusion, President Lee Jae Myung’s rating has surpassed 60 percent for the first time in seven months, reaching 60.3 percent in the latest Realmeter poll. This approval rating increase reflects public support for swift government measures addressing oil price surges and inflation concerns stemming from the Middle East crisis. Centrist voters drove the gain, while the ruling Democratic Party’s support rose to 50.5 percent, widening the gap with the opposition to 18.6 percentage points. The rating surge demonstrates that proactive crisis management translates into political capital for the administration.
