Lee approval reaches 65% as U.S. media cite performance politics

Mar 09, 2026, 08:19 am

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President Lee Jae-myung receives a salute from newly promoted brigadier generals during a ceremony to award Samjeonggeom swords at the Blue House State Guest House on March 6. / Yonhap

President Lee Jae-myung has reached his highest approval rating since taking office, with foreign media attributing the surge in support to his results-oriented style of governance and pragmatic leadership.

According to a Gallup Korea survey released on March 8, Lee’s job approval rating stood at 65 percent, up one percentage point from the previous poll. The figure ties the highest level recorded on July 4 last year.

The poll, conducted from March 3 to 5 among 1,001 adults nationwide, found that the top reasons for positive evaluations were economic and livelihood policies (18%), followed by real estate policy (16%), foreign policy (11%), and a general assessment that he is “doing well overall” (10%).

Observers say Lee’s firm and consistent policy direction has produced tangible results, including an improvement in the stock market and a reversal in rising apartment prices in Seoul’s Gangnam district. His pragmatic approach to governance and active communication with the public through X are also expected to further reinforce his political support.

U.S. foreign affairs magazine The Diplomat recently highlighted Lee’s leadership style in an analysis article titled “Lee Jae-myung Is a New Kind of President — and South Koreans Approve.”

The publication said Lee’s high approval rating is “not simply a honeymoon effect but the direct result of a governing approach that prioritizes real achievements over ceremonial rhetoric.” It added that even moderate voters view his work-focused governance as efficient and effective.

The article also described Lee’s popularity as rooted in a “servant-leader philosophy.” It noted that Lee often portrays himself as “a worker or hired mercenary tasked by the people with carrying out a specific mission,” reflecting a humble leadership stance.

According to the analysis, Lee’s persistent policy consistency, pragmatic diplomacy and unconventional communication methods have all contributed to his strong public support.

In particular, his negotiation strategy with the United States — which reportedly produced an unexpected outcome involving nuclear-powered submarine development during tariff talks — drew attention, as did his decision to broadcast cabinet meetings live and communicate directly with citizens via social media.

On March 7, Lee wrote on X that “having authority means bearing an equal amount of responsibility.” He added, “The president’s greatest responsibility is to unite the people.”

He further stressed that leaders must never forget “the formidable wisdom of the people,” emphasizing the equal weight of power and responsibility.

The Gallup Korea survey was conducted through interviewer-administered telephone calls to randomly selected mobile virtual numbers. It carries a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level, with a contact rate of 44.7 percent and a response rate of 11.9 percent. Further details are available on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.

#Lee Jae-myung #approval rating #Gallup Korea #The Diplomat #servant leadership