Lee Jae-myung Government Approval Rating Plummets 9%... Even 40s and 50s Turn Away

According to a Research View survey conducted from August 29-31 among 1,000 adults aged 18 and over nationwide, the Lee Jae-myung government received a negative evaluation of 61.1%. Positive evaluations were only 36.2%, an 8.4 percentage point drop compared to the July survey.

The defection of support from those in their 40s and 50s was particularly pronounced, with negative evaluations deepening across all age groups and regions. The decline in approval was evident in metropolitan areas, Yeongnam, and Honam, indicating a deepening overall distrust in the administration.

This sharp drop in approval ratings appears to be the result of multiple adverse factors accumulating, leading to stronger public opposition. The rapid decline in government approval is expected to place a significant burden on state affairs.

In addition to existing ARS (automated response system) polls, a 'dead cross' phenomenon occurred in phone interview polls, where negative evaluations of the Lee Jae-myung government surpassed positive ones. Phone interview polls are known to be a more conservative indicator than ARS, highlighting the severity of the current situation.

Even in public opinion survey 'Kkot' (Flower)'s phone interview poll, negative evaluations exceeded positive ones, leading to the diagnosis that public opposition has become entrenched and irreversible. Within the political faction, concerns are growing about this seemingly unrecoverable stage.

The speed of the Lee Jae-myung government's approval rating decline is remarkably fast compared to past administrations. While the Moon Jae-in administration saw a 'dead cross' phenomenon after 1 year and 8 months, and the Park Geun-hye administration after 1 year and 4 months, the Lee Jae-myung government recorded its first dead cross just 1 year and 2 months after taking office.

Since then, there has been no sign of a rebound and the decline continues, with no apparent catalyst or policy brake to stop it. If this trend continues, it could lead to serious disruptions in state governance.

Allegations have surfaced that Representative Yong Hye-in purchased a non-residential apartment and sold it for tens of millions of won in capital gains in less than a year. The fact that the apartment was sold to a Chinese national has added to the controversy.

Considering that Representative Lee Jae-myung has always been critical of 'non-residential housing,' Representative Yong Hye-in's actions are seen as directly contradicting Lee Jae-myung's stance. The opposition party is criticizing this as a 'giving ministerial posts to the devil' narrative.

Such real estate-related controversies are drawing public criticism as they contradict the current government's policy stance, which emphasizes stable housing for common people and the eradication of real estate speculation.

Criticism of 'cosplay' is being raised even among young people regarding Representative Yong Hye-in's political actions. It appears that younger generations feel discomfort with her styling, which makes her appear older than her actual age, despite being born in 1990.

Furthermore, there are criticisms of inadequate legislative activities related to women and youth. Beyond creating phrases related to the Sewol ferry incident, there is criticism that she lacks substantial legislative activities or achievements to highlight.

Criticism is emerging that Representative Yong Hye-in is unsuitable as a candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. Concerns are being raised about her past proposal of legislation to introduce a non-consensual sexual intercourse crime and the potential for conflict with existing family institutions through her proposed 'Living Partnership Act.'

Her past advocacy for the deletion of provisions punishing homosexuality in the military is also being cited, with voices stating that it is difficult to accept her becoming a minister of a gender equality-related department given existing critical views on her gender sensitivity.

There is growing concern that these policy stances could clash with traditional Korean family values, potentially causing social controversy.

The Living Partnership Act proposed by Representative Yong Hye-in aims to expand the definition of family from existing marital, blood, and adoption relationships to 'emotional bonds.' This raises concerns about potential negative effects and confusion in sharing benefits legally granted to families, such as pensions, property, and housing.

Critics point out that this bill is highly likely to directly clash with the existing family law system and could cause legal and institutional confusion. For example, if cohabiting partners gain legal status similar to spouses, complex issues could arise in areas like inheritance, property division, and medical decisions.

Experts argue that a thorough review of the various problems that could arise if the Living Partnership Act is introduced, along with measures to harmonize it with the existing legal framework, is urgently needed.

Allegations have surfaced that Representative Yong Hye-in was formerly affiliated with an underground organization under a communist revolutionary group. This is a newly emerged controversy related to Representative Yong Hye-in's political background.

Furthermore, the process of Labor Party members establishing the Basic Income Party and allegations of financial support from Mr. Kim Ki-ho are also being mentioned, amplifying doubts about Representative Yong Hye-in's political identity.

These allegations are fueling controversy over Representative Yong Hye-in's suitability for public office and are said to negatively impact her alliance with the Democratic Party.

Diverse interpretations are emerging within the Democratic Party regarding Representative Yong Hye-in's appointment. Some argue that the Yong Hye-in card is a 'smokescreen operation' or a 'bait' targeting Representative Kim Seung-won.

Conversely, another analysis suggests it is a strategic choice to rally the strong supporter base known as 'Gae-ttal'. However, there is also critical view that it has led to policy backlash and a decline in approval ratings due to a failed appointment.

National anger is rising over the sudden resignation of former policy chief Kim Yong-beom, with criticisms that it is a 'personal escape' amid the collapse of the Lee Jae-myung government. The background of his resignation is suspected to be linked to the massive public damage of 54 trillion won in ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) losses.

This is not just a simple loss but is expanding into suspicions of collusion and lobbying with securities firms. In response, the opposition party is demanding a parliamentary inquiry and special prosecutor investigation to uncover the truth.

The public is calling for Kim Yong-beom's resignation to be an opportunity to reveal the truth of the incident, rather than an evasion of responsibility.

The 54 trillion won ETF loss, which has caused massive public damage, is spreading as the 'ETF Gate' controversy. Former policy chief Kim Yong-beom is believed to be behind this incident, and fundamentally, the Lee Jae-myung government's responsibility is being discussed.

In particular, suspicions are being raised that securities firms earned 89.0 billion won in commission fees by inducing ETF products, sparking public outrage. Furthermore, allegations are circulating that Kim Yong-beom's son worked at a specific securities firm and was involved in related drinking parties, amplifying the suspicions.

These allegations are not merely about economic losses but are leading to the possibility of power-related corruption, demanding a thorough investigation through a parliamentary inquiry.

The Democratic Party's ambitious YouTube channel, 'MinTV,' recorded low performance on its opening day, embroiled in controversy over its effectiveness. Compared to Kim Eo-jun's personal channel, viewership and concurrent user numbers were significantly lower, raising concerns even among Democratic Party supporters.

There is also critical public opinion regarding the party leadership's direct control over channel operations. Even within the Democratic Party, criticisms of 'no fun' and a lack of engaging and competitive content have been raised, leading to a grim outlook for the future.

There is a critical view of the Democratic Party's direct operation of 'MinTV' to strengthen its new media capabilities. The People Power Party also acknowledges the importance of new media but criticizes the party leadership's direct broadcasting as a 'socialist idea'.

It is argued that content creation and distribution should be left to competition according to free market economic principles, and the party, as advocates of a smaller government, should respect private autonomy. There are also concerns that such direct intervention could hinder private creativity and competitiveness.

In the new media environment, voices are growing for the party to shift its strategy towards nurturing new media talent and leveraging private competitiveness, rather than directly controlling media.

Under the Jang Dong-hyuk leadership, the People Power Party is gradually introducing a change in district committee chairs and declared direct member elections, attempting internal reform and fostering competition. As Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk said, 'Those who don't fight, take off their badges,' indicating their resolve to select truly willing fighters through competition from the nomination process.

These changes are raising expectations of a fresh wave within the party. Political activities, such as posting banners by district committees, are actively increasing, encouraging participation and interest from party members.

The People Power Party's 'Jang Dong-hyuk system' is an object of envy among the Democratic Party's non-incumbent members. This is because the Democratic Party, under the Kim Min-seok leadership, has tended to form all party positions around incumbent lawmakers, excluding non-incumbents.

In contrast, the People Power Party fights against vested interests and provides opportunities to non-incumbents and young politicians. This is receiving positive evaluations in contrast to the Democratic Party's closed operating style.

The rumor that even Democratic Party panelists envy Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk's operating style shows that the People Power Party's reform efforts are receiving positive reactions both inside and outside the party.

Representative Lee Jin-sook's office has achieved success in its applications to the Press Arbitration Commission against left-wing media outlets. They pursued complaints, accusations, and arbitration applications against several outlets, including Media Today, OhmyNews, and Gyeongnam MBC, regarding the dissemination of false information.

As a result, Media Today and OhmyNews published apology articles, leading to positive conclusions. This served as an internal and external message that the opposition party can indeed win legal disputes with the media.

This case demonstrates the need to actively respond to reports not based on facts and is expected to influence future relations with the press.