-President Yoon's approval rating has declined since June but rose for two consecutive weeks recently: "100-day press conference received support from base"
-Presidential office reorganization to be implemented immediately... 'Policy Planning Chief' to be established, Public Relations Chief to be announced on the 21st
[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol's approval rating has slightly rebounded. Although it still remains in the 20% range, movement among the elderly aged 70 and above has begun. Marking his 100th day in office, he has expressed an attitude of 'wholehearted dedication' and is rapidly pushing forward with a reorganization of the presidential office, drawing attention to how much public support he can garner before the Chuseok holiday.
According to a regular public opinion poll released on the 19th by Gallup (conducted via telephone interviews with 1,000 adults nationwide aged 18 and over from the 16th to the 18th), 28% responded that President Yoon is 'doing well' in his duties, while 64% said he is 'doing poorly.'
The evaluation of President Yoon's job performance has risen for two consecutive weeks, showing signs of a rebound after hitting a low following a downward trend since June. However, when looking at the approval rating at the 100-day mark, it was found to be the second lowest among presidents since the introduction of the direct presidential election system, following former President Lee Myung-bak.
The 3 percentage point increase in positive evaluations is notable. Negative evaluations dropped by 2 percentage points. After a decline following the local elections, President Yoon's job performance rating hit bottom at 24% in the second week of August, then improved to 25% in the third week and 28% in the fourth week. Gallup explained, "(President Yoon) revealed his national vision through the Liberation Day speech on the 15th and the 100-day inauguration press conference on the 17th," adding, "In the past, such forms of communication mainly attracted attention and support from existing supporters."
On the 17th, marking his 100th day in office, President Yoon said, "There have been both support and harsh criticism from the people. I will always do my best to carefully consider the will of the people so that they do not worry." He also revealed his inner thoughts, saying, "During the recent vacation, I reflected on the year since I started politics, and even now at the 100-day mark, I engrave in my heart that the people are the beginning, the direction, and the goal."
In particular, President Yoon emphasized, "I will dedicate myself even more wholeheartedly." He also disclosed plans to "prioritize immediate livelihood issues while pouring all my energy into securing growth engines for our economy and future food sources." On this day, President Yoon focused on the achievements of policies pursued by the new government over the past 100 days, highlighting ▲ opening the Blue House and relocating the presidential office to Yongsan ▲ reorganization of the presidential office ▲ international solidarity such as the Korea-US alliance ▲ private sector-led economic policies ▲ management of the common people's economy ▲ stabilization of housing and rental prices ▲ nuclear phase-out ▲ advanced science and technology ▲ defense industry exports ▲ and reestablishment of labor-management culture, emphasizing policies that differentiate from the previous administration.
The presidential office reorganization is also underway. From the current structure of '2 offices (Presidential Secretariat and National Security Office) and 5 senior secretaries (Political, Economic, Civil Society, Social, Public Relations),' a plan is being prepared to create a new 'Senior Secretary for Policy Planning' to strengthen policy communication functions among the people, the cabinet, and the presidential office. The background for creating the 'Senior Secretary for Policy Planning' stems from an internal judgment that there are communication issues related to livelihood and policy agendas. Lee Gwan-seop, Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, is being considered for the position. The Policy Coordination Officer, who has been responsible for policy coordination within the presidential office, will focus on the bid for the 2030 Busan World Expo.
The new Public Relations Senior Secretary will be announced on the 21st. When asked about the verification process, the presidential office refrained from specific comments, stating, "We will announce it on Sunday (the 21st)," but it is known that former lawmaker Kim Eun-hye has been virtually nominated for the new Public Relations Senior Secretary.
Meanwhile, detailed survey outlines and results related to the public opinion poll can be found on the website of the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission.
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