Jin Jeong-seok on Yoon's 19% Approval Rating: "I Will Redouble My Efforts with Renewed Determination"

On the 1st, at the National Assembly's Steering Committee meeting held for the audit of the Presidential Secretariat, National Security Office, and Presidential Security Service, Kang Hye-kyung, who raised suspicions of Mrs. Kim's involvement in candidate nomination, appeared as a witness and stood at the witness stand. On the right is Chief Secretary Jeong Jin-seok responding to a lawmaker's question.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jung Jin-seok, Chief Secretary to the President's Office, commented on the Korea Gallup survey result showing President Yoon Suk-yeol's approval rating at 19%, saying, "Since the approval rating is not high, we will renew our determination and work harder."

On the afternoon of the 1st, Jung appeared at the National Assembly's Steering Committee hearing and stated, "I think there are many shortcomings, and as someone who closely assists the President, I also express my apologies."

Jung explained, "(President Yoon) is aware of the poll results. We will make efforts to rebound, so please watch closely. We will devote utmost effort to fill in the gaps."

He added, "In other countries as well, for example, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio recently had approval ratings around 15% or 13%, and many European leaders do not exceed 20%."

Regarding Mr. Myung Tae-gyun, Jung said, "President Yoon initially took his advice, but after some time, he felt it was not working and cut ties with him coldly."

Jung emphasized, "When the President decided to run, wouldn't people who know many famous politicians be intrigued by such a perspective? The essence is that the President cut off Mr. Myung's assistance midway."

However, he noted, "While the President severed ties with Myung Tae-gyun coldly, his wife, Kim Geon-hee, did not. The family's psychological state seems to be that they want to somehow soothe Mr. Myung secretly and keep the election going smoothly."

Jung stated, "There is no obligation for political neutrality as a public official, nor is there any law regulating political neutrality toward the President-elect. In my opinion, this is a highly political and forced interpretation."