Steady Majority Disapproves of Yoon’s Performance

South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing mounting calls to resign after a dramatic night: Yoon called for martial law on December 3, only to declare a u-turn on his decision just six hours later, following strong opposition in parliament and among the public. The president has said the move was in response to “anti-state” activities among his opponents over “repeated impeachments, legislative manipulation and budget manipulation". Six opposition parties have submitted a motion to impeach the incumbent leader, with the National Assembly set to vote on the motion this Friday.  

Yoon’s approval ratings slid to just 19 percent last week, according to a survey carried out by Gallup Korea between November 26 and 28. The poll of 1,001 respondents revealed a 72 percent disapproval rating of his job performance. In the first week of November, Yoon saw his approval ratings drop even lower, at just 17 percent, marking the lowest point since his election to office in May 2022, following a narrow win.

According to the Korean Times, Yoon’s handling of the economy, diplomacy and the allegations of first lady Kim Keon Hee inappropriately accepting a luxury Dior handbag are among the reasons cited for the poor ratings in the polls taken prior to last night’s events.