South Korean President Lee’s approval rating hits record low since inauguration: poll

Seoul, Aug 13 (IANS) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating fell to the lowest level since his inauguration, a poll showed Thursday.

In a National Barometer Survey conducted from Monday to Wednesday, Lee’s approval rating stood at 49 per cent, down 4 percentage points from the previous poll conducted two weeks earlier, Yonhap News Agency reported.

It marks the first time his approval rating fell below 50 per cent in the biweekly survey.

Disapproval of his performance rose 6 percentage points to 43 per cent.

On the government’s real estate policies, 56 per cent of respondents said the current administration was doing a poor job, while 34 per cent gave positive assessments.

The poll also showed that 46 per cent supported the government’s recently unveiled property tax revision plan, compared with 41 per cent who opposed it.

When asked about its impact, 55 per cent expected the revision to drive up “jeonse” and monthly rental prices, while 27 per cent expected little change and 8 per cent predicted a decline. Jeonse is a unique South Korean housing rental system in which tenants make a large lump-sum deposit that is fully returned at the end of the lease.

In the same poll, support for the ruling Democratic Party (DP) remained unchanged from the previous survey at 40 per cent, while that of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) rose 2 percentage points to 23 per cent.

The DP had higher support than the PPP across all age groups except those in their 20s and younger, and in all regions except the southeastern city of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.

On Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung reiterated that the state’s primary duty is to ensure the safety of the people and protect their lives.

Lee made the remarks in a ceremony marking the opening of the country’s first hospital dedicated to treating first responders.

“The primary duty of the state is to protect its people’s lives and safety,” Lee said in a speech.

Firefighters are at the forefront of carrying out this duty at accident sites and in disasters, the president noted, highlighting that thanks to their efforts, the public can go about their daily lives safely and peacefully.

The National Fire Hospital in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, is the country’s first general hospital dedicated to treating firefighters and other first responders, and conducting research tailored to their occupational health needs.

The hospital began operations in June to provide health care services to firefighters, police officers and their family members, as well as local residents.

“I hope this National Fire Hospital can serve as a trustworthy place of care that deeply understands and treats you,” the president said, addressing first responders.

The hospital will also serve as a regional public health care hub in North Chungcheong Province, Lee said, pledging relevant government support and investment.

“I am confident that a country where heroes who save people’s lives in the most dangerous places are protected and cared for … is a truly exemplary country.”

–IANS

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