Foreign affairs and presidential popularity

President Yoon Suk-yeol's popularity has sharply declined since his election and it will soon impact foreign affairs

President Yoon Suk-yeol’s popularity has sharply declined since his election in March 2022. Initially supported by 53% of the public, his approval ratings dropped due to controversial policies, including his push to expand medical school quotas, which led to a lengthy doctors' strike. The public’s dissatisfaction with his unilateral leadership style, economic challenges, and diplomatic performance further weakened his standing.

Yoon's positive rating is now at 27 percent. The previous record low was 29.3 percent in the first week of August 2022. The approval rating is now at its lowest level since he took office in May 2022

Yoon’s leadership approach remains a key factor in his ongoing unpopularity. This has an impact on foreign policy.

The president of South Korea plays a central role in the country’s foreign policy, with both constitutional powers and conventional responsibilities shaping the office's influence. As the head of state, chief executive, and commander-in-chief, the preside…