[EAI Public Opinion Briefing Vol. 44-2] Variables Affecting Approval Ratings

Variables Affecting Approval Ratings: Why Not Support President Lee Myung-bak?



[Tracking 1] Stagnant National Approval Ratings: Will They Break 40%?

[Tracking 2] Variables Affecting Approval Ratings

[Tracking 3] Policy Consistency Issues Are Serious: 68.9%



Variables to Break the Stagnation in Approval Ratings: Overcoming the Economic Crisis and Changes in Policy Implementation Methods Are Necessary



ㆍReasons for Approval : Overcoming the Economic Crisis > Favorable Policies and Ideology > Generally Doing Well

ㆍReasons for Disapproval : Failure to Address the Economic Crisis > Arrogant Governance/Communication Issues > Policy and Ideology Problems



As national approval ratings remain stagnant for an extended period, we specifically asked for the reasons for approval or disapproval to understand the factors that could lead to changes in these ratings.



[Figure 1] Reasons for Approving President Lee Myung-bak's Administration (272 respondents)

[Figure 2] Reasons for Disapproving President Lee Myung-bak's Administration (502 respondents)

Among the 272 respondents who positively evaluated President Lee Myung-bak's administration, the most frequent reason for approval was 'demonstrating leadership in the economic crisis,' cited by 33.5%. This was followed by 'favorable policies and ideology' at 13.3%. However, beyond these reasons, responses tended to be general or broad rather than specific points about the administration's strengths. 'Generally doing well' accounted for 8.9%, 'no response or unable to answer' was 8.6%, and 'President Lee Myung-bak is working hard' was 7.8%. Other responses included 'better than the Roh Moo-hyun administration' at 6%, 'still need to watch and wait' at 5.7%, and miscellaneous reasons at 16.2%.



For those who disapproved of the Lee Myung-bak administration, the most common reason was 'leadership's failure to properly address the economic crisis,' accounting for 35.1%. The next most cited reason, combining 'arrogant governance and lack of communication,' was 15.2%. Meanwhile, respondents citing 'policy and ideology issues' constituted 13.6%, 'appears to represent the interests of a specific group' was 10.9%, and those pointing to 'broken campaign promises or the government only making empty statements' summed to 6.2%.



In summary, first, overcoming the economic crisis is the most significant variable for the president's national approval ratings. Both those who responded positively and negatively about the administration's performance cited leadership in addressing the economic crisis as a key criterion. Therefore, objectively, an increase in approval ratings is expected if the Lee Myung-bak administration's policies for managing the economic crisis yield positive results.



Second, a change in governing style can be a variable that influences changes in national approval ratings. Among changes in governing style, resolving issues of arrogant governance and lack of communication is particularly crucial for strengthening the base of national approval. While criticisms regarding unilateral governance and communication deficits have been raised since the early stages of the administration, the public's perception that the Lee Myung-bak administration is neglecting efforts to communicate with and gain consensus from the entire populace cannot be overlooked.



Third, enhancing policy consistency and implementation momentum is important. The government is pushing forward with its promised policies and initiatives in economic and various diplomatic matters, even accepting criticism of being unilateral. However, disagreements between the ruling party and the government, and among ministries, have surfaced, creating problems with policy consistency and implementation outcomes. These issues, despite the government and president's attempts to drive policy, are generating considerable concern and worry among the public rather than full support.