Cho Kuk Attributes President Lee's Approval Rating Drop to Sidelining Key Figures

Cho Kuk, director of the Innovation Policy Institute of the Rebuilding Korea Party, criticized the decline in President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings, attributing it to the strategy of building a "structural majority" centered around "New Lee Jae-myung" supporters while cutting off key figures and groups—referred to as "Moon-Cho-Teol-La-Yu" (Moon Jae-in, Cho Kuk, Kim Eo-jun, Chung Chung-rae, and Rhyu Si-min).

Director Cho made the remarks on Facebook while sharing the results of a Realmeter public opinion poll released today (September 14).

"Those who claim that state governance success, general election victories, and the retention of power can be achieved solely through the 'New Lee Jae-myung' faction are sycophants," he argued, adding, "Those who deny the relay of democratic governments and engage in internal factionalism are traitors to the progressive camp."

Shin Chang-shik, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, also said during a Supreme Council meeting today, "The essence of the current crisis in governance momentum is not a matter of approval ratings. The real crisis is that the public has grown doubtful of the Democratic Party's will to reform."

Targeting Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok—who previously stated regarding a potential merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party that "the era of dividing stakes has passed"—Shin pointed out, "The real crisis is that the Democratic Party leadership, which should serve as the focal point for solidarity and integration within the democratic and reformist camp, is absorbed in division and protecting vested interests. The public is well aware of this petty, self-serving politics."

According to the Realmeter survey commissioned by Energy Economy News, conducted among 2,515 adults aged 18 and older nationwide from September 7 to 11, positive evaluations of President Lee's state affairs performance hit a record low of 33.8% since taking office.

The survey was conducted using a wireless automated response system, with a 95% confidence level, a sampling error of plus or minus 2.0 percentage points, and a response rate of 4.5%.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.