President Lee Jae-myung on the 19th called the recent drop in presidential job approval a "plunge," saying he would take the current of public sentiment seriously and respond responsibly. He also stressed to the ruling party that competition must not turn into war.
In a briefing at the Chunchugwan at Cheong Wa Dae on the afternoon of the same day about the results of his European tour, including the Group of Seven (G7) summit, Lee said in response to reporters' questions about the decline in approval ratings, "State affairs have not changed, but since election day, approval ratings have been 'plunging,'" adding, "I will take the public's evaluation seriously."
Lee said, "There may be various analyses, but my view is, what do your quarrels have to do with our lives and the public duties we were entrusted with? I think it is understandable that the public would be angry." He added, "I will work to settle this situation as quickly as possible."
At the same time, Lee told the ruling party, "What is clear is the party must work to gain more public support," and said, "Do not act like you are fighting a mortal enemy."
He went on, "Those in the same position, within the same camp's fence, are competing, so how can you act as if it were a war?" He said, "Insulting, slandering, and making up things that are not true to attack is undesirable." He added, "Competition is necessary, but it must be reasonable competition."