24/9 "President Yoon Faces Mounting Pressure Ahead of October By-Election"

Seoul, September 2024 (Yonhap) — President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing mounting political pressure as his approval ratings continue to slide and opposition parties sharpen their attacks ahead of next month’s Gangseo District mayoral by-election.

According to a Realmeter poll released in mid-September, Yoon’s approval rating dropped to 23%, the lowest level since his inauguration, with disapproval ratings climbing above 70%. Analysts say the decline reflects growing public frustration over rising living costs, controversies surrounding prosecutorial reform, and the administration’s handling of economic policy.

Opposition Mobilizing

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has seized on the momentum, portraying the upcoming Gangseo by-election as a “referendum on Yoon’s presidency.” Party leader Lee Jae-myung argued that the administration is prioritizing partisan loyalty over governance, saying, “The people are suffering from economic hardship while the government turns a blind eye.”

Smaller opposition parties have echoed similar sentiments, calling for greater checks on presidential power. Discussions of impeachment, though not imminent, have resurfaced among some progressive lawmakers as Yoon’s approval ratings plunge.

PPP Struggles to Contain Fallout

Within the ruling People Power Party (PPP), there are concerns that internal divisions could deepen if the by-election results in a heavy defeat. Senior PPP figures urged unity but privately acknowledged that “a loss in Gangseo will further erode confidence in the president’s leadership.”

Meanwhile, President Yoon has pledged to “focus on economic stability and people’s livelihoods,” while ruling out any extraordinary measures such as declaring martial law — a scenario critics warned would undermine democracy.

Growing Public Discontent

Observers note that the administration now faces its toughest political test yet. With households squeezed by inflation and opposition parties energized, the October by-election could set the tone for the remainder of Yoon’s term.

“The by-election is no longer a local contest,” said political analyst Kim Hyun-woo. “It has become a symbolic battle over the president’s ability to govern and regain public trust.”