As South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol approaches the halfway mark of his term, his administration grapples with a record-low approval rating and increasing pressure from opposition forces. As of 8 November 2024, a Gallup Korea poll reports Mr Yoon’s approval ratings at a mere 17 per cent—an all-time low since he took office in May 2022.
Navigating Controversy Surrounding the First Lady
Recent controversies, primarily linked to his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee, have compounded the President’s difficulties. An alleged recorded phone call between Mr Yoon and a self-proclaimed power broker surfaced, suggesting improper influence in the ruling People Power Party’s candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections. Critics from the opposition have intensified their calls for a special counsel investigation into the first lady.
- Demands for Investigation: The Democratic Party of Korea has strongly urged Mr Yoon to approve the pending special counsel investigation into Kim Keon Hee’s conduct, warning that failure to act could signal the beginning of his political downfall.
- Upcoming Vote: The contentious Bill is expected to be voted on during an upcoming Assembly plenary session on 14 November 2024.
- Political Dynamics: The ruling party, led by Han Dong-hoon, aims to regain public trust by reviving the independent inspector-general position to help address these scandals.
Preparing for Changes in US Leadership
Simultaneously, Mr Yoon is pivoting his diplomatic strategy in light of US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Yoon has reportedly picked up golf again—a game Trump is famously fond of—to build rapport with the incoming leader.
- Diplomatic Strategy: Officials are encouraging Mr Yoon to utilise golf as a venue for discussing important policy matters, reviving a tactic successfully employed by former leaders.
- Historical Context: This method dates back years, reflecting a unique tradition among Korean presidents who have leveraged golf for diplomatic gain.
While Mr Yoon’s current focus is on navigating local political controversies, he must also prepare for a potentially complicated relationship with the newly elected US administration. Whether his diplomatic efforts will yield positive results on the golf course, however, remains uncertain.