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Korea's Lee Faces Backlash Over Political Standards

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating rose to 36.9 percent on summit achievements and economic policies, according to a Yonhap poll from Nov. 2. However, Korea Times reports that Lee's overseas trips have drawn attention to Korea's shifting political standards, adding to disputes over presidential golf and the presidential plane whenever power passes. The golf issue resurfaced after an opposition lawmaker's allegation against first lady Kim Hea Kyung prompted a denial from LPGA star Lydia Ko and a rebuttal from Cheong Wa Dae, per a Korea Times explainer from Oct. 27. Lee also faced friction with farmers over a nationwide farmland survey and potential trade pact accession, with Korea Times reporting he tried in vain to appease disgruntled farmers suspicious of the administration's motives. Korean reaction, as reflected in these reports, centers on perceived hypocrisy in political standards, with the golf controversy and overseas trips fueling criticism of the administration's conduct.

  1. Lee's approval rating rises on summit achievements, economic policies: poll Yonhap · 2026-11-02
  2. Overseas trips add to debate over Korea's shifting political standards Korea Times · 2026-11-01
  3. [EXPLAINER] From Kim Young-sam to Lee Jae Myung: golf's enduring political trap Korea Times · 2026-10-27
  4. Lee, farmers at odds over farmland survey, trade pact Korea Times · 2026-10-28

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