Hong Joon-pyo warns of plummeting approval ratings over cabinet nominees

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has issued a sharp critique of President Lee Jae-myung’s recent cabinet nominations, warning that the President’s approval ratings could plummet to the 20% range. Hong specifically targeted Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won and Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hye-in, citing ongoing controversies surrounding their appointments.

Kim Seung-won is facing allegations regarding a request for clinical trial approval for a COVID-19 treatment. Critics allege that Kim used a broker to influence the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, a matter Hong referred to using the phrase “bar madam politics.” Yong Hye-in is also under scrutiny due to controversies involving her family and alleged links to an “underground organization” within her political party.

Hong warned that these appointments could lead to a significant exodus of young voters. This political tension follows recent polling by Realmeter, which showed President Lee’s approval rating at 37.4%, a decline from previous weeks and the lowest since his inauguration.