Park's popularity rating dips below 40%

By Jun Ji-hye

President Park Geun-hye's approval rating has dipped below 40 percent for the first time since she was inaugurated on Feb. 25, 2013, according to a recent survey.

Conducted from Dec. 5 to 8 by pollster Realmeter on a sample of 1,000 adults, the poll shows Park's rating at 39.7 percent, down from 49.4 percent in November. Cable channel JTBC commissioned the survey.

The dip follows a Segye Ilbo report that has blown up into the "memogate" scandal over leaked documents from Cheong Wa Dae, which are speculated to be part of a power struggle among the President's inner-circle.

A leaked memo claimed that Jeong Yun-hoe, a former confidant of Park, meddled in state affairs by holding regular meetings with presidential secretaries.

His alleged rival is Park Ji-man, the President's younger brother.

But President Park tried to play down the political fiasco, dismissing the issue as nothing more than groundless rumors.

"The Park administration won't listen to what others have to say," said Yoon Hee-woong, head of public opinion research firm Min Consulting. "The latest scandal is working as a catalyst to amplify such criticism. If Park fails to clear away public suspicions, her popularity will fall further."

Rep. Park Wan-ju, spokesman for the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD), said Park should heed the message her slumping popularity was sending ― stop ignoring public opinion.

Park's ratings were above 60 percent in March and April.

But after the Sewol ferry disaster on April 16, her rating fell to 51.2 percent in May. The manmade disaster, which resulted in the confirmed deaths of 295 passengers with nine unaccounted for, stirred up a huge controversy over the government's bungled management of emergency situations.

Park's ratings fell below 40 percent in June and July, but increased to 51.2 percent after the ruling Saenuri Party's landslide victory in the July 30 by-elections.

But her ratings have continued to fall since August.

NPAD floor leader Rep. Woo Yoon-keun said the continued slide could be attributed to Park's self-righteousness and lack of communication.

"It is regrettable that Park is still clinging to one-sided management in state affairs despite the falling ratings," he said. "Park should humbly accept this as a warning from the public."

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