Seoul, South Korea – The skyrocketing price of groceries, particularly a single apple selling for $7 at a luxury department store, has sparked outrage among South Korean voters. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to address concerns backfired when he praised the affordability of spring onions at a heavily subsidized market, leading to online ridicule and criticism from opposition parties.
Yoon Suk Yeol, with an approval rating hovering around 30-40%, has faced challenges throughout his term due to diplomatic blunders and controversies surrounding his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Accusations of plagiarism and stock manipulation have tainted Kim’s public image, contributing to the president’s declining popularity.
In addition to personal scandals, Yoon’s confrontational political style, lack of compromise, and authoritarian tendencies have alienated voters beyond his conservative support base. His party’s recent defeat in parliamentary elections reflects a lack of public confidence in his leadership and ability to address pressing issues like a struggling economy, soaring house prices, and an aging population.
Despite domestic setbacks, Yoon has focused on strengthening South Korea’s foreign relations, particularly with the United States. His tough stance on North Korea, military cooperation with the US, and efforts to mend historic tensions with Japan have earned him international praise but stirred controversy at home.
Critics accuse Yoon of provoking conflict with North Korea and straining relations with China, deviating from South Korea’s traditionally balanced approach. While embracing democratic values on the global stage, Yoon’s government faces accusations of democratic decline at home, with restrictions on press freedom and attacks on political opponents raising concerns.
As Yoon grapples with complex foreign policy challenges and domestic criticisms, his presidency hangs in a precarious balance. The return of Donald Trump to the White House or shifting geopolitical dynamics could further complicate Yoon’s agenda and influence his legacy moving forward. Despite his efforts to reshape South Korea’s role in global affairs, Yoon’s legacy may be defined by his domestic shortcomings and the challenges of navigating a divided political landscape.