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| President Park Geun-hye appointed senior secretaries Friday including, from left, Hyun Jung-taek, Woo Byung-woo and Cho Shin in charge of policy coordination, civil affairs and future strategy, respectively. / Yonhap |
The record low rate appears to have been prompted by the fiasco involving the government's new tax settlement scheme coupled with Park's no-compromise stance, experts said.
Gallup Korea conducted a poll of 1,001 adults between Tuesday and Thursday, which shows Park's rating at 30 percent, down from 35 percent the previous week.
Respondents who negatively evaluated Park's management of state affairs reached 60 percent, up from 55 percent. Among them, 17 percent accused Park of poor communications, while 15 percent cited the possible tax boost amid lingering controversy over the bungled tax policy.
"Last week's falling popularity could be attributed to her New Year speech that only showed a gap between her perception and public expectations," Gallop said in its statement. "The continuous decrease this week can be attributable to furious employees over income tax."
More than 15 million employees are upset over a possibly increased amount of tax payment in their year-end tax filings, despite the government's explanation that only high-income earners would have to pay more tax.
It was noted that a considerable number of those aged over 50, Park's main support base, seem to have withdrawn their support.
The results show that only 38 percent of those over 50 still support the daughter of late President Park Chung-hee, while her over-60 supporters was reduced to 53 percent from 62 percent.
Experts say Park could face early lame duck status, with three years left in her term, if she fails to implement overall innovation in managing state affairs.
"The approval rating of 30 percent is regarded as minimal-level support from the public toward the government," said Yoon Hee-woong, head of public opinion research firm Min Consulting. "With such a low figure, it would be difficult for her to push for new policies on her own without cooperation from the National Assembly."
The results of the poll came a few minutes before Park announced part of a personnel reshuffle including the position of prime minister.
Park nominated the ruling Saenuri Party's floor leader Rep. Lee Wan-koo to replace incumbent Chung Hong-won. She also named three senior secretaries in charge of policy coordination, civil affairs and future strategy ― Hyun Jung-taek, Woo Byung-woo and Jo shin, respectively.
However, observers say such a one-time remedy will not fix Park's falling popularity if she continues to ignore what the public wants. Park kept her chief of staff, Kim Ki-choon, despite mounting public pressure to fire him over a series of incidents, including leaked memoranda from the presidential office.
"The public have had no choice, but to feel disappointed, as Park repeatedly fails to meet their expectations, rather than presenting satisfactory reform measures," Yoon said.
