South Korean President Lee Jae Myung apologized to the public and vowed to be more humble as he sought to reverse hemorrhaging public support and get his policy agenda back on track at a high-stakes news briefing Friday, even as a barrage of criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump narrows his room to maneuver.
“I would like to begin by expressing my apologies to the people who continue to struggle through their daily lives in difficult circumstances,” Lee said during a snap news conference aimed at shoring up public support. “I was taken aback by what seemed to be a sudden wave of disappointment and concern from the public. But after much reflection and soul-searching, I have come to one conclusion: that the people are always right.”
Lee has seen his approval ratings plunge in the past two months, hitting a fresh record low of 37% in the latest poll released Friday, before his speech. That comes as the Trump administration slams Seoul over its purported unwillingness to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and slow movement on its $350 billion U.S. trade deal.
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