Lee Jae Myung Faces Approval Drop Over Hormuz Deployment
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung faces declining public approval as he considers deploying military assets to the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. pressure.
President Lee Jae Myung is weighing the deployment of South Korean military assets to the Strait of Hormuz following intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has criticized Lee for previously declining requests to support American war efforts against Iran, contributing to a strained bilateral relationship already complicated by disputes over trade deal investments and a data breach at Coupang Inc.
Domestic opposition to the move is significant. A Gallup Korea poll conducted from September 8 to 10 shows Lee's approval rating has fallen to 38%. The survey indicates that 55% of respondents oppose the potential deployment, with opposition reaching 69% among supporters of the ruling Democratic Party.
While the South Korean government has begun preparations for the deployment, officials maintain that no final decision has been made. The situation highlights a growing divide between Seoul's strategic obligations to the United States and the domestic political will of the South Korean public.
