N. Korean media talks about Moon’s falling popularity

North Korea said Monday through its external propaganda media “Meari” that the recent fall in the approval rating of South Korea’s leadership has been caused by its “failure to faithfully carry out the Panmunjom Declaration.” The commentary came on the heels of Washington’s abrupt cancellation of its Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s scheduled visit to Pyongyang.

“Recently, the public approval ratings of South Korea’s incumbent authority and ruling party have dived,” said Meari, apparently referring to President Moon Jae-in. “The fall has been caused by their indecisiveness, absence of independent principle and views, and their failure to faithfully implement the Panmunjom Declaration.” Indeed, Moon’s approval rating tumbled to a record low of 56 percent, dropping by 0.3 percent point from last week, according to Realmeter Monday. Logging 58.1 percent two weeks ago, his approval rating continues to drop.

“As the South’s authority and ruling party try to deal with the inter-Korean relations within the framework of the North-U.S. relations, the implementation of the Panmunjom Declaration now appears to be almost impossible,” added the commentary.

The commentary went on to say, “It is a common understanding among the South Korean people that the improved inter-Korean relations would serve as a golden opportunity to bring enormous economic benefits beyond political, ideological, and security reverie,” saying that now is the time for the South Korean government to act on its promise to realize the public’s desire for change shown through candlelight rallies.

Meanwhile, at the Mount Kumgang resort where the 21st reunion events of separated families were held from last Monday to Sunday, North Korean officials reportedly asked the South Korean press “why the approval rating of President Moon has been falling.”


Na-Ri Shin journari@donga.com