College Students' Poll: Lukewarm Stance on Lee Jae-myung Administration

College Student Survey Results Released: Lee Jae-myung Government's National Affairs Operation Shows Clear 'Neutral Observation'

In celebration of its 37th anniversary, the Korea University Newspaper presented an article '[37th Anniversary/College Student Survey①] Lee Jae-myung Administration Faces 'Wait-and-See' Approach... Nearly Half Unaware of 'Creating 10 SNUs',' which provides an in-depth analysis of college students' perceptions of the government. Written by reporter Kim Jun-hwan, the article is based on the results of the '2025 National College Student Survey,' conducted from September 26 to October 5, 2025, targeting 1,212 college students nationwide. The survey revealed that college students view the Lee Jae-myung government's handling of state affairs with a distinct 'neutral observation' attitude. This suggests a prevailing tendency to cautiously monitor the situation rather than offering strong support or harsh criticism. In particular, the analysis indicates that low awareness of key government policies and a lack of confidence in the policy direction are factors that further deepen this wait-and-see approach. As college students are the main players who will shape the future of South Korea, in-depth understanding and active participation in government policies are necessary, making this survey result an important implication for both the government and the university community.

In this survey, 40.0% of respondents rated the Lee Jae-myung government's handling of state affairs as 'average.' This indicates that in a situation where positive and negative evaluations are evenly matched, a significant number of college students are taking a neutral stance without leaning to either side. The response 'average' does not simply imply indifference or ignorance, but can be interpreted as a lack of confidence in the effectiveness and direction of government policies, or a careful weighing of the pros and cons of policies. Additionally, the response 'average' may reflect a mixed state of expectations and concerns about the government. College students can be seen as constantly questioning and seeking answers about whether the policies promoted by the government can bring about real change and how that change will affect their future. Therefore, the government should understand this cautious attitude of college students and make more efforts to increase the transparency and effectiveness of policies.

College students indicated 'economy and livelihood' (40.5%) and 'national defense and diplomacy' (40.0%) as the areas where they are most dissatisfied with the Lee Jae-myung government's handling of state affairs. This result shows that the younger generation has deep concerns about the current economic situation and security environment in South Korea. Economic difficulties such as job insecurity, housing problems, and rising prices are the biggest obstacles hindering young people's future plans, and unstable international situations such as North Korea's nuclear threat, the US-China conflict, and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries are further amplifying young people's anxieties. In particular, dissatisfaction with the economy and livelihood reflects the practical difficulties faced by the younger generation, and the government should prioritize solving economic and livelihood problems such as creating youth jobs, stabilizing housing, and resolving social inequality when implementing policies. In addition, dissatisfaction with national defense and diplomacy reveals distrust in the government's security policy and diplomatic strategy, and the government should maintain a firm security posture while strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries and continuing efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung is expected to focus on resolving domestic issues as he returns home after finishing the ASEAN Summit. In particular, it is urgent to improve policies in the economic and livelihood sectors, where college students feel the greatest dissatisfaction, and to prepare specific measures to resolve anxiety in the national defense and diplomacy sectors. In addition, as the APEC Summit, which will be held in Gyeongju from the 29th, will be attended by 1,700 people, including leaders from 16 countries and global business leaders, South Korea will have an important opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation and attract investment. President Lee Jae-myung should present South Korea's economic vision through the APEC Summit, exercise global leadership, and focus on enhancing its status in the international community. In addition, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to attend this APEC Summit, and President Lee Jae-myung is expected to hold bilateral talks with the leaders of both countries to discuss strengthening the ROK-US alliance and improving ROK-China relations. In particular, President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea is the first state visit in 11 years, and is expected to be an important opportunity to develop bilateral relations.

In the political arena, criticism of real estate policies is intensifying due to the recent controversy over Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Lee Sang-kyung's resignation due to gap investment and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk's possession of six apartments. In response, Democratic Party of Korea leader Chung Cheong-rae is requesting restraint from making rash remarks related to real estate policies and is showing moves to manage the confusion within the party. As real estate issues are sensitive, the government and the political sphere need a cautious approach and policy decisions. In particular, it is urgent to prepare practical measures to alleviate housing insecurity for the younger generation, and strong regulatory policies are also needed to eradicate speculation and stabilize the real estate market. MBN comprehensively reported on this political confusion, the APEC Summit, and the possibility of a North American summit in the article "'Real Estate Measures' Barrage / APEC Super Week / Possibility of North America Summit" at 7:32 a.m. on October 27, 2025. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump sent a love call to North Korean State Affairs Chairman Kim Jong-un, saying he "wants to meet," leaving room for improvement in North American relations. President Trump said, "I will meet Kim Jong-un if he contacts me," raising the possibility of a North American summit again. In this regard, the ROK-US summit is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, and President Trump and President Xi Jinping will meet again for the first time in six years. In this complex international situation, South Korea must successfully host the APEC Summit and continue diplomatic efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula.