You can run, but you can't hide. Hanmi Ilbo

Politicians often mistake public opinion poll numbers for the entirety of public sentiment. However, public sentiment and public opinion are different. Public opinion is akin to a wave of immediate reactions that are sensitive to timeliness and context, while public sentiment is a continuous and deep stream of judgment that the people form through their lives and experiences.

Approval ratings can be high. However, this does not necessarily mean public trust. Especially the 'honeymoon approval ratings' that appear early in a term are a mix of expectation and observation, not unconditional approval or admiration. The moment public opinion is mistaken for an asset, public sentiment quietly turns away.

As of mid-July, public opinion regarding President Lee Jae-myung recorded a 64% positive evaluation (Korea Gallup), but it soon began to decline to 62.2% (Realmeter). The fact that his approval rating dropped for the first time since his inauguration carries more meaning than a mere numerical change.

The decline is attributed to controversies over the appointment of high-ranking public officials, a lukewarm response to record-breaking torrential rains, and political evasion of judicial risks. In particular, an assessment is cautiously emerging that the President's leadership has failed to inspire trust in times of crisis.

The Democratic Party of Korea is also seeing its approval rating stagnate or decline from 50.8%, while the People Power Party is eyeing an opportunity for a rebound at 27.4%. Based solely on the numbers, the ruling party still holds a clear advantage, but the shift in public opinion can be seen as a precursor to a change in public sentiment.

During the presidential election, President Lee Jae-myung championed 'livelihood' and 'fairness,' but the reality of politics has devolved into personnel appointments centered on his close associates, defensive maneuvers, and an obsession with the prosecution's narrative.

Even after taking office, his consistent portrayal of the judicial allegations against him as 'political retaliation' and his push for appointments of high-ranking officials that are out of step with public expectations demonstrate a disappearance of responsible governance.

The public remembers the attitude of politicians more than their mistakes. For those in power who offer excuses rather than apologies, for a president who fights against the people, and for governance that defines opposition forces as 'enemies,' it inevitably leads to a disconnect in public sentiment. While public opinion can be swayed by the power of authority, the silent anger of public sentiment can never be suppressed.

President Lee Jae-myung has not yet completely lost public sentiment. However, there is insufficient basis to assert that he has 'gained public sentiment.' Trust cannot be won through words alone. Power also cannot substitute for trust. All that remains is action.

Public sentiment responds to persuasion and action. Only when personal ambitions are set aside in governance and the president stands before the people with a responsible attitude will true public sentiment follow. If the administration remains complacent with high public opinion ratings and continues to be unresponsive, what awaits is not a departure of support, but a collapse of trust.

For the president's assertion that "democracy feeds us" to become a reality, the president himself must be humble before public sentiment. As is often said, public sentiment moves behind one's back. Public sentiment that has turned away will not return. What is needed now is not more words, but clearer responsibility and action.

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