Yonhap News Summary: August 28, 2026
Key updates on Supreme Court nominations, presidential approval ratings, stock market performance, and nuclear policy sentiment.
Quick Look
Yonhap reports on the presidential office rejecting a Supreme Court justice nominee, President Lee Jae Myung's record-low 42% approval rating, a 1.79% drop in KOSPI, and a poll showing 65% public support for South Korean nuclear armament.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The presidential office and the Supreme Court are in a dispute over judicial appointment protocols. President Lee's administration faces public criticism regarding real estate policies.
The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
■ Cheong Wa Dae says asked chief justice to make new recommendation for Supreme Court justice
SEOUL -- The presidential office has decided not to nominate one of two Supreme Court justice candidates recommended by the chief justice and asked the head of the top court to make a fresh recommendation, the office said Friday.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced the decision, days after a presidential official accused Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae of infringing on the president's authority by departing from the customary practice of recommending justice candidates following prior consultations.
■ Lee's approval rating hits record low of 42 pct: poll
SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to the lowest level this week since his inauguration, a poll showed Friday, amid negative public assessment of the government's real estate policy.
In a survey conducted by Gallup Korea from Tuesday through Thursday on 1,001 people aged 18 and older, 42 percent positively assessed Lee's management of state affairs, down 3 percentage points from the previous week.
■ (2nd LD) Seoul stocks snap 3-day rise on tech slump
SEOUL -- Seoul stocks closed sharply down Friday to snap their three-day winning streak, as investors sold off tech heavyweights amid external uncertainties, such as Washington's trade policy. The Korean won rose against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed down 123.49 points, or 1.79 percent, to 6,788.88.
■ 65 pct of S. Koreans support nuclear armament: poll
SEOUL -- Nearly two-thirds of South Koreans support the idea of their country having its own nuclear weapons, a poll showed Friday.
According to the Gallup Korea poll, 65 percent agreed that South Korea should possess nuclear weapons independently, while 30 percent opposed the idea.
Open Questions
- Who will be the new Supreme Court justice nominee?
- How will the administration address real estate policy criticism?
