The halfway point of President Yoon's term...Low approval rating stumbling block amid four major reforms and external uncertainties

President Yoon's Halfway Point in his Term today..."Run without resting"
'4+1 Reform' seems to be devoted to completing..."Structural reform is inevitable"
In addition to the strong opposition to the reform, the legislative process at the Yeosoya National Assembly is tough
Strengthening ROK-US alliance, improving Korea-Japan relations...diplomatic achievements

[Anchor]
The President of Yoon Suk Yeol marks the turning point of his five-year term today (10th).

President Yoon, who focused on floating the four reforms, including medical reform in the first half of his term, will begin the second half of his term amid deepening external uncertainties such as the close ties between North Korea and Russia and the election of Trump.

Reporter Shin Yoon-jung reports.

[Reporter]
President Yoon Suk Yeol said he has been working tirelessly for the country and people's livelihoods for the past two and a half years.

[Yoon Suk Yeol / President]: There must have been a lot to be desired in the eyes of the people. However, my sincerity has always been next to the people.]

President Yoon promised to return to his original intention and make "people's livelihood changes" felt by the people with the remaining two and a half years.

It is expected to focus more on completing the '4+1 reform' that adds a low birth rate response to labor, pension, education, and medical reforms.

It seems to be based on the judgment that we have no choice but to increase the productivity of our society through structural reform at a time when the production population is inevitable due to low birth rate and aging population.

[Yoon Suk Yeol / President] [On the 7th, speaking to the public] The 4+1 reform is directly related to people's livelihoods. It's structural reform for our economic growth.]

However, it is unclear how much will be achieved due to strong opposition from stakeholders of each reform as well as medical reform, and the difficult legislative process remains in the National Assembly.

On the outside, the biggest achievement is strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance, restoring Korea-Japan relations, and raising cooperation between Korea, the U.S. and Japan to the highest level under the slogan of "Global Central Country."

[Yoon Suk Yeol / President (Camp David Summit, August last year): The most important and most symbolic area of our trilateral cooperation system is security cooperation.]

However, strengthening cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan has led to solidarity between North Korea, China, and Russia, and security concerns are growing as North Korea provides weapons and troops to Russia.

On top of that, former U.S. President Trump, who advocated a foreign policy centered on his country's priority and interests, is also facing uncertainties from Trump as he succeeded in re-election.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President-elect (last 16): They would have been willing (to pay $10 billion). Korea is a "money machine."]

Above all, President Yoon's low approval rating is the biggest obstacle to state administration in the second half of his term.

Just before the halfway point in his term, both Gallup and NBS had approval ratings in the late 10% range, the first time since former President Roh Tae-woo.

The success or failure of the state administration in the second half of his term is expected to be determined by whether President Yoon, who has explained various suspicions, bowed his head, apologized, and promised to reform, will continue to make substantial changes and show diplomatic power amid the chaotic international situation.

I'm YTN's Shin Yoon Jung.