South Korean approval of US hits two-decade low amid Trump tensions

A significant deterioration in South Korean public opinion of the United States has emerged in recent months, with approval ratings reaching their lowest point in two decades. The sharp decline signals growing strain in one of East Asia's most strategically important alliances, coming as the Trump administration reassesses its approach to major international partnerships.

The timing of the shift coincides with the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January 2025, when the administration began signalling potential changes to long-standing commitments in the region. South Koreans have expressed increasing concern over the direction and reliability of the alliance, which has underpinned security arrangements on the Korean Peninsula since the 1950s.

The deterioration in sentiment reflects deeper anxieties within South Korea about potential shifts in American security guarantees and trade relationships. These concerns have resonated across South Korean society, from political leadership to the general public, as officials attempt to navigate the uncertain policy environment.

The trend underscores the delicate nature of US relationships in Asia, where perceptions of American commitment significantly influence regional stability and strategic planning. South Korean policymakers now face the challenge of maintaining alliance cohesion while addressing domestic concerns about the relationship's future trajectory under the new American administration.