New South Korean President under Fire in Beef Row

SEOUL, South Korea — President Lee Myung-bak took office in February on a wave of popularity propelled by his vow to boost South Korea's economy with skills honed in business. He soon led his conservative party to win control of the legislature in national elections.

But a misreading of the public mood over imports of U.S. beef has sent Lee's approval ratings into a nosedive, leaving him caught between a promise to a key ally and the anger of his own people.

After weeks of protests, the government announced Tuesday — Lee's 100th day in office — that it was backing away from an agreement to resume imports of American beef, which was banned after the United States reported its first case of mad cow disease in late 2003.

Agriculture Minister Chung Woon-chun said the government was acting to "humbly accept the people's will," following large street protests over the weekend.

Though Lee's margin of victory in December's presidential election was the biggest ever in South Korea, the beef issue has evaporated his popularity. A poll published in the national newspaper JoongAng Ilbo on Tuesday said less than 20 percent of Koreans support him.

"Lee cannot properly run the country with such a low approval rate," said Im Hyug-baeg, a professor of politics at Korea University.

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