Seoul, South Korea – A recent poll released by Gallup Korea on February 14th reveals a tightening race between the nation’s two major political parties, signaling a potentially volatile political climate ahead of upcoming elections. The survey indicates that the ruling People Power Party (PPP) holds a marginal lead with a 39% approval rating, while the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) trails closely behind at 38%.
The poll, conducted between February 11th and 13th, surveyed 1,004 adults aged 18 and over across South Korea. The results show a slight uptick of 1 percentage point for the PPP compared to the previous survey, while the DPK experienced a 2 percentage point decrease.
Gallup Korea analysts suggest that the DPK’s support peaked in mid-December following the National Assembly’s passage of a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. However, since the beginning of the new year, the gap between the two parties has narrowed significantly, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an impending election.
This shift in public sentiment underscores the dynamic nature of South Korean politics. The impeachment motion, a significant event in itself, likely galvanized support for the DPK in the short term. However, the recent poll suggests that the PPP has managed to regain some ground, potentially due to factors such as policy adjustments, public perception of the impeachment’s aftermath, or the emergence of key political figures.
Looking at potential political leaders, DPK leader Lee Jae-myung currently leads with 34% support. He is followed by Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jung-sik at 12%, and then by former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo.
The narrowing gap between the PPP and DPK highlights the intense competition for political dominance in South Korea. As the nation navigates complex domestic and international challenges, the performance and messaging of both parties will be crucial in shaping public opinion and ultimately determining the outcome of future elections. This poll serves as a crucial snapshot of the current political landscape and a potential indicator of the battles to come.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, February 14). 민调：韩国朝野两大党支持率分别为39%和38% [Poll: South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties’ approval ratings at 39% and 38%, respectively]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here – since I don’t have access to the live web, I can’t provide the direct link. You will need to add it.]
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