After Na Kyung-won's Resignation, Ahn Cheol-soo's Approval Rating Rises by 16.7%... "A Two-Strong Rivalry with Kim Ki-hyun"

Kim Ki-hyun 40.0% vs Ahn Cheol-soo 33.9%

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won has announced she will not run in the People Power Party leadership race, while a public opinion poll shows that lawmakers Kim Ki-hyun and Ahn Cheol-soo are forming a two-horse race. Ahn has shown a rapid rise by absorbing Na's support base.

According to a poll released on the 27th by Realmeter (commissioned by Media Tribune, conducted from the 25th to 26th, targeting 1,009 men and women nationwide aged 18 and over (422 of whom are People Power Party supporters), conducted via automated response), Kim recorded 40.0%, down 0.3 percentage points from last week's survey among People Power Party supporters, while Ahn rose 16.7 percentage points to 33.9%. The two candidates appear to be in a close race within the margin of error (±4.8%).

Source: Provided by Realmeter

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min rose 0.7 percentage points to 8.8%. Former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn recorded 4.7%, lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun 3.2%, and lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae 1.8%.

This People Power Party leadership election on March 8 adopts a method of selecting the leader 100% by party members, excluding general public opinion polls, making the intentions of party members absolutely important. For this reason, the poll was narrowed down to only People Power Party supporters.

Former lawmaker Na, who was considering running for party leader, declared on the 25th at a press conference, "If I can prevent public concerns about party division and confusion and return to harmony and unity, I will bravely step down," announcing her withdrawal. With Na ultimately giving up her intention to run amid pressure from the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction, Ahn has emerged as a strong contender.

In a hypothetical matchup question between Kim and Ahn, Kim received 48.0% support, while Ahn received 40.8%.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the likelihood of winning the party leadership, Kim was highest at 48.5%. Ahn followed with 28.7%, former lawmaker Yoo 6.4%, former Prime Minister Hwang 3.9%, lawmaker Cho 2.6%, and lawmaker Yoon 1.8%.

For detailed survey methodology and results, please refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.