According to a survey by Gallup Korea, for the first time in five months, the People Power Party has surpassed the Democratic Party in support ratings. This reversal in support emerges amid ongoing investigations involving President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has been detained on charges of being the leader of a rebellion. While conservative voters are rallying, some moderate voters are turning away from the Democratic Party, resulting in a stagnation of support for them.
From January 14 to 16, a survey conducted by Gallup Korea asked 1,001 adults nationwide which party they support: 39% supported the People Power Party, 36% supported the Democratic Party, and 17% were non-partisan or without a particular party preference. Other parties such as the Progressive Party each garnered 4% for the Joseon Innovation Party, 2% for the Reform Advancement Party, and 1% for other parties and organizations.
The survey showed that the People Power Party’s support rating rose by 5% points compared to the previous week, while the Democratic Party’s rating remained unchanged.
Gallup Korea explained that the current political scenario is markedly different from the impeachment situation eight years ago, stating that in 2016, the ruling Saenuri Party’s support dropped dramatically during the scandal, unlike the current scenario.
When asked about future presidential candidates, 31% favored Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader, followed by 7% for Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, with other candidates receiving less support. Despite Lee’s continued lead, his support has declined by 1% point since last week.
Support for President Yoon’s impeachment has decreased. Although 57% still favor impeachment compared to 36% against, support for impeachment has dropped by 7% points, while opposition has increased by 4% points compared to last week.
Notably, among individuals in their 20s to 40s, support for impeachment has decreased from over 70% to the 60% range, with those in their 60s shifting from being divided to opposing impeachment. Prior to the impeachment vote proposal on December 13 last year, support for impeachment was at 75% with 21% opposing, indicating a significant change in sentiments.
Despite these shifts, there is still a stronger inclination for a change in government rather than maintaining the current regime. According to Gallup Korea, 48% believe it would be better for the opposition candidate to win to change the current government, compared to 40% who prefer an incumbent party candidate to maintain the regime. 12% withheld their opinion.
The survey sample was randomly extracted using wireless telephone virtual numbers provided by the three mobile communication companies, with interviews conducted by telephone surveyors. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 16.3%. For more detailed information, refer to the Central Election Survey Deliberation Commission.