Jung Chung-rai, Kim Min-seok neck-and-neck for Democratic Party leadership, poll shows

A new poll reveals a tight race for the leadership of the Democratic Party, with Representative Jung Chung-rai leading Representative Kim Min-seok by a narrow margin within the margin of error. Jung garnered 21% support, while Kim received 19% in the survey.

The poll, conducted by Embrain Public, Kstat Research, Korea Research, and Korea Research from July 27-29, surveyed 1,000 adults nationwide. Representative Song Young-gil trailed with 6% support. Notably, over half of the respondents, 54%, expressed uncertainty or refused to answer.

Among declared Democratic Party supporters, the standings shifted, with Kim Min-seok leading Jung Chung-rai 34% to 29%. Song Young-gil received 9% support within this group.

In broader political sentiment, President Lee Jae-myung's job performance received a 53% approval rating, a slight decrease from 55% two weeks prior. His disapproval rating rose to 37% from 34%. The Democratic Party holds a significant lead in party support, with 40% compared to the ruling People Power Party's 21%. The Jo Guk Innovation Party and the Reform Party each garnered 2% support, while the Progressive Party received 1%. A substantial 33% of respondents remained undecided on party affiliation.

The survey also assessed public opinion on the government's real estate policies, with 56% disapproving and 33% approving. This represents a 2% decrease in approval and a 9% increase in disapproval since January.