Lee Jae-myung leads in three-way race with 45 percent support

Lee Jae-myung a presidential contender in the Democratic Party primary speaks during an on-site meeting held at the Agency for Defense Development ADD in Daejeon on April 17 National Assembly Joint Press Corps — Lee Jae-myung, a presidential contender in the Democratic Party primary, speaks during an on-site meeting held at the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in Daejeon on April 17. National Assembly Joint Press Corps.

SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, a presidential contender from the Democratic Party (DP), is currently leading by a wide margin in hypothetical three-way matchups for South Korea’s next June 3 presidential election, according to a new poll released Thursday.

The National Barometer Survey (NBS) shows that Lee received 45 percent support in all three matchups tested. In a virtual race against former labor minister Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP) and Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, Lee recorded 45 percent support, while Kim trailed with 22 percent and Lee Jun-seok followed with 9 percent.

In another scenario, where former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo was the conservative candidate, Lee maintained 45 percent, while Hong received 24 percent and Lee Jun-seok 7 percent. In a third matchup against former justice minister Han Dong-hoon and Lee Jun-seok, Lee again led with 45 percent, with Han at 17 percent and Lee Jun-seok at 8 percent.

When asked more broadly about presidential suitability, Lee remained the top choice with 39 percent support. He was followed by Hong Joon-pyo and Kim Moon-soo at 8 percent each, Han Dong-hoon at 6 percent, and both lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Lee Jun-seok at 3 percent. Among DP supporters and the Rebuilding Korea Party, Lee’s support was overwhelming, standing at 83 percent and 73 percent respectively.

Within the PPP base, preferences were more divided. Hong Joon-pyo garnered 23 percent support, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 21 percent and Han Dong-hoon at 18 percent.

The survey also reflected a growing public desire for a change in government. Fifty-four percent of respondents said they believe a new party should take power in the next presidential election, up six percentage points from the previous week. Only 33 percent said they wanted the current ruling party to stay in office, down four points. According to the NBS, the percentage of respondents calling for a change in government is now at its highest level since the beginning of the year.

The survey was conducted jointly by Embrain Public, Kstat Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research from April 14 to 16, with responses from 1,001 South Korean adults aged 18 and over.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

Lee Jae-myung leads in three-way race with 45 percent support

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