[The Epoch Times, January 21, 2022](The Epoch Times Special Report Reporter Wu Huanxin) With just over a month to go before the general election in South Korea, the election situation is still confusing, with a ruling party candidate and an opposition party candidate appearing The pattern of close support and another candidate from the opposition party has become the most unpredictable election situation in South Korea’s history.
South Korea’s 20th presidential election will be held on March 9. Currently, Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the ruling party’s Common Democratic Party, and Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the largest opposition party, National Power, have the same approval rating, while the Nationalist Party candidate Ahn Cheol -soo) is also on the rise.
In response to such a stalemate election, a number of polling companies conducted surveys on the support rates of all parties from the 15th to the 16th. Although the specific figures are different, the overall trend is the same.
Entrusted by the Korean media “Central Daily”, the survey results released by the Korean polling agency Embrain Public showed that Yin Xiyue’s approval rate was 35.9%, an increase of 5.9% compared with the previous survey; Li Zaiming was 33.4%, a decrease of 6.0% compared with the previous survey; Ahn Cheol-soo’s approval rating was 15.6 percent, up 5.5 percent from the previous survey.
Polls believe that if Yin Xiyue and An Zhexiu elect a single candidate in the opposition, and Yin Xiyue is elected, his and Li Zaiming’s approval rates are 45.3% and 37.2% respectively, and Yin Xiyue is 8.1% higher. But if An Zhexiu is selected, he and Li Zaiming’s approval ratings are 51.0% and 31.3% respectively, and An Zhexiu is 19.7% higher.
According to the survey results of Kantar Korea, commissioned by Chosun Ilbo and TV Chosun, Yoon Seok-hye’s approval rate was 32.8%, up 1.4% from the previous survey; Lee Jae-myung was 31.7%, down 0.7% from the previous survey ; An Zhexiu was 12.2%, up 6.0% from the previous survey.
The poll believes that if Yin Xiyue and An Zhexiu choose a single candidate and Yin Xiyue is elected, he and Li Zaiming’s approval ratings are 39.3% and 32.2% respectively, and Yin Xiyue is 7.1% higher. But if An Zhexiu is selected, he and Li Zaiming have 47.9% and 26.6% approval rates respectively, and An Zhexiu is 11.3% higher.
According to the survey results conducted by Realmeter, commissioned by “Energy Economic News”, Yin Xiyue’s approval rate was 43.4%, an increase of 3.3% compared with the previous survey; Li Zaiming was 36.0%, a decrease of 5.1% compared with the previous survey; An Zhexiu was 11.7%, Up 6.0% from the previous survey. If Yin Xiyue and An Zhexiu choose a single candidate and Yin Xiyue is elected, he and Li Zaiming’s approval ratings are 48.3% and 35.6% respectively, and Yin Xiyue is 12.7% higher. But if An Zhexiu is elected, his and Li Zaiming’s approval ratings are 42.7% and 12.6% respectively, and An Zhexiu is 12.6% higher.
Yin Xiyue and Li Zaiming have been in a fierce competition between the two powers since the ruling and opposition presidential electors were determined. As the negative news of the two or their family members continues to be exposed, recently, the approval rate of Ahn Zhexiu, who has challenged the presidency for the third time this year, has soared, becoming the biggest beneficiary of the “Lee Yin Controversy”.
In view of these circumstances, South Korean public opinion generally believes that the result of this presidential election is the most unpredictable since South Korea achieved democratization. In the next month or so, the negative news surrounding the three candidates, TV discussions, public opinion of the younger generation, and whether the opposition camp will push a single candidate will become the key factors affecting the election.
In addition, “Chosun Ilbo” published a commentary titled “As a Country or an Allied Country” on the 20th, emphasizing that the key to South Korea’s presidential election is to choose the United States or the CCP.
Comments believe that, whether geographically or politically, after being trapped on the Korean Peninsula by China and Japan for hundreds of years, South Korea has been thrown into the arms of the world under the guidance of the United States. “Korea’s ability to live the current life is due to its own efforts and wisdom, but the opportunity is given by the United States, which is an indisputable fact.”
The comment said that because of the entangled interests in geography and trade, the CCP regards South Korea as its own vassal state. If South Korea chooses to rely on the CCP, let alone prosperity, it may even become difficult to breathe.
The editorial emphasized that this is not simply a matter of choosing communism or democracy at the ideological level, nor is it a matter of South Korea’s surrender to a military power to preserve its territory and gain some petty profits; furthermore, it is not a matter of relying on powerful countries. The issue of influencing the reunification of South Korea and North Korea is about whether South Korea can continue to enjoy freedom and human rights as universal values of human beings and live a dignified life.
The editorial concluded, “Now South Korea is at the crossroads of choosing the United States or China (the CCP). The current world situation does not allow South Korea to be alone. But it is certain that choosing China (the CCP) will become its vassal state, and the United States will be its ally.” That’s why the choice of the March 9 presidential election is important.”
Responsible editor: Lian Shuhua#