Gallup poll finds divided views on Seoul mayor's appellate acquittal in polling-cost case

A Gallup Korea survey released on the 30th found closely divided positive and negative views of the Seoul mayor's appellate acquittal in a case involving allegations that polling expenses were paid on the mayor's behalf.

Positive assessments of the ruling stood at 34%, compared with 37% negative assessments. Another 29% did not know or declined to answer, leaving positive and negative views at similar levels within the margin of error.

Gallup Korea asked 1,000 people aged 18 or older nationwide about the ruling from the 27th to the 29th. The survey used telephone interviews with mobile virtual numbers, with a response rate of 10.4% and a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Responses differed by party affiliation and ideology. Negative assessments accounted for 69% of Democratic Party supporters and 76% of progressives, while positive assessments accounted for 68% of People Power Party supporters and 61% of conservatives.

Among respondents with no party affiliation, 51% did not know or declined to answer, 27% gave positive assessments and 22% gave negative assessments. Among moderates, the figures were 34% positive, 36% negative and 30% who did not know or declined to answer.