Choi Jae-hyung: "Rising Approval Ratings Reflect People's Desire for Change... Will Strive for a New Image"

Former Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection Choi Jae-hyung, who recently joined the People Power Party, is holding a meeting with the party's spokesperson group in front of the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the morning of the 20th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Choi Jae-hyung, the opposition presidential candidate and former head of the Board of Audit and Inspection, recently commented on his rising approval ratings, saying, "I believe the people's desire for new change is reflected in this."

On the 20th, after a meeting with the People Power Party spokesperson team at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Choi told reporters, "Although I am older than other primary candidates, I will do my best to show a new political image as the people expect."

Since joining the People Power Party on the 15th, Choi has shown an upward trend in approval ratings. According to a survey conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) commissioned by TBS from the 16th to 17th, targeting 1,013 men and women aged 18 and over nationwide (with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level; for detailed information, refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission and KSOI websites), Choi's approval rating rose by 3.1 percentage points from a week earlier to 5.6%. This surpassed the so-called "magical wall" of 5%. He ranked second among opposition candidates, following former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl (30.3%).

Regarding his resignation from the position of head of the Board of Audit and Inspection, he explained, "When the launch event is prepared, I will address the questions people have at that time."

He also reiterated his explanation concerning allegations that he rented an apartment registered under his wife's name to his daughter at below market price. In response to the ruling party's demand to disclose his daughter's remittance records, he said, "There is nothing I cannot disclose," adding, "I believe there will be no major issues."

On the same day, Choi had an introductory meeting with People Power Party officials and spent about 30 minutes talking with the newly appointed spokesperson team selected through a 'debate battle.' He said, "I wanted to hear the voices of party members and the spokespersons who can be said to represent young people. I fully understood the questions and expectations they expressed to me, and I intend to empathize with those views and unite our efforts as I move forward in my political career." The spokesperson team also presented Choi with a portable fan to wear around his neck as a gift.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.