In a recent opinion poll conducted from the 26th to the 27th, Senior Secretary Ha Jung-woo emerged as the frontrunner with a 37.3% approval rating, ahead of Han Dong-hoon at 24.2% and Park Min-sik at 20.4%. The survey, taken before Ha Jung-woo officially declared candidacy, suggests strong initial support.
Analyst Park Soo-bin noted that while the numbers may raise concerns about a potential unification of Han and Park, such a merger appears unlikely. The two candidates have been trading sharp attacks, and Han Dong-hoon's high unfavorability ratings—among both People Power Party and Democratic Party supporters—could deter a successful coalition. Even if they unite, a significant vote defection is expected.
Park Soo-bin added that the Democratic Party's baseline support in Busan typically ranges from 35% to 45%, and Ha Jung-woo's campaign momentum could shift public opinion further once he actively hits the campaign trail.