Tak-hyeon Lee looked down at the presidential-candidate approval-rating chart Do-beom Hwang had handed him.

"Is this for real?"

"Attached behind it are the approval-rating charts compiled by the Ilhyeon Group research institute as well as by other research centers. The numbers differ somewhat, but they all show the same trend."

Tak-hyeon Lee raised his head, wearing an expression of disbelief.

And, looking at Do-beom Hwang, he said.

"I'd heard that Min-gu Noh was showing good momentum, but... it's come this far?"

"Some outlets are already saying he's closed the gap to within the margin of error."

"Within the margin of error? Then isn't that basically saying it wouldn't be strange at all if he won?"

"Yes. It's reached the point where it wouldn't be strange at all if he won."

Tak-hyeon Lee set down the approval-rating chart he'd been looking at and tapped a finger on the spot where Sang-hoe Lee's name was written.

"What on earth is the problem?"

Do-beom Hwang looked down at the spot Tak-hyeon Lee had tapped and answered.

"It seems his reputation for being high-handed has hardened into a negative image."

"Is he still that high-handed?"

"Given that he hasn't come to see you even once, Chairman, it seems he still is."

"Hngh..."

Tak-hyeon Lee trailed off, tapping his finger on Sang-hoe Lee's name.

"Still, Min-gu Noh has only closed it to the margin of error — that's not the same as him winning."

"Yes, that's right. When people are asked who they think will win, there are still more answers for Sang-hoe Lee than for Min-gu Noh."

"Let's watch it for now. Tell them to keep a close eye on the approval trends from other polling agencies right up until the publication blackout period."

"Yes, understood. For the rest of the period, I'll have the approval trends checked and reported every morning."

Tak-hyeon Lee nodded to say he should do that, then leaned back in his chair.

And, looking down at the approval-rating report laid out on his desk, he said.

"Well, it doesn't really matter to us who wins. Seong-ho is close with…