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SEOUL - A provincial governor nicknamed after a leading boy-band is surging in South Korean presidential polls following former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon's announcement that he would not run in an election that could come within months.


Governor An Hee-jung is seen as a down-to-earth Derrick Nnadi Jersey , uncomplicated politician, traits that could serve him well in a nation roiled by December's impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, an election would be held in 60 days.


""I want to be a president who would put up a basketball hoop in the yard of the Blue House and play basketball with aides,"" An, a youthful-looking 51, said in a recent online video interview, referring to the presidential compound.


The image is in contrast to Park, 64, who was perceived as isolated and aloof even before the corruption crisis that was to envelop her presidency erupted late last year.


None of her prospective successors has a commanding lead in polls. But An has scored the biggest increase in ratings since Ban's undeclared candidacy fizzled in January, vaulting into second place from as far back as fifth less than a month ago.


A Gallup Korea poll issued on Friday showed An closing the gap on fellow Democratic Party member Moon Jae-in, who leads 29 percent to 19 percent. Last week, Moon led 32-10. Gallup Korea is not affiliated with U.S.-based Gallup Inc.


""As a liberal he succeeded in a two-term governorship in a conservative region, which means his ability and sincerity are recognized by the opposition.""


An has stressed the importance of South Korea's alliance with the United States, respecting an agreement between Seoul and Washington to deploy the THAAD missile defense system that is opposed by China. Moon says the next government should decide on the missile defense.


An also disagrees with Moon's plan to boost employment by creating more government jobs.


Married with two sons, An has an eventful past.


As a student activist in the 1980s, he was expelled from high school and imprisoned twice during college for opposing the then military dictatorship.