Six Out of Ten South Koreans Recognize North Korea as a State; 70% Support Peaceful Two-State Approach

Ministry of Unification Conducts Public Opinion Survey on Peace and Unification Issues

Six out of ten South Koreans recognize North Korea as a sovereign state, according to a recent survey. Additionally, seven out of ten respondents support defining inter-Korean relations as a "peaceful two-state relationship oriented toward unification."

The Ministry of Unification announced on December 11 that this result was revealed in a public opinion survey on peace and unification issues, conducted by Korea Gallup at the ministry's request from December 2 to 8. The survey targeted 1,005 adults aged 18 and older nationwide, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Jeong Dongyoung, the newly appointed Minister of Unification, is inspecting the northern Panmungak at the Freedom House in Panmunjom ahead of his inauguration ceremony on the 25th. [Provided by Ministry of Unification]

Regarding the necessity of unification, more than half of respondents (62%) answered that "unification is necessary." The main reasons cited were the establishment of a peaceful state (37.3%) and economic growth and enhanced national status (34.2%). As for the pace of unification, 57% said it should be achieved gradually, 26.5% preferred the current status quo, and 15.4% wanted unification as soon as possible. Notably, 79.4% agreed with the statement that "peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas without war is more important than unification."

When asked whether they consider North Korea to be a sovereign state, 64.6% agreed. Regarding perceptions of North Korea, 42.6% saw it as a partner for cooperation, followed by 23.8% who viewed it as an object of caution, 22.6% as an adversary, and 8.4% as a recipient of support. Regarding North Korea's "hostile two-state declaration," in which it claims it will no longer pursue unification, 80.0% were aware of it, and among them, 77.8% viewed it negatively.

Support for the "peaceful two-state relationship oriented toward unification," advocated by Minister of Unification Jeong Dongyoung and others as a response, stood at 69.9%. As for the top policy priorities the government should pursue to this end, respondents cited restoring dialogue channels (26.8%), promoting international cooperation and public diplomacy (24.0%), easing military tensions (17.4%), facilitating inter-Korean exchanges of people and goods (15.0%), and expanding domestic consensus and strengthening education (11.3%).

The Ministry of Unification stated, "Based on the public perceptions of peace, unification, North Korea, and inter-Korean relations confirmed in this survey, we will strengthen efforts for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula together with the public."

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