Public Opinion Divided Over Sending Troops to Iraq

According to a public opinion poll conducted by the Donga Ilbo in commemoration of its 83rd anniversary, Korean people find America less likable, yet think U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Korea play a crucial role in the security of the peninsula. In addition, they support sending non-combatant troops to Iraq as long as the decision can help resolve the North Korean nuclear threat peacefully.

To the question of sending non-combatant troops to Iraq would help resolve the North’s nuclear threat peacefully, 47.4% of the respondents were positive, while 42.1% negative. Public opinion was divided over the pros and cons of sending troops to Iraq, 48.2% and 45.1%, respectively.

Those who don’t like America, 29.5% of the respondents, outnumbered those who do like America (23.0%). However, people seemed to share the view that U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Korea are very important to the security of the peninsula, as 40.6% said it is very crucial and 44.2% said somewhat crucial, accounting for 84.8% of the total. Regarding current U.S.-Korean relations, 65.9% responded that it is not in good shape, expressing their concern.

On the other hand, 76.1% of Koreans are found to fear another economic crisis like the one in 1997 in the near future. Such uneasiness seems to stem from worries about the Iraq war’s possible negative impact on the Korean economy (77.5%).

In addition, 72.1% said that President Roh Moo-hyun, who took office a month ago, is doing well in managing state affairs.

Korea Research Center (KRC) conducted the survey through telephone interviews with male and female adults nationwide totaling 1,009 on March 28 and 1012 on March 29. The sampling error is ±3.1% with a 95% confidence level. See the details on www.donga.com.

sunny60@donga.com