Survey: 91% of South Koreans Doubt North Korea’s Denuclearization

Survey Reveals 91% of South Koreans Believe North Korea’s Denuclearization is Impossible

A recent survey conducted by the Final Hyun Research Institute and Gallup, in collaboration with Dong-A Ilbo, has unveiled that an overwhelming 91% of South Koreans believe that North Korea’s denuclearization is impossible. This percentage marks a significant increase of 13.4% compared to the previous year’s findings.

Lack of Trust in the US Nuclear Umbrella

The survey also shed light on the lack of trust among South Koreans regarding the protection provided by the United States’ nuclear umbrella. A substantial 61% of respondents expressed skepticism about whether the United States would be capable of offering adequate protection in the event of a crisis on the Korean Peninsula.

Strong Support for South Korea’s Independent Nuclear Development

Furthermore, the survey revealed an overwhelming level of support for South Korea’s independent nuclear development. An astonishing 73% of respondents believe that South Korea needs to develop its own nuclear weapons for national security purposes.

Concerns over China’s Contribution to North Korea’s Denuclearization

South Koreans harbor doubts about China’s role in North Korea’s denuclearization efforts. A significant 64% of respondents believe that China lacks the willingness and ability to substantially contribute to North Korea’s denuclearization.

Implications for Regional Security

The survey results provide valuable insights into the broader security dynamics in East Asia. A majority of 57.7% of respondents do not believe that North Korea possesses enough nuclear weapons to effectively respond to a potential nuclear attack from the United States. Additionally, 60.8% of respondents do not believe that the United States would exercise nuclear coercion in the event of a crisis on the Korean Peninsula.

Perception of Japan’s Nuclear Weapon Development

Regarding Japan’s potential to develop nuclear weapons, 65.4% of respondents believe that it is possible. This perception aligns with the prediction made by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who suggested that Japan could become a nuclear-armed state within five years.

Challenges and the Need for Enhanced Security Cooperation

The survey results highlight the declining trust in the United States and emphasize the need for enhanced security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan. A significant 63.4% of respondents do not believe that trilateral cooperation can effectively address the North Korean nuclear threat.

Perception of South Korea’s Right to Self-Defense

Amid increasing concerns about North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, a staggering 72.8% of respondents believe that South Korea should develop its own nuclear weapons for self-defense. This view is primarily driven by the need to counter North Korea’s advancing nuclear capabilities and potential military provocations.

China’s Role in Korean Peninsula Reunification

Regarding China’s role in the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, 63% of respondents perceive China as a potential obstacle. Only a minority of 5.7% believe that China’s involvement would be helpful, while 31.3% believe it would neither help nor hinder the process.

Survey Methodology and Key Insights

The survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews, involved a representative sample of 1,043 adults aged 18 and above. With a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of ±3.0 percentage points, the survey provides robust and reliable insights into the perceptions and opinions of South Koreans. These findings offer valuable considerations for ongoing discussions and actions related to the security and stability of the Korean Peninsula.