Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

South Koreans Assess Security Law

October 20, 2004

(CPOD) Oct. 20, 2004 - Many South Korean adults want to review the controversial National Security Law, according to a poll by the Korea Research Center released by MBC Radio. 48.3 per cent of respondents favour partial revisions, while 22.9 per cent would supplement the criminal code in return for repealing the law.

The law bans South Koreans from establishing contact with North Koreans or sympathizing with Kim Jong-il's regime. The legislation has proven controversial, as some South Koreans say it has worked effectively to counter the threat of communism, while others believe it has been used to suppress democracy.

In September, South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun said the National Security Law is "an old relic of the era of dictatorship (and) should be repealed."

The Uri Party—which holds a majority in the National Assembly—has proposed abolishing the National Security Law, while the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) opposes any change.

Polling Data

What should be done with South Korea's National Security Law?

Partially revise the law, but keeping
its name and framework

48.3%

Supplement the criminal code in
return for repealing the security law

22.9%

Keep law as is

13.9%

Abolish the law

7.8%

Source: Korea Research Center / MBC Radio
Methodology: Interviews to 1,003 South Korean adults conducted in October 2004. No margin of error was provided.

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.


Advanced Search