August 22, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in South Korea hold positive views on establishing a dialogue with North Korea, according to a poll by Media Research published in The Korea Times and Hankook Ilbo. 73.9 per cent of respondents support the upcoming summit between the two Koreas.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in South Korea hold positive views on establishing a dialogue with North Korea, according to a poll by Media Research published in The Korea Times and Hankook Ilbo. 73.9 per cent of respondents support the upcoming summit between the two Koreas.

When asked about the most important topic that should be discussed in the talks, 34.1 per cent of respondents mention denuclearization. Economic cooperation is second on the list with 20.8 per cent, followed by reunification with 14.3 per cent, and the establishment of a peace system with 13.4 per cent.

Diplomatic relations between the North and South have been strained since the end of the Korean War. A one-mile demilitarized zone has separated the two countries since 1953.

Kim Jong-il has been the de-facto leader of North Korea since the death of his father, Kim Il Song, in 1994. In 2005, the government of North Korea admitted publicly for the first time that it possesses nuclear weapons. In February, North Korea reached an agreement with the United States under the framework of the six-party talks that will result in the suspension of its nuclear weapons program in exchange for one million tonnes of fuel oil, economic assistance, and humanitarian aid.

Delegates from South Korea and North Korea agreed to hold a summit from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30 in Pyongyang, North Korea. On Aug. 18, South Korean government spokesman Cheon Ho-seon revealed that the meeting was re-scheduled for Oct. 2 to Oct. 4, saying, "North Korea sent a telephone message to the chief of the National Intelligence Service, Kim Man-bok, this morning, saying that it is forced to put off (the summit) due to the urgent task of flood recovery."

According to the United Nations (UN), recent torrential rains have killed at least 214 people in North Korea, and forced the evacuation of 300,000 more. The UN also estimates that half of the country's health clinics were destroyed, and that close to 70 per cent of arable land is now under water.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the upcoming summit with North Korea?

Support	73.9%
Oppose	22.6%

Which topic should be at the top of the agenda during the summit?

Denuclearization	34.1%
Economic cooperation	20.8%
Reunification	14.3%
Establishment of peace system	13.4%

Source: Media Research / The Korea Times / Hankook Ilbo
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 South Korean adults, conducted on Aug. 13 and Aug. 14, 2007. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.