Smart Q&A: Jeong Han-wool] Evaluating the Park Geun-hye Administration's Unification Policy Based on Public Opinion: Weakening Support for the 'Unification Jackpot Theory' and Ways to Rekindle Momentum

Senior Research Fellow Jeong Han-wool holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Korea University and is active as a member of the Public Opinion Analysis Team at the East Asia Institute and as an advisor to the UN Command and the ROK-US Combined Forces Command Civilian Advisory Committee (KAC).

Overview

More than a year and a half has passed since the Park Geun-hye administration's unification discourse, symbolized by the 'Unification Jackpot Theory,' was introduced. Given the volatile nature of inter-Korean relations, it is still too early to assess whether these government efforts have brought about substantial progress in overcoming the reality of division or in unification itself. However, it can be said that there have been some achievements in that the issue of unification, which had not received attention for some time, was brought into public discourse, thereby garnering domestic and international interest and support. As this year marks the 70th anniversary of liberation and the 70th anniversary of division, we conducted a <Smart Q&A> interview with Jeong Han-wool, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asia Institute's Public Opinion Analysis Center, to examine public opinion trends on unification and explore its implications for the Park Geun-hye administration as it reaches the midpoint of its term. ■

Evaluating the Park Geun-hye Administration's Unification Policy at the Midpoint of its Term

'Unification Jackpot Theory' Momentum Weakens: Support Declines, Cautious Unification Stance Remains

Skepticism about Unification Among the 2030 Generation is Also a Burden

Factors Behind the Weakening Unification Momentum

(1) Weakened National Governance Base (2) Cooled Inter-Korean Relations (3) Deteriorating Economic Conditions

How to Revitalize the Momentum of the 'Unification Jackpot Theory'?

Focusing Exclusively on Inter-Korean Relations and the Economy is Necessary for Rekindling

※ This interview is based on the report[EAI Opinion Review] 2015-08, and this is hereby acknowledged.

<Smart Q&A> aims to provide timely and in-depth analysis of current issues through Q&A sessions with experts in relevant fields. The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the interviewee and do not represent the official position of the East Asia Institute.

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