Korean Identity Questionnaire, Citizen Politics Panel 3rd Round

■ 2005 October Korean Identity Public Opinion Survey
Citizen Politics Panel 3rd Public Opinion Survey

The Republic of Korea, now celebrating its 60th anniversary of liberation, has not yet escaped periods of upheaval. The history of Korea, which began with division and poverty, has developed into a developed country with a global trade ranking of 10th and a successful democratization narrative as of 2005. However, alongside the bright side, a dark side also exists. Even after the Cold War, the North and South remain divided, and internally, divisions based on region, generation, and ideology weigh heavily on Korea's progress toward the future.

This dual history appears to have cast both light and shadow on the national identity. On one hand, there seems to be a heightened sense of pride in Korea's global standing, symbolized by the slogan "Republic of Korea" and the "Taegeukgi" flag. Simultaneously, there is a palpable frustration stemming from being confined within narrow identities such as "progressive and conservative," "pro-American" and "anti-American," or "ruling party" and "opposition party." It remains to be seen whether the identity confusion currently experienced by the public will serve as a positive catalyst for integration into a new identity, or if it will ultimately lead to the fragmentation and loss of national identity.

The EAI Citizen Politics Panel and the JoongAng Ilbo have jointly planned the "Korean Identity Public Opinion Survey" with the aim of examining the "past" and "present" of the "Republic of Korea" and exploring a "vision for the future," centered on the question of "Who are Koreans and what does the Republic of Korea mean to them?" Korea Research was responsible for conducting the actual public opinion survey as a joint partner. The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews from August 31 to September 16, targeting 1,038 adult men and women nationwide using a quota sampling method based on regional, gender, and age demographics. The sampling error is ±3.0% at a 95% confidence level. The results, compiled by the JoongAng Ilbo, are scheduled to be published on October 13 and 14.

■ Survey Methodology

▼ Survey Sponsor: Hyundai, JoongAng Ilbo
▼ Survey Target: Adults aged 20 and above
▼ Survey Area: Nationwide
▼ Valid Samples: 1,038
▼ Survey Method: Face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire
▼ Sampling Method: Quota Sampling based on regional, gender, and age population proportions
▼ Sampling Error: ±3.0% at a 95% confidence interval
▼ Survey Period: August 31 - September 16, 2005

■ EAI Citizen Politics Panel

Chair: Kang Won-taek (Soongsil University)

Members: Kim Byung-kook (Director, EAI; Professor, Korea University, Political Science and International Relations), Kim Min-jeon (Professor, Kyung Hee University, General Education), Kim Jang-soo (BK Research Full-time Instructor, Korea University), Kim Tae-hyun (Professor, Chung-Ang University, Graduate School of International Studies), Lee Nae-young (Professor, Korea University, Political Science and International Relations), Lee Jae-yeol (Professor, Seoul National University, Sociology), Lee Hyun-woo (Professor, Kyung Hee Cyber University, English and American Studies), Jeong Won-chil (Senior Researcher, EAI), Jeong Han-wool (Senior Researcher, EAI)

▶ JoongAng Ilbo: Shin Chang-woon (Poll Specialist Reporter), Jeon Young-ki (Deputy Chief, Political Desk)