[Public Opinion Briefing 47-1] Unstable Political Situation, Public Concern Shifts from “Economy to National Unity”

[EAIㆍMaeil Business Newspaper] Public Opinion Briefing No. 47

1. Unstable Political Situation, Public Concern Shifts from “Economy to National Unity”

2. Political Situation Fluctuating Since Former President Roh's Funeral

3. North Korea's Second Nuclear Test and Koreans' Security Perceptions

Changes in National Priorities for Government Resolution

- February Survey: Economic Polarization, Economic Growth Prioritized

- June Survey: “National Unity” Highest Priority > Economic Polarization > Economic Growth

- Following North Korea's Nuclear Test, Responses Favoring Improvement in Inter-Korean Relations Increased

[Table 1] Changes in Perceptions of Top National Priorities (February-June) (%)

A President for Unity Over an Economic President

First, the recent series of domestic and international events are bringing about significant changes in public perception. The overwhelming victory of candidate Lee Myung-bak in the 17th presidential election was a result of the public's strong desire for economic revitalization. Even in the February survey, conducted amidst the global economic turmoil triggered by the US financial crisis that began in the latter half of last year, it was evident that public attention was entirely focused on economic issues. 'Mitigating economic polarization' was cited by 33.9% as the top national priority the government should address, followed by 'economic growth' at 25.5%. 'National unity' was emphasized by 13.9%, and 'political reform' by 7.4%.

However, in the current survey, 28.3% selected national unity as the top national priority, the highest figure recorded. This represents an increase of 14.4 percentage points compared to the February survey, indicating a higher priority assigned to national unity than to resolving economic polarization or achieving economic growth. Responses citing the resolution of economic polarization as the top priority decreased by 6.7 percentage points to 27.2%, and those citing economic growth also decreased by 7.3 percentage points.

This can be interpreted as a result of the rapid intensification of concerns about political conflict and social division among political parties, civil society, and the public following the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun, leading to a swift shift in public attention towards political stability and national unity. Amidst the shock of a former president's suicide and escalating political turmoil due to public alienation from the government and ruling party, the opposition is signaling political confrontation by demanding the president's apology and accountability. Meanwhile, intense debates among prominent commentators representing progressive and conservative viewpoints regarding President Roh's death suggest the potential for severe social division. The survey results demonstrate the magnitude of the crisis felt by the public, as evidenced by the prioritization of national unity as the most important task, even in the urgent context of overcoming the global economic crisis.

Meanwhile, improving inter-Korean relations was selected as an important national priority, following national unity, economic polarization, and economic growth. Priorities such as political reform, strengthening international competitiveness, and improving quality of life saw a slight decrease in responses. Following North Korea's second nuclear test, tensions between the two Koreas have escalated, with North Korea increasing its threats and the South Korean government announcing its participation in PSI. This can be interpreted as a result of the uncertain prospects for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and the deteriorating security environment, as the international community pursues UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. In this context of escalating domestic and international political and social instability, it can be understood as a call for the government and political circles to exercise leadership for national unity to alleviate public anxiety and concerns.