SEOUL, October 03 (AJP) - A strong majority of South Koreans believe Washington's demand for a $350 billion upfront investment in the ongoing tariff negotiations is unfair, according to a survey of 1,008 people aged 18 and older, conducted by pollster Realmeter.
The poll found that 80.1 percent of respondents said the demand was unreasonable. Within that group, 61.4 percent called it "very unreasonable" and 18.7 percent said it was "somewhat unreasonable." Only 12.4 percent said it was acceptable, with 5.1 percent describing it as "very acceptable" and 7.3 percent "somewhat acceptable."
Realmeter said the sharp disapproval reflected public sentiment that the U.S. demand amounted to a "threatening request," especially after recent tensions involving a South Korean national detained in the United States. The agency said the results showed a strong awareness among the public of the need to protect national interests.
The survey showed little regional divide. More than 70 percent in all parts of the country said the U.S. stance was unreasonable, including 84.0 percent in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province and 84.8 percent in Gwangju and the Jeolla provinces.
By age group, disapproval was above 60 percent across the board and reached its highest level among those in their 50s, at 88.5 percent.
On how the government is handling the negotiations so far—rejecting the U.S. demand while continuing talks—61.9 percent said the approach was appropriate, while 30.5 percent disagreed.
Asked about the best negotiating strategy, 33.7 percent chose "conditional negotiations" that would stick to principles while allowing limited concessions to strengthen leverage. A tougher line, rejecting the demand outright, was backed by 24.6 percent, while 19.7 percent said South Korea should pursue broader international cooperation alongside bilateral talks. Only 16.2 percent said the government should make concessions for the sake of the alliance.
The survey was conducted Oct. 1–2 through automated mobile phone calls. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level, with a response rate of 4.1 percent. Full details are available on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission website.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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