South and North Korean college students have divergent views on reunification, a survey showed Thursday.
ย ย
A majority of South Korean students disapprove of unification if it would have a negative impact on the economy, while those from the North support it, according to the poll conducted by a group of young adults, which calls itself “Story K.”
ย ย
From Nov. 1-7, it interviewed 257 South Korean college students and 180 others who defected from the North.
ย ย
Asked if they believe an early unification is needed even if economic situations will be bad to some extent, 62.7 percent of South Koreans had a negative stance. But 86.5 percent of North Koreans were positive.
ย ย
On the unification issue, 46 percent of South Koreans said they have a “rather big” interest in it and 37 percent said they don’t care about it. In contrast, 66 percent of North Koreans said they are very interested in unification.
ย ย
As to the urgency of reunification, 71.6 percent of South Koreans said the government should wait until appropriate conditions are created rather than rushing the process.
ย ย
However, 53.9 percent of North Koreans said reunification should be achieved as early as possible at any cost. (Yonhap)
