60% of S. Koreans say propaganda balloon launches should be blocked

Posted on : 2014-10-15 16:39 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Launches of leaflet balloons by N. Korean refugee groups lead to recent exchange of gunfire near DMZ

By Kim Oi-hyun, staff reporter

Six out of ten South Koreans feel the launching of balloons containing propaganda leaflets to North Korea should be blocked, a recent survey shows.

The issue has drawn a major outcry from North Korea, with balloons recently being shot down near the Military Demarcation Line. Analysts said the results show the public placing more of a priority on preventing a possible clash with North Korea than on protecting freedom of expression, as the groups behind the launches have argued.

The survey, conducted on Oct. 13 by the polling agency Real Meter commissioned by the MBN network, questioned 500 eligible voters aged 19 or older from around the country. Results released on Oct. 14 showed 62% of respondents agreeing that the launches should be “blocked.” The rate was more than double the 24.6% who said the launches should not be blcoked. Another 12.5% of respondents said they were “not sure.”

More than half of self-identified supporters of the two main political parties, the ruling Saenuri Party (NFP) and New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD), were in favor of preventing the launches, with 53.1% of Saenuri supporters and 83% of NPAD supporters agreeing. Votes in favor of prevention led in all age groups, with 75.9% of respondents in their thirties opposing the launches.

The survey was conducted through automated responses on mobile phones and land lines. Sampling error was ±4.4%, with a 95% confidence level.

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

 

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