Why South Koreans Choose Peace Over Tension with North Korea

The Pulse of the Nation

Did you know that 34.8% of adults nationwide say the top priority for the Lee Jae-myung administration’s North Korea policy should be easing military tension and building a peace atmosphere
This finding comes from a July survey by the Democratic Peace Unification Advisory Council, polling 1,000 citizens aged 19 and older with a 95% confidence level and ±3.1% margin of error
Enthusiasm for non-coercive engagement is stronger than ever, reflecting media reports across major outlets and lively discussions on Naver and Tistory blogs

North Korea Through a New Lens

Almost half of respondents now view North Korea as a partner for cooperation or support rather than an adversary
Bloggers on Tistory praised this shift as a hopeful sign, noting that framing Pyongyang as a collaborator can open doors for dialogue and cultural exchange
At the same time, social media comments highlight both excitement and cautious optimism, with many readers asking how concrete steps can follow this changing mindset

Pathways to Humanitarian Bridges

When asked which field should lead future inter-Korean exchanges, 33.5% picked humanitarian aid followed by healthcare at 25.1% and social-cultural-sports cooperation at 22.4%
Tistory posts celebrated grassroots charity efforts led by local organizations, while Naver users shared moving stories of family reunions and joint cultural festivals
This blend of policy and personal narrative underscores how compassion drives public support for engagement

Rallying Global and Domestic Support

Survey participants emphasized international cooperation (38.9%) and spreading domestic consensus (35.9%) as key to successful North Korea policy
Online communities on Naver and Tistory echoed the call for stronger ties with the UN and neighboring nations, urging ready resources for peacebuilding projects
With nearly 69% agreeing that unification is necessary, South Koreans are rallying around a vision of peace that combines diplomatic partnership, civic engagement, and hope for the future