Half of S. Koreans accept divided peninsula under peaceful coexistence

SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- Half of South Koreans say they would accept the
Korean peninsula remaining divided if the two countries can coexist peacefully, a
survey by a private think tank showed Sunday.
The Korea Peace Institute carried out a poll in early June on 1,078 people aged
between 19 and 59 on various issues related to the prospects of future
unification of the two Koreas.
Answers to a question on attitudes towards the peninsula remaining divided if the
two countries coexist peacefully averaged 5.54 points on a scale of zero-to-10.
Respondents were instructed to mark zero if they fully disagree to the question
and 10 if they fully agree.
Female respondents were slightly more indifferent to the prospect of unification,
with an average of 5.95 points, while male respondents averaged 5.15 points.
Those in their 20s averaged 3.9 points regarding interest in issues related to
defectors from North Korea.
Respondents averaged 3.87 points on a question regarding their willingness to
contribute 30 percent of personal income to costs stemming from unification of
the two Koreas.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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