Mixed Feelings About FTA With U.S.

According to a poll about the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States conducted by Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) on April 25, nearly 60-70 percent of 700 respondents across the nation supported the opening of service sector areas such as medical care and education, but 66 percent are opposed to opening the agriculture market.

Civic groups are most strongly opposed to the opening of the market for medical care and education, but 72 percent of the public supports opening those areas over all others. Only 22 percent are opposed to opening the market for education, and only 22 percent oppose opening the market for medical care. Some 65 percent support opening the market for law and accounting services, while 62 percent support opening up the general service industry.

When it comes to the film market, however, the public is split, with 45 percent for opening the market and 43 percent opposed. 67 percent of the public is opposed to opening the agriculture and livestock industry, while only 29 percent want to see it opened as well. The agriculture and livestock industry is the only area where more than 50 percent of respondents want to see the market remained closed.

In a survey about the FTA as a whole conducted in the mid-April, 55.2 percent responded negatively, compared to 39.5 percent in support. While a majority were opposed to the FTA as a whole, people expressed support for the opening of specific areas. "The public's attitude shows that a significant number of respondents see the FTA as the same thing as opening the market for agriculture," said KSOI's Han Gi-yeong. The survey showed that there are significant differences of opinion according to social group. People under 30, people with high education and high income, and office workers were more supportive, but people over 50, people with low education and low income, and housewives tend to be against the agreement.

By Gwon Tae-ho, [e-mail]