9 in 10 Koreans pick US as most important partner country

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By Jung Min-ho

Nearly nine out of 10 Koreans think that the United States is their most important partner nation, a recent poll showed.

According to a survey released on Sunday by the Federation of Korean Industries(FKI), a business lobby group, a whopping 89 percent picked the U.S. as Korea's No. 1 partner country.

The respondents said the alliance, which marks its 70th anniversary this year, has benefited their country in many ways, including economic growth and scientific development.

Asked whether it would have been possible for Korea to grow into the economic powerhouse that it is today without its alliance with the U.S., 64.6 percent said it would have been impossible. Among them, 52.3 percent said Washington's security support was necessary for Korea's development, with others saying its cooperation in the economy and American companies' partnerships were also helpful.

Slightly more than half of them said they were in favor of strengthening relations, while 44 percent said they were satisfied with the status quo. Asked about the reasons for supporting a stronger relationship, 34.2 percent picked defense, followed by geopolitical security in the region (33 percent).

When asked about Korea's No. 2 partner country, 35.2 percent chose China over Japan (23.4 percent) and the European Union (17.5 percent).

“Most Korean people recognize the importance of the U.S.' various roles in their country's development,” said Kim Bong-man, head of the organization's international affairs division. “The Korea-U.S. relationship is expected to enter a new phase through more cooperation.”