[AKYUNG Poll] New Deal Budget 'Maintain/Expand' 41.7% vs 'Reduce' 41.4%

Maintaining and Expanding Support Base in Yeongji and Honam Regions
Many Reductions in People Power Party and Yeongnam Region
Blue House and Democratic Party Emphasize Prompt Processing

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As the ruling and opposition parties engage in a tug-of-war over the budget for the 'Korean New Deal,' public opinion appears to be sharply divided on the issue.

Asia Economy commissioned Win-Gi Korea Consulting to conduct a public opinion survey from the 15th to the 16th targeting 1,000 voters nationwide aged 18 and older (100% mobile phone virtual numbers, automated response). The results showed that 41.7% responded with 'maintain current budget (33.5%) + increase budget (8.2%)' for the New Deal budget. However, 41.4% responded with 'reduce budget,' indicating a nearly even split within the margin of error. Those who answered 'don't know' accounted for 16.8%.

By party support, among supporters of the Democratic Party of Korea, 'maintain current budget (61.5%) + increase budget (13.4%)' was predominant, while among supporters of the People Power Party, 'reduce budget (76.2%)' was the leading opinion. Regionally, Gwangju and Jeolla showed higher support for 'maintain current budget (60.4%) + increase budget (6.3%),' whereas Daegu-Gyeongbuk and Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam recorded 'reduce budget' opinions at 59.1% and 54.4%, respectively.

By age group, those in their 30s and 40s favored 'maintain current + increase budget,' while those aged 18-29, 60s, and 70 and above leaned toward 'reduce budget.' Specifically, 38.3% of people in their 30s supported 'maintain current,' with 9.1% favoring 'increase budget.' Among those in their 40s, 46.5% supported 'maintain current,' and 12.1% supported 'increase budget.' For ages 18-29, 42.1% favored 'reduce budget,' while those in their 60s and 70+ showed 54.3% and 45.9%, respectively.

This survey was conducted nationwide among voters aged 18 and older from the 15th to 16th, with an overall response rate of 24.1%, totaling 1,000 respondents. The survey method was wireless ARS using 100% mobile phone virtual numbers. The sample was extracted with weighted values by gender, age, and region based on the resident registration population as of the end of October 2020 from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (cell weighting). The sampling error is ±3.09 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For detailed survey information, refer to the Win-Gi Korea Consulting website or the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.

Meanwhile, as the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Special Committee's Budget Adjustment Subcommittee began a detailed review of next year's budget, President Moon Jae-in encouraged the Democratic Party to pass the budget and legislation for the Korean New Deal. On the afternoon of the 16th, at the 3rd Korean New Deal Strategy Meeting held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), President Moon called the Korean New Deal "the key to opening the future of the Republic of Korea" and urged close cooperation between the Democratic Party and the government.

At the meeting, President Moon introduced the spirit of the Korean New Deal, including pioneering economic recovery through digital and low-carbon economic transitions, building safety nets for inclusive transitions, and playing a central role in regional economic vitality. He stated, "The roles of the party and the National Assembly are extremely important." He added, "Please swiftly establish the legal foundation to lead digital innovation and accelerate the Green New Deal," and requested, "Please achieve results in legislative tasks supporting safety net reinforcement, New Deal finance, and regional balance."

President Moon emphasized, "We will take on bold challenges to leap forward as a leading country through the Korean New Deal," and urged, "Let the party and government unite as one to lead the great leap of the Republic of Korea." This meeting was held concurrently with the party-government-office meeting. From the Democratic Party, 48 people attended, including leader Lee Nak-yeon, the leadership team, the K-New Deal Committee chair and secretary, and standing committee chairs and secretaries related to the New Deal. Leader Lee stated, "The first thing the party must do for the success of the Korean New Deal is to gain the participation of the people."