국가 이미지와 통일·대북정책 태도 간 관련성에 관한 탐색적 연구

Abstract

This study explores the association between South Koreans’ perceptions of neighboring countries, their views of unification, and their attitudes toward North Korea policy. By applying the framework of international image theory, this study categorizes national images and explores potential variations in attitudes toward unification and North Korea policies across different image types. The results are summarized as follows: Individuals who hold an imperial image of Japan feel are less inclined toward unification and tend to support status-quo North Korea policies. Conversely, those with an imperial image of the United States demonstrate the most proactive attitudes toward reunification, attempting to address the North and South Korean issues from a non-nationalist perspective. Respondents with a barbarian image of China, which is the most prevalent image in South Koreans, show a passive attitude toward unification, favoring peaceful coexistence similar to those with an imperial image of Japan. However, they oppose the notion that severing relations with North Korea is more beneficial, differing from the views of those who hold an imperial image of Japan. These findings suggest that evaluations of soft power are closely linked to the perceptions of neighboring countries. An improvement in cultural status leads to a barbarian image of neighboring countries, potentially fostering pessimistic attitudes toward achieving unification.