An Unintended Consequence of Unexpected Policy: A Left-wing Social Policy by a Right-wing Political Party and Voters’ Policy Evaluation in South Korea

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using an original survey experiment in South Korea, we find that the introduction of a progressive welfare policy by a right-wing political party makes people more favorable in their perceptions of legitimacy, credibility, and agreement on the policy. We also find that such a support-increasing effect is stronger among people who feel attached to the right-wing party. The results imply that partisan cues are extended to cases where political parties implement policies that do not correspond to their long-established ideology.