More than half of South Koreans view US unfavorably for first time since 2003

South Koreans have reached a historic low in their favorable view of the United States, with 55% expressing an unfavorable opinion, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll. This marks the first time since 2003 that unfavorable sentiments have surpassed 50%, following the deaths of two Korean schoolgirls struck by a US military vehicle in 2003.

The share of those viewing the US "very unfavorably" doubled to 18%, while 45% held a favorable view, down 16 percentage points from the previous year. The survey, conducted between March and April, polled 1,045 adults across South Korea. In particular, negative perceptions of the US under President Donald Trump's second term have worsened, with only 47% now believing the US contributes significantly to world peace and stability, a 27-point decline from 2023.

Trump's tariff policies were particularly unpopular, with 85% opposing them, including 63% who strongly opposed them. Despite this, South Koreans still view the US as their country's most important ally, with 84% identifying it as such.