South Korean Public Sentiment Toward United States Hits Historic Low

For the first time in over twenty years of longitudinal tracking, a majority of the South Korean population now holds a negative perception of the United States. According to the latest findings from the Pew Research Center's "2026 Global Attitudes Survey," the shift in public sentiment is stark, signaling a potential cooling of the social and emotional ties between the two long-term partners.

The survey, which gathered responses from 1,045 South Korean adults between March 3 and April 4, indicates that 55% of participants view the U.S. unfavorably. This represents a significant surge of 16 percentage points compared to the previous year, when the figure stood at 39%. Even more concerning for diplomatic observers is the rise in intense negativity; the proportion of respondents who hold a "very unfavorable" view of the U.S. has doubled, leaping from 9% last year to 18% in the current cycle.

Beyond general sentiment, the data reveals a deepening crisis of trust. The perceived reliability of the United States as a partner has plummeted. In 2022, during the Biden administration, a substantial 83% of South Koreans viewed the U.S. as a trustworthy partner. However, the most recent data shows this figure has dropped by 26 percentage points, leaving only 57% who still maintain confidence in the American partnership. This erosion of trust suggests that South Koreans are becoming increasingly skeptical of Washington's consistency and commitment to regional stability.

Economic friction appears to be a primary driver of this dissatisfaction. The survey highlights a profound rejection of American economic nationalism, specifically the tariff policies associated with the Trump administration. An overwhelming 85% of South Koreans expressed negative views toward these trade measures, with 63% stating they "strongly oppose" the imposition of such tariffs. Given South Korea's heavy reliance on global trade and exports, the shift toward protectionism in the U.S. is viewed not just as a policy disagreement, but as a direct threat to national economic security.

However, the data presents a fascinating paradox: while the emotional and trust-based connection to the U.S. is fraying, the strategic valuation of the alliance remains remarkably resilient. Despite the surge in negative sentiment, 84% of respondents still believe that the United States is South Korea's most important ally. Although this is a slight decrease of 5 percentage points from the previous year, it remains a dominant consensus. This suggests that South Koreans are distinguishing between their view of the U.S. government's current policies and the essential nature of the security umbrella provided by the alliance.

This divergence indicates a transition toward a more transactional view of the relationship. The South Korean public seems to acknowledge a cold reality: while they may be dissatisfied with American political volatility and trade aggression, the geopolitical risks posed by regional adversaries make the U.S. alliance an indispensable necessity. The challenge for future U.S. administrations will be to bridge this gap, moving from a relationship based on perceived necessity to one based on mutual trust and shared values.