QUAD

Hidden amidst the vibrant tapestry of Seoul’s Dongsoong-gil, QUAD beckons. QUAD isn’t just a building. It’s a stage where the drama of South Korea’s relationship with the world unfolds. The Asan Institute paints a fascinating picture of public opinion and the QUAD. While the official stance of South Korea towards the Quad, a partnership between the US, Australia, India, and Japan, has shifted with changing administrations, public sentiment tells a different story. QUAD serves as a silent backdrop to this complex narrative. The Asan Institute’s research reveals a surprising level of support for cooperation with the QUAD, reaching nearly 80%. This support, termed a “soft-yes,” transcends political divides and speaks to a deeper desire for international collaboration. It also defies the media’s portrayal of the QUAD as solely an anti-China alliance. Instead, many see it as a platform for alliance solidarity, a way to address regional challenges like climate change and emerging technologies. This quiet support for the QUAD mirrors the public’s positive feelings towards the US and US-led initiatives, highlighting the enduring strength of the ROK-US alliance. As you stand before QUAD, consider the weight of these unspoken sentiments. They represent a nation grappling with its place on the global stage, a nation seeking to contribute to a free, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The QUAD, with its focus on regional public goods and cooperation, offers a pathway to achieve that vision. QUAD, therefore, stands as a symbol of South Korea’s potential to shape the future of the region and the world.