WASHINGTON, June 3 (UPI) -- More than half of U.S. adults believe a war between North and South Korea is likely soon, a poll released Thursday indicated.
But only one-third would support U.S. military action to overthrow the North Korean government, the Angus Reid Public Opinion survey said. Almost half, 47 percent, would oppose U.S. involvement.
Tensions have escalated since a South Korean naval vessel sank in March near the sea boundary between the Koreas, killing 46 sailors. South Korea says its investigation has determined the ship was hit by a North Korean torpedo, a charge the Pyongyang government vehemently denies.
Sixteen percent of those polled said they believe a war is very likely, and 43 percent said it is moderately likely.
While 67 percent of those polled say North Korea is an enemy of the United States, 46 percent say South Korea is a friend. Thirty-five percent would approve of a U.S. invasion of the north, and 47 percent would disapprove.
Almost half, 47 percent, would approve of the 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea giving some military assistance during a war, but 37 percent would oppose that.
Angus Reid polled 1,004 members of its Springboard America panel online May 29-30. The results have a 3.1 percent margin of error.
