Analysis of the public perception and acceptance of gene-editing technology and gene-edited agricultural products in South Korea.

Abstract

Genome editing (GE) is a promising agricultural technology; however, its effective adoption relies on safety assurance and public trust. To investigate Korean perceptions, a 2national survey (n = 1,055) was conducted in 2024 on awareness, attitudes, acceptance, and information behavior. Awareness was high for familiar terms such as "gene scissors," but low for scientific terms such as CRISPR. Willingness to purchase GE products was 70%, exceeding that for GMO reported previously, although respondents favored conditional adoption (research, imports) over domestic cultivation. Safety was the most decisive factor, not only in the form of scientific verification but also in transparency and institutional safeguards. Expert organizations were trusted, yet mass media remained the preferred information channels, revealing a credibility - accessibility gap. Respondents also emphasized expert and government leadership in policymaking. Overall, Korean perceptions align with global patterns but show stronger emphasis on policy trust and media reliance, underscoring the need for transparent safety verification, expert-led yet mass-mediated communication, and tailored strategies.