1. Unification in Action? The National Identity of North Korean defector-Migrants: Insights and Implications
- Author:
- Christopher Green and Stephen Denney
- Publication Date:
- 10-2018
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI)
- Abstract:
- What can the resettlement of North Korean defector-migrants into South Korean society today tell us about Korean national identity and the likely challenges of integrating the two Koreas tomorrow? In this paper, we report findings from a 2016 national identity survey of 334 North Korean defector-migrants currently residing in South Korea. It compares responses to that of native South Koreans and considers in-group differences of opinion. Overall, we find no substantive identity divergences between those from North Korea and native South Koreans. We do, however, find evidence of significant in-group identity differences, namely cohort effects. Older defector-migrants are more likely to see their “Koreaness” as defined by ethnocultural traits, feel closer to South Korea, and be more “patriotic” than younger migrants.
- Topic:
- Demographics, Migration, Refugees, and Domestic politics
- Political Geography:
- Asia, South Korea, North Korea, and Korea