North Korean Defectors in Diaspora: Identities, Mobilities, and Resettlements

This edited collection explores the mobilities, resettlement practices, and identities of North Korean defectors in the UK, US, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting the complex nature of defection and its implications for future policy decisions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

This edited collection delves into the intricate experiences of North Korean defectors who have sought refuge in the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The contributors to this volume explore the multifaceted nature of defecting from North Korea, shedding light on the ways in which these individuals navigate the challenges of adapting to and integrating into new societies. They also examine the profound implications of these diverse narratives on future policy decisions regarding North Korea and its diaspora.

In their examination, the contributors highlight the diverse range of motivations that drive individuals to defect from North Korea. Some defectors are driven by political oppression, seeking to escape the regime's harsh crackdown on dissent and improve their economic prospects. Others are motivated by a desire for freedom and human rights, fleeing the country's repressive regime and seeking a better life in a more democratic society. Still, others are driven by a combination of factors, including a longing for a better education, access to healthcare, and the opportunity to pursue their artistic or entrepreneurial dreams.

The resettlement process for North Korean defectors is complex and multifaceted. Defectors often face significant challenges in adjusting to their new environments, including language barriers, cultural differences, and social stigma. They may also struggle to find employment, housing, and healthcare services, which can further exacerbate their vulnerabilities. However, many defectors also find support and assistance from organizations and individuals who are committed to helping them integrate into their new communities.

One of the key themes explored in this collection is the process of identity renegotiation that defectors undergo. Defectors must navigate a complex web of social, cultural, and political identities in order to adapt and settle in their new societies. They may struggle to reconcile their North Korean identity with their new cultural experiences, and may even adopt a new identity that is a hybrid of their North Korean heritage and their new cultural identity. This process of identity renegotiation can have significant implications for the broader society, as it challenges traditional notions of nationality, ethnicity, and identity.

The contributors to this collection offer a range of perspectives on the experiences of North Korean defectors. They draw on a variety of sources, including personal interviews, academic research, and media reports, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by these individuals. The collection also includes a critical analysis of the policies and practices of the countries that host North Korean defectors, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to addressing the needs of these individuals.

In conclusion, this edited collection provides a valuable insight into the mobilities, resettlement practices, and identities of North Korean defectors who have relocated to the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The contributors to this volume shed light on the complex nature of defecting from North Korea, highlighting the ways in which defectors renegotiate their identities in order to adapt and settle in new societies. They also examine the profound implications of these differing narratives on future policy decisions regarding North Korea and its diaspora. By exploring the experiences of North Korean defectors, this collection contributes to our understanding of the human rights and humanitarian challenges faced by individuals fleeing political oppression and seeking a better life.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793651495