The Ongoing Struggles of North Korean Defectors in South Korea

[정일영]

[The Korean Odyssey]

*North Korean Defectors Face Another Struggle for Survival Beyond Division. @iStock

Il Young Jeong

Research Professor_Institute of Social Science_Sogang University

As of the end of June 2024, there are 34,183 North Korean defectors settled in South Korean society. The South Korean government refers to these defectors as the "forerunners of unification" or the "advance guard of unification." This is because how well defectors adapt serves as a measure of how prepared our society is for unification. Despite facing social prejudice and economic hardships, many North Korean defectors express that they are happy in South Korea. However, the challenges they face as "marginalized" or "outsiders" in our society are significant. Even so, they rise again each day to face life anew.

The Aspiration of North Korean Defectors to Belong to the 'Average'

For North Korean defectors, fully integrating into South Korean society is far from easy. Many have not received proper education in North Korea, and even if they have, the curriculum differences often leave them struggling to compete. In a society that places heavy emphasis on "connections" and "credentials," defectors without substantial career experience or social networks find it exceptionally challenging to live as "ordinary people." For them, achieving normalcy is both a daunting challenge and a matter of survival.

Jo Kyung-il, the author of Reality and Unity (2023), shared the aspirations of North Korean youth striving to become part of South Korea's "average.“

"A ‘normal life’ may seem like a universal experience, but for North Korean youth living in South Korea, it is more a dream than a goal. We’re not dreaming of extraordinary victories; we simply want the chance to be ordinary. For North Korean youth, pursuing this kind of life is an intense struggle. It’s an unrelenting effort just to blend into the ‘average’ — in academics, careers, and daily life. There’s a burning desire, almost a compulsion, to become and remain part of the average. … The battle to survive in South Korea’s ‘network-oriented’ society is fierce for young defectors. Somehow, they must find a way to belong to the average." (Reality and Unity)

The intensity and desperation of North Korean defectors' desire to integrate into South Korean society are as profound as the life-risking moments they faced while escaping their homeland for a better future.

 Yet, the societal gaze cast upon defectors in South Korea remains cold. Many defectors report that disclosing their background on job applications often prevents them from even passing the initial screening. In contrast, when their North Korean origins are hidden, the outcomes are markedly different—an all-too-common reality for many. This may explain why 62% of North Korean youth choose not to disclose their origins, as revealed by the 2022 Social Integration Survey of North Korean Youth.

 Despite these challenges, South Korea remains a land of opportunity for these young defectors. Jo Kyung-il, a North Korean defector and author, aptly describes this duality: “No matter how much people criticize South Korea as ‘Hell Joseon,’ for North Korean defectors, it is still a land of opportunity and hope.” For them, South Korea represents the possibility of a future, however narrow that path may be—a stark contrast to a North Korean society where such opportunities are entirely absent. This glimmer of hope keeps their aspirations alive and fuels their unyielding determination to succeed.

Living as a Borderline Individual, Dreaming of Unification

When speaking with North Korean defectors, many describe their identity as being caught between two worlds—neither entirely South Korean nor North Korean, but existing on the boundary of both. This sense of being a "borderline individual" often leads them to reflect deeply on their unique role and identity.

Jeong Seo-yoon, author of A Certain Landing (2024), embraces this notion of being a "connector" between North and South Korea, seeing it as a source of strength and purpose.

"I believe that holding an identity as a ‘borderline individual’ connecting North and South allows me to contribute more significantly to the integration of the two Koreas. Furthermore, I see myself not only as a bridge between North and South but also as a ‘global citizen’ beyond the two." (A Certain Landing)

This perspective highlights the unique position defectors occupy—not just as survivors of division but as active participants in envisioning a unified and inclusive future for Korea and beyond.

"The ten-year-old girl who crossed the Tumen River is now thirty-six. During my 22 years in South Korea, I have experienced with my entire being what it means to exist caught between North and South. It has often been overwhelming and exhausting, but that ambiguous identity is what made me unique. I realized there are things that only someone like me knows, can do, and must do. I decided to dedicate myself to healing the trauma of division, bridging the two Koreas, and reconnecting the estranged hearts of North and South." (A Certain Landing)

In truth, the stories of the two young authors introduced so far go beyond mere resilience; they resemble a desperate "struggle for survival." Yet, they did not succumb to the despair of yesterday's setbacks. Instead, they rise again today, determined to find and achieve their purpose, goals, and dreams within our society.

The Story of Kim Young-hee, a North Korean Defector

As author Jo Kyung-il mentioned, North Korean defectors strive to blend into the "average" of our society. Over the past two decades, many have moved beyond mere survival to play significant roles within South Korea.

A notable example is Kim Young-hee, the Director of the Korea Hana Foundation(KHF), an organization under the Ministry of Unification. Born in Kilju, North Hamgyong Province, she graduated from Wonsan University of Economics and defected to South Korea in 2002.

Dr. Kim earned her Ph.D. in North Korean Studies from Dongguk University and has been recognized as an expert in North Korean affairs, unification, and the resettlement of defectors. In 2021, she became the first defector to be appointed as a department head (Director of External Cooperation) at KHF since its establishment in 2010, securing the position through an open recruitment process.

Kim Young-hee has been widely acknowledged as a dedicated leader who, with her deep understanding of North Korean defectors' issues, has successfully led the external cooperation efforts of the Korea Hana Foundation(KHF). Her contributions have earned her recognition not only within the defector community but also among experts in North Korean and unification affairs.

Recently, however, controversy arose when Kim was unexpectedly rejected during her reappointment review, causing unrest within the defector community. Her rejection is particularly puzzling, given the high performance eval‎uations of her department and her recognition by the government, including the Ministry of Unification’s Ministerial Commendation in 2023.

At the first North Korean Defectors’ Day event held on July 14, President Yoon Suk-yeol stated, “The number of individuals successfully resettling in South Korea is steadily increasing. We will actively support the empowerment of North Korean defectors and encourage government, local municipalities, and public institutions to take the lead in expanding employment opportunities for them.”

However, this incident raises questions about whether the government is, in fact, pushing away talented defectors rather than supporting them.

Before Proclaiming 'Early Unification' in Words Alone

The government often refers to North Korean defectors as the "forerunners of unification." However, when officials tasked with supporting defectors make irresponsible remarks, and capable defectors with proven skills and experience are excluded from participating in government policy, the "unification" the government speaks of becomes nothing more than empty rhetoric.

There are talented defectors who, despite enduring countless hardships that are often unspeakable, have worked tirelessly to acquire the skills and experiences demanded by society. The government must ensure that these individuals can fully utilize their abilities by providing appropriate support and opportunities.

In this context, the government and the National Assembly must reeval‎uate their policies for supporting North Korean defectors. They should consider what defector youth truly need and devise measures to ensure that talented defectors can take on their roles more securely and effectively within society.

*IL-Young Jeong is a research professor at Sogang University in Seoul. His key research interests include North Korea's social control system, inter-Korean relations, and peace on the Korean Peninsula.