North Korean Defectors: Challenges and Perspectives
Dr. Marianne Jung (Comenius University, Slowakia)
Abstract:
In the absence of concrete ethnic differences, the division of a single Korean nation into two opposing states has led to the creation of specific types of nationhood and state-building. Based on a “pseudo-ethnicity”, North Korean immigrants are considered “other” to South Koreans, which leads to discrimination in the workplace and results in low income levels. To escape their disadvantaged position, many North Korean defectors pursue self-employment, which is regarded as a key avenue for upward socio-economic mobility of immigrants. This presentation explores how North Korean defectors navigate South Korean society in their pursuit of self-sufficiency through entrepreneurial activities, highlighting successful case studies based on field research.
Biography:
After obtaining her Ph.D. from the University of Vienna in 2022, Marianne Jung is presently associated with Comenius University in Bratislava as an Assistant Professor within the Faculty of Arts. Employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies her dissertation thesis entitled “Entrepreneurial strategies of North Korean defectors in South Korea: a mixed embeddedness approach”, focused on North Korean defectors in South Korea. Key areas of interest furthermore include social issues, ageing, and the digital transformation of homes in South Korea. Streaming / Video URL https://heiconf.uni-heidelberg.de/upyt-pmtv-ujq4-zw79 Adresse Centre for Asian and Transcultural Studies (CATS) CATS Auditorium 010.01.05 Voßstraße 2 69115 Heidelberg Veranstalter Prof. Dr. Anja Senz, Institut für Sinologie Homepage Veranstalter https://ostasien-aktuell.uni-heidelberg.de Kontakt Ostasien Aktuell Kontakt URL https://ostasien-aktuell.uni-heidelberg.de Alle Termine der Veranstaltung 'Vortragsreihe Ostasien Aktuell': Mittwoch, 04. Dezember 2024, 18.00 Uhr Animal Law in Korea: A Case Study on the Dog Meat Practices Yongbeom Choi
Montag, 05. Mai 2025, 13.00 Uhr University Ranking System and Hakbul Ideology in South Korea Dr. Jihye Bae (Chungang University, South Korea)
Mittwoch, 07. Mai 2025, 18.00 Uhr North Korean Defectors: Challenges and Perspectives Dr. Marianne Jung (Comenius University, Slowakia)
Montag, 16. Juni 2025, 13.00 Uhr Populism in South Korea?: Before and After the 12.3 Martial Law Crisis Dr. Hyeonjun Kim (Kangwon National University, South Korea)
Mittwoch, 25. Juni 2025, 18.00 Uhr Entrepreneurship as a Means of Individual Social Mobility and Community Building: A Comparative Analysis of Immigrant Chinese and Korean Communities in Los Angeles, USA Prof. Dr. Min Zhou (UCLA, US)
Montag, 07. Juli 2025, 13.00 Uhr Gender, Mobility, and the Archipelago: A Korean Picture Bride’s Involvement in Hawaii’s Lodging Businesses Dr. Jin Suk Bae (Soongsil University, South Korea)
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