The chosŏnjok as a marginalized diaspora in south korea

Abstract

This paper examines the situation of the Chosŏnjok (Korean Chinese) in South Korea. We developed the term marginalized di aspora, whi ch we defi ne as a di aspori c group t hat has experienced marginalization from the local people or government after migration. The Chosŏnjok is a marginalized diaspora with distinct characteristics in terms of diasporic return. In this paper, marginalized diaspora is used to describe how the Chosŏnjok have suffered economic, social, and political marginalization in South Korea. In addition, we discuss how the institutions and legal system are apathetic toward the Chosŏnjok, mass media present negative representations, and the Chosŏnjok’s fragmented identities appear as a result of institutional underdevelopment and the rapid spread of a negative public image. Consequently, we conclude with the suggestion that the present marginalized situation of the Chosŏnjok in South Korea must be reexamined. © 2019, Taiwanese Political Science Association. All rights reserved.