The contradictory effects of South Korean resettlement policy on North Koreans in South Korea

This paper analyses the intersection of government policy and social status in a forced migration context. Specifically, I evaluate influence state policies on North Koreans South Korea (t’albungmin). In positively discriminating their favour while simultaneously treating them as welfare beneficiaries, propose that Korea’s resettlement contributes to exclusion. T’albungmin receive greater benefits than other low-income earners, raising fears public backlash against perceived privilege limited environment. Resettlement also reinforces image t’albungmin uneducated low-skilled, contributing discrimination they face when seeking skilled work. Although this suggests are homogeneously low class, argue retain elements pre-migration class after migration, with forms capital associated higher relative facilitating integration into Korean society. However, masking variation, thus concealing correlation between socio-economic background ease integration, support perception is matter personal effort. case sheds new light role inadvertently perpetuating exclusion migrants it aims support.