Labeling of North Korean Refugees in the Post-Cold War Era: A Quantitative Analysis of the South Korean Academic Literature

Abstract

In the (South) Korean language several terms have been coined to define North Korean refugees, but there seems to be a lack of consensus on the most appropriate label to define this group. This seems to apply also to scholarly communication. Although in recent years South Korean researchers have increasingly contributed to expanding our knowledge of North Korea and North Korean refugees, there is still little knowledge about the usage patterns of labels to define North Korean refugees among scholars. The main purpose of the current study is to identify such patterns in the context of scholarly communication. Specifically, this quantitative analysis will focus on the patterns of the three labels for North Korean refugees that have been more commonly used over the last two decades: “t’albukja” (Escapees from the North), “pukhan it’al chumin” (Residents who left North Korea), and “saet’ŏmin” (New Settlers).