Democracy comprehension and life satisfaction among North Korean defectors

The overlooked role of ideological adaptation

Bibliographic Data

ID17544777
AuthorsEunsol Kim (0000-0003-2980-3694, The Korea Institute of Public Administration), Jae Eun Shin (0000-0002-6527-8252, Yonsei University, corresponding author), Nan Yoo Kim (0009-0002-7225-9786, Korea Institute of Public Finance), Suk-Won Lee (Seoul National University)
Year2026
Volume35
Issue2
Pages157-181
Publication date2026-04-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAsian and Pacific migration journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0117-1968 • E-ISSN: 2057-049X
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/01171968261443776
OpenAlexW7160236083
LanguageEN
References cited44

This study examines how understanding South Korea’s political system is associated with social integration and life satisfaction among North Korean defectors. Unlike voluntary immigrants, the defectors transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic society with no prior exposure to democratic institutions, making political adaptation a unique resettlement challenge. Analysis of survey data from 107 defectors reveals a significant positive relationship between comprehension of liberal democracy and satisfaction with freedom, competition, and overall well-being. Furthermore, while perceived system deficiencies negatively correlate with life satisfaction, this study suggests that structural factors such as bureaucratic hurdles and social stigma may drive this discontent. By establishing a link between political value adaptation and life satisfaction, this study underscores the importance of ideological integration for successful settlement in South Korea

Adaptation (eye) · Authoritarianism · Comprehension · Democracy · Ideology · Life satisfaction · Politics · Survey data collection · Innovation in Digital Healthcare Systems · Korean Peninsula Historical and Political Studies · Political Conflict and Governance

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Open DOI