Civic and Political Engagement of Korean Chinese (Joseonjok) in Korea: Case of Activists

Abstract

An examination of 12 Korean Chinese, who are actively engaged in civic and political activities in Korea, shows that their motivation for civic engagement is better assimilation into Korean society and the recovery of reputation. The study also shows that the motivation behind their political engagement is empowerment and recognition. Their awareness of how Korean society views Korean Chinese, as well as their legal and financial struggles, contributes to their seeking such empowerment and recognition. Moreover, as their engagement with Korean society is on the rise, they hope that they will come to be recognized for their contributions and, in turn, obtain more rights. Despite the struggles they have experienced in Korea, they yearn to contribute to Korean society by establishing civic organizations and engaging in political activities. Overall, the current study shows that in spite of their low resources they are contributing to Korean democracy on their own ways.