Korean diaspora as the subject of ethnic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1991 – 2020)

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This article examines Korean diaspora as the subject of ethnic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The manifestations of the growing importance of national and ethnic affiliation as the identity important markers of the individuals and groups in the modern Kazakh society actualized the need for taking special measures and development of the doctrine of interaction of peoples within the multinational state. The research of the ethnic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan through the prism of Korean diaspora allowed considering the crucial aspects and mechanisms of implementation of the state strategy of interethnic regulation. Comparison is conducted on the the legal and factual components of the work of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan – the central body for ethnic affairs. The author reviews the humanitarian initiatives of the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan as a structural part of the Assembly. The article analyzes not only domestic legal documents, but also the report of the United Nations Independent Expert on Minority Issues. The work is divided into the following logical parts: familiarization with the key principles and principal bodies of the ethnic policy of Kazakhstan; overview of the activity of ethno-cultural Korean societies; coverage of the topics of national language; examination of representation of the diaspora in different government branches and structures. This work is first to conduct a systematic historical research on the place and role of Koryo-saram in the ethnic policy of Kazakhstan. It is demonstrate that Korean diaspora, or Koryo-saram, is a vivid example of positive experience of the state strategy aimed at harmonization of interethnic relations. Using all necessary legal and infrastructural resources, Koreans manage to maintain and cultivate interest to their native culture, while being an organic part of Kazakhstan's democratic society.