Reaching for the past: North Korea’s engagement with Koreans in Japan

Abstract

ABSTRACT After the end of World War II about 600,000 Koreans remained in Japan and quickly faced a homeland divided along ideological lines. In this context Chongryon – the General Federation of Koreans in Japan – was formed in 1955 with the support of the North Korean state. The organization advocated for Koreans in Japan, promoted a positive image of North Korea through schools and media, and acted as a gatekeeper for access to North Korea. Chongryon persists, still maintaining a university near Tokyo, a news website, and a membership of up to 30,000. Using primarily text analysis of Choson Sinbo, Chongryon’s main news website, the article explores the organization’s messaging to a unique “diaspora” population that includes second- through fifth-generation members, most of whom have never visited North Korea. Combined with historical texts, secondary literature, and interviews, this method contributes to our understanding of how authoritarian regimes seek to maintain inter-generational appeal..