North Korean Refugee Women Research Articles

The Impact of Sexual Violence Victimization on Acculturative Stress and Hazardous Drinking Among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea.

North Korean refugee women face significant risks of traumatic experiences, including sexual exploitation and violence, both in North Korea and during migration. However, there is limited research on the long-term effects of sexual violence among these women. Using data from 245 North Korean refugee women, collected by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea in 2017, we examined the impact of sexual violence victimization during pre-migration and intermediate stages on acculturative stress and hazardous drinking. Our findings revealed that women who experienced sexual violence during the intermediate stage were more likely to engage in hazardous drinking, though no significant effect was found on acculturative stress. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to reduce negative psychological outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Societal and community factors facilitating cultural adaptation and mental health of North Korean refugee women in South Korea.

North Korean (NK) refugee women face unique challenges in their acculturation process in South Korea (SK), often leading to higher rates of depression among them. This study uses the Multidimensional Individual Difference Acculturation (MIDA) model to examine the role of societal and local community factors in facilitating cultural adaptation and influencing mental health issues, such as depression, among NK refugee women. The study focuses on three predictors from the MIDA model: out-group social support, attachment to NK culture, and daily life experience of discrimination. Data from a sample of 212 NK refugee women in SK were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings highlight the crucial role of the social and community environment in attaining a balance between embracing a new culture and preserving one's connection to one's heritage culture. This balance is essential for promoting stable cultural adaptation, sound mental health, and overall well-being, so as to reduce the incidence of depression among NK refugee women. Based on the results, specific intervention strategies are proposed to support the acculturation journey of NK refugee women in SK.

Ungrateful Refugees: North Korean Refugees in South Korea

Abstract: Despite South Korea's support for their transition, North Korean defectors in South Korea suffer from social isolation and financial difficulties. Moreover, they cannot speak about their problems for fear of being blamed as "ungrateful." This paper will problematize their human rights issues in the South by discussing two documentary films: Mrs. B., a North Korean Woman (2016) and Shadow Flowers (2019). Both films are about North Korean refugee women who have obtained South Korean citizenship but are unhappy and want to return home. Watched and controlled by the authorities, their right to freedom of mobility takes the back seat for concerns over national security. They are also supposed to stay silent to avoid being labeled as ungrateful refugees and targeted by far-right extremists and anti-communists. Considering Mrs. B. and Ryun-hee's cases, the paper will show how their harsh reality is stuck in the unhappy resettlement in the South. By adopting a critical refugee studies approach, the paper will identify their ungrateful character, being in line with its depiction of the grateful refugee as a constructed character. Thus, it will explore how South Korean society can accommodate the different voices of those ungrateful North Korean defectors without dismissing or demonizing them.

Relationship between Cultural Competence, Perception of Discrimination and Acculturation Stress among North Korean Refugee Women

Relationship between Cultural Competence, Perception of Discrimination and Acculturation Stress among North Korean Refugee Women

Moderating effects of social networks on gender-based violence and intimate partner violence among North Korean refugee women.

Moderating effects of social networks on gender-based violence and intimate partner violence among North Korean refugee women.

Trauma Exposure, Social Networks, and Suicide Risk Among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea.

Exposure to adverse life events renders North Korean (NK) refugee women vulnerable to mental health problems, suicide risk being one of the most concerning. We examined bonding and bridging social networks as potential moderators of suicide risk among NK refugee women (N = 212). We found that exposure to traumatic events significantly increased suicidal behavior, but its impact was alleviated if they had a stronger bonding social network. The findings suggest that the negative impact of trauma on suicide can be reduced by strengthening bonding between people with similarities (i.e., family, individuals with the same country of origin).

Depression, Alcohol Misuse, and Suicide Attempt Among North Korean Refugee Women Exposed to Gender-Based Violence.

North Korean (NK) refugee women report a disproportionately high rate of suicide compared to the general South Korean (SK) population. NK refugee women's exposure to gender-based violence (GBV) is a risk factor for adverse mental health symptoms. However, the association between GBV exposure and mental health has received less scholarly attention. This study examined NK refugee women's exposure to GBV (i.e., sexual violence, human trafficking, and forced sex work) and explored whether it is associated with an increased risk of depression, alcohol misuse, and suicide attempts. A three-way interaction between depression, alcohol misuse, and suicide attempts among GBV-exposed NK refugee women was examined. Data from a snowball sample of 180NK refugee women were analyzed for this study. Findings show that 47.8% experienced GBV in either NK or intermediary countries. Multivariate analyses revealed that depression (OR = 1.13, p < .05) and alcohol misuse (OR = 3.01, p < .01) was significantly associated with suicide attempts in GBV-exposed groups. Results from the three-way interaction (GBV victimization × Depression × Alcohol misuse) suggest that GBV exposure and higher levels of depression were significantly associated with suicide attempts among NK refugee women with greater severity of alcohol misuse (OR = 1.75, p < .05). The findings indicate that NK refugee women with GBV exposure, depression, and alcohol misuse are at increased risk for suicide attempts. Study limitations included the use of snowball sampling and cross-sectional data. This study discusses implications for future research and targeted, trauma-informed treatments focused on GBV and mental health symptoms among NK refugee women.

Knowledge, confidence, and educational needs of newborn care among North Korean refugee women: a descriptive study.

North Korean refugee women struggle with the double burden of adaptation and parenting as mothers in a new environment. This study aimed to identify the knowledge, confidence, and educational needs regarding newborn care among North Korean refugees, and to determine differences between these variables according to participants' characteristics. Data were collected from September to October 2022, and 150 North Korean refugee women recruited using convenience sampling participated in the study. Descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. The mean scores were as follows: parenting knowledge, 14.97 out of 25; infection prevention knowledge and confidence, 20.09 out of 33 and 51.37 out of 80, respectively; and educational needs, 245.86 out of 310. Significant differences were observed in newborn care, knowledge, and confidence according to maternal age, educational level, family structure, and pregnancy history. Significant positive correlations were observed between the participants' newborn care knowledge, confidence, and educational needs. Personalized educational programs should be implemented to enhance North Korean refugee women's confidence in newborn care, focusing on areas with low knowledge levels and high educational needs and enabling women to achieve healthy pregnancy and childbirth, and to parent well.

북한이탈 중년여성들의 남한 사회에서의 교육경험 연구

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the meaning of college education for middle-aged women who have fled North Korea and at the same time provide policy support to expand opportunities for higher education. Eight middle-aged North Korean defectors participated in the study. The data were constructed by conducting 1:1 in-depth interviews with the study participants. The data were analyzed by a descriptive phenomenological study presented by Colaizzi (1978). The results of the study are as follows. As a result of the study, 24 sub-components appeared. It was presented as nine components. Finally, it was rearranged into the categories of school, family, human capital, and social capital. Based on the research results, Based on the research results, we discussed the universal values and truths of university education, the relationship between universities and social capital, and their return to the diaspora and their dreams, and made suggestions to support North Korean refugee women's college admissions and studies.

탈북 여성의 성폭력 두려움에 관한 연구

The fear of sexual violence that women feel is constantly increasing. In particular, the fear of sexual violence that women feel goes beyond simple fear, as they also have fears in other types of crime. In addition, as a result of analyzing previous studies on women's fear of sexual violence, vulnerability to crime is suggested as a major factor in fear of sexual violence. Research on fear of sexual violence against women was conducted focusing on various reference groups such as elderly women, adult women according to age, and female college students. However, there is no research on the fear of sexual violence centered on North Korean refugee women. Therefore, this study intends to examine how the vulnerability to crimes felt by North Korean refugee women affects their fear of sexual violence. Also, for North Korean refugee women, adaptation to a new society is important by leaving the existing society and migrating to a new society.This study aims to empirically verify how North Korean refugee women's criminal vulnerability and adaptation to South Korean society affect their fear of sexual violence. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, a self-report survey was conducted with 209 North Korean refugee women. As a result of the study, it was investigated that the vulnerability to crime felt by North Korean women affects their fear of sexual violence. It has been found that the vulnerability to crime felt by North Korean refugee women increases their fear of sexual violence as they adapt to South Korean society. In other words, based on the results of these studies, it was found that adaptation to South Korean society is important for North Korean refugee women. Centering on the research results of this study, it will be used as basic data for the government's policies on North Korean refugee women and security policies.

Polyvictimization and Psychological Outcomes Among North Korean Refugee Women.

Korean refugee women are at risk of multiple violent victimizations throughout the migration phases. However, migration's association with mental health outcomes has received little scholarly attention. This study examined North Korean refugee women's exposure to polyvictimization-exposure to both gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV)-and explored whether polyvictimization is associated with an increased risk of psychological symptoms. Data from a snowball sample of 212 North Korean refugee women were analyzed. Polyvictimization was operationalized as No victimization (0), Only GBV (1), Only IPV (2), and Both GBV and IPV (3). The associations between polyvictimization and depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and alcohol use disorder were analyzed with multivariate analyses. Results demonstrated that 46.2% experienced GBV in either North Korea or intermediary countries, and 30.9% were victims of IPV from their current intimate partner in South Korea. Approximately 25% were victims of both GBV and IPV. Multivariate analyses revealed that GBV was the most critical factor for mental health outcomes. North Korean refugee women with only GBV or GBV and IPV had significantly higher depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation severity than those without violence victimization. Risk of suicide attempt was also significantly higher among those with only GBV (OR = 16.52, p = .015) or both GBV and IPV (OR = 9.96, p = .048) than those without any violence victimization. Implications for future research and interventions among North Korean refugee women are also discussed.

Violence Against North Korean Refugee Women: Doubly Victimized By Repatriation and Premigration Traumatic Experiences.

This study investigates the influence of traumatic events on the mental health of North Korean refugee women by examining the prevalence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in comparison with their male counterparts (women = 496; men = 131). Our results suggest that women are at greater risk of developing mental health problems than men. In particular, symptoms of PTSD and anxiety were higher among women who experienced forced repatriation to North Korea, which is operationalized as a constellation of gendered traumatic incidents such as sexual abuse, rape, witnessing infanticides, and forced abortion. The policy implications of our results and suggestions for future studies are discussed.

Perceived social stigma, self‐concealment, and suicide risk among North Korean refugee women exposed to traumatic events

Suicide among North Korean (NK) refugee women is one of the most concerning public health problems in South Korea. Pre-resettlement trauma exposure and post-resettlement factors can contribute to suicide risk among NK refugee women; however, few studies have explored these associations. This study aimed to assess suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among NK refugee women in South Korea (N=212) and to examine the impact of pre-resettlement trauma exposure on suicide risk. Perceived social stigma and self-concealment in the post-resettlement phases were investigated as moderating factors for suicide risk related to trauma exposure using multiple regression analyses. Trauma exposure significantly increased suicidal ideation severity and the risk of suicide attempt. Furthermore, perceived social stigma significantly moderated this relationship such that the impact of trauma exposure in the pre-resettlement phases was amplified as perceived social stigma increased. Based on our study findings, professionals working with refugee populations should assess for perceived social stigma and exposure to traumatic events to reduce and prevent suicidal ideation and attempts.

Mothering and mothered during defection and resettlement: Experiences of North Korean refugee women and their children

Women from North Korea (NK) face a perilous journey when they illegally defect to China, and then get married and have children to protect themselves from deportations back to NK and torture, on the path towards resettling in South Korea (SK) with their Chinese-Korean children. The socio-historical relationship among North and South Korea and China requires these women to travel clandestinely and make undesired choices, one of which is temporarily to leave their Chinese-Korean children in order to establish residences in South Korea. This collective case study presents the experiences of the five NK refugee mothers and five of their children born in China. Through individual interviews the women expressed that they made the best decisions possible given the challenges of mothering as a North Korean refugee, but they also expressed feeling of inadequacy as mothers in SK. Both mothers and children expressed challenges in their relationship upon reunification in SK. Mothers were forced to work long hours while children struggled with feelings of abandonment and trauma. Both mothers and children recognized that improving their lives required them to continuously re-adjust to their changing circumstances. Implications for social work services and policies are discussed to assist these women not only with adjustment to a new culture, but also to address their children’s well-being.

북한이탈여성의 건강인지 수준에 따른 건강행동에 관한 연구

본 연구는 북한이탈여성의 건강인지 수준에 따른 건강행동에 대한 비교를 목적으로 진행하였다. 검사 도구는 최대한 간략하면서도 연구의 목적을 수행할 수 있도록 연구자와 응답자의 포커스 그룹 인터뷰를 통해 선정하였으 며, 전문가 집단에 의한 내용적 타당도를 확보하고자 하였다. 이를 바탕으로 건강인지 수준을 3단계 구분하여 집단 을 구성하였으며, 건강행동은 3가지 요인으로 영양, 운동, 수면으로 구성하였다. 자료 분석은 각 건강인지 수준에 따른 건강행동을 비교하기 위해 one-way ANOVA로 분석하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 첫째, 건강인지 중 신체 적 수준에 따른 건강행동의 영양, 수면에서 유의한 차이를 나타냈으며, 운동에서는 유의한 차이를 나타내지 않았다. 둘째, 건강인지 중 심리적 수준에 따른 건강행동의 영양, 운동, 수면에서 모두 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 셋째, 건강인 지 중 사회적 수준에 따른 건강행동의 영양, 수면에서 유의한 차이를 나타냈으며, 운동에서는 유의한 차이를 나타내지 않았다.

Suicidal Ideation and Attempt among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea: Factors that Distinguish Suicide Attempt from Suicidal Ideation.

North Korean Refugee Women (NKRW) are at a high risk for suicide. However, few studies have examined risk factors for suicide among NKRW in South Korea. This study aimed to examine factors increasing risk for suicidal ideation and to identify factors differentiating suicide attempt from ideation among NKRW in South Korea. A sample of 140 NKRW was analyzed; multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify factors distinguishing respondents with (1) no suicidal ideation, (2) isolated suicidal ideation (without attempts), and (3) ideation with attempts. About 46% of the sample reported suicidal ideation, and about 18% attempted suicide during the past year. NKRW without any suicidal risk had significantly lower levels of social isolation (OR=0.86, p=0.02) and less exposure to traumatic events (OR=0.89, p=0.02) than those with suicidal ideation. NKRW who attempted suicide were more likely to have higher levels of stress than those with only suicidal ideation (OR=1.40, p=0.03). This study provides insights into suicide prevention among refugees and emphasized that post-migration life stress significantly differentiates suicidal ideation from attempt among NKRW. Intervening to address current life stress, traumatic experiences, and social isolation may help prevent refugee suicidal ideation and further attempt.

Polyvictimization Risk Among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea.

North Korean (NK) refugee women living in South Korea are known to be vulnerable to interpersonal violence, but little is known about the possible link between or co-occurrence of acts of sexual violence (SV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated against NK refugee women. This study examined the prevalence of polyvictimization and explored the association between SV in different settings (i.e., North Korea, intermediate countries, and South Korea) and various types of IPV. A convenience sample of 140 adult NK refugee women was analyzed, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the link between SV and polyvictimization in IPV. NK refugee women with a history of SV reported a significantly higher rate of IPV over the previous 12 months (51.2%) compared to those without a history of SV (20.4%). NK refugee women with a history of SV are significantly more likely to become victims of most forms of IPV. SV victimization in intermediate countries significantly increased the odds of being physically victimized by their male partners in South Korea (OR = 3.31, p =.05). An SV victimization history in North Korea (OR = 4.50, p =.04) and SV victimization experienced outside their intimate relationship in South Korea significantly increased the odds of sexual IPV from their current intimate partner (OR = 4.74, p =.03). This study showed that victims of human trafficking and sexual assault during their journey to South Korea were at a greater risk of IPV in South Korea. Male partners of NK refugee women with a history of SV may shame and physically sanction NK refugee women for "breaching honor." Therefore, screening for potential risk of physical and sexual IPV among NK refugee women with a prior exposure to SV is needed to develop programs in safety planning for NK refugee women experiencing SV and IPV.

Testing the pathway from pre-migration sexual violence to suicide-related risk among North Korean refugee women living in South Korea: do social networks matter?

To examine the pathways from pre-migration sexual violence to suicide-related risk via the lack of important social networks among North Korean refugee women living in South Korea. As part of a larger study, cross-sectional social network data from 273 North Korean refugee women aged 19 or older (M = 41years; range = 19-69) were collected by self-reported surveys from April to May 2014 in South Korea. Snowball sampling was used for participant recruitment. We analyzed whether lack of network diversity and lack of kin ties mediated the association between pre-migration sexual violence and suicide-related risk in two multivariable mediation analyses. The prevalence of past-year suicide-related risk was 34.4% in our study sample, and 31.1% of the participants reported at least one type of pre-migration sexual violence. Pre-migration sexual violence was associated with increased suicide-related risk. Lack of network diversity (b = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.07) and lack of kin ties (b = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.08) partially mediated this association. Assessment of pre-migration sexual violence victimization needs to begin at an early stage of resettlement. Study findings highlight the urgent need to create suicide prevention programs that incorporate social network interventions, especially for North Korean refugee women who have experienced sexual violence during migration.

‘I worked until my body was broken’: an ethnomedical model of chronic pain among North Korean refugee women

ABSTRACT Objectives While increasing numbers of North Korean refugees (NKRs) are migrating to South Korea, different understandings of physical pain between NKR patients and the South Korean healthcare providers may create miscommunication and less satisfaction with their care management. To identify strategies to improve care, this study elicits and presents an ethnomedical model of chronic pain among NKR women. Design Twenty semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with NKR women with chronic pain living in South Korea. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was performed on three types of data: interview transcripts, field notes created after each interview, and memos written during the analysis. Results Participants reported that pain started after a certain period of resettlement and expressed frustration when there was no definite diagnosis for pain. They identified physical factors (e.g. excessive labor, exposure to violence, and poor diet) as the primary causes, while psychological factors (e.g. loneliness, rumination, and financial burden of sending remittances to North Korea) were viewed as collateral or contributing causes. Several participants indicated emotional discomfort when they were referred to psychiatrists for unceasing pain. Physical treatment (injections, medications, or acupuncture) and providers’ sincere attitudes were expectations of care considered capable of addressing both physical and emotional distress. Conclusions Findings highlight the need to understand NKR women’s ethnomedical model of chronic pain, which is distinct from illness model of healthcare providers. These preliminary findings could be used to improve care strategies based on NKRs’ care needs.

Migration-Related Stressors and Suicidal Ideation in North Korean Refugee Women: The Moderating Effects of Network Composition.

Alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation have been reported in North Korean (NK) refugee women living in South Korea. This population often endures traumatic experiences and violence in North Korea as well as human trafficking and sexual exploitation in intermediary countries. Following resettlement in South Korea, NK refugee women continue facing multiple hardships, such as discrimination, that can negatively affect their mental health and contribute to suicidality. Support from social networks can buffer the harmful impacts of pre- and postmigration stressors on mental health in NK refugee women. Using the stress-buffering hypothesis, the present study examined the moderating effects of network composition (i.e., network diversity and church-based ties) on the associations among premigration trauma, postmigration discrimination, and suicidal ideation in NK refugee women living in South Korea. Participants (N = 273) were NK refugee women living in South Korea who were 19 years of age or older; 34.4% of the participants reported past-year suicidal ideation. The study results indicated that network diversity significantly moderated the association between postmigration discrimination and suicidal ideation, p = .031, whereas networks with church-based ties significantly moderated the association between premigration trauma and suicidal ideation, p = .026. The present findings support the hypothesis that social ties can buffer the appraisal of migration-related stressors on suicidality. These findings have implications for practitioners serving vulnerable populations that experience multiple traumatic events.