2024 Volume 23 Pages 33-46
Until the 1980s, discussions of the ethnicity of Zainichi Koreans centered on ideological arguments based on the subjective experiences of those involved. In contrast, early sociological studies of Zainichi Koreans sketched a spectrum from assimilation to dissimilation (external pluralism) and the complex cooperative relationships between ethnic groups in the region. Subsequently, attempts were made to re-examine the polarized formation of assimilation and dissimilation, to focus on transnationality to overcome methodological nationalism, to move toward reintegrating the complexities of the “outside” world into the perspective of research studies, and to redefine “ethnicity” as a realistic experience.
Many research findings have emerged in recent years on the state of transnational migration and ways of recognition. However, most of these studies have focused solely on “transnational” factors, or have otherwise overemphasized “global and local connections,” rather than addressing the question of how Zainichi Koreans perceive the current state of their homeland and ethnicity.
Instead, this paper proposes the view in which Zainichi Koreans’ migration to their “home country” is considered “return migration,” including migration for reasons such as travel, training, and visits to relatives. This approach to the above-mentioned question is an attempt to confront this issue without reverting to methodological nationalism.
