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Seoul Journal of Economics
[ Article ]
Seoul Journal of Economics - Vol. 38, No. 4, pp.405-436
ISSN: 1225-0279 (Print)
Print publication date 30 Nov 2025
Received 27 Jun 2025 Revised 22 Oct 2025 Accepted 28 Oct 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22904/sje.2025.38.4.003

Determinants of Happiness among North Korean Defectors after Resettlement in South Korea

Byung-Yeon Kim ; Seung-ho Jung ; Seong Hee Kim
Byung-Yeon Kim, First author. Distinguished Professor, Department of Economics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea, Tel: +82-2-880-6370 kimby@snu.ac.kr
Seung-ho Jung, Associate Professor, International Business Economics, School of Northeast Asian Studies, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, South Korea, Tel: +82-32-835-8726 shjung@inu.ac.kr
Seong Hee Kim, Corresponding author. Associate Professor, Department of Social Studies Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk State, 54896, South Korea, Tel: +82-63-270-2773 sh.kim@jbnu.ac.kr

JEL Classification: I31, J15, P30

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of happiness among North Korean defectors by analyzing the subjective and objective measures of social class. Using survey data of North Korean defectors living in South Korea, this study explores how social class before and after defection is associated with defectors’ happiness. Results show that subjective and objective economic status in South Korea are positively associated with happiness, whereas higher pre-defection status (especially Workers’ Party membership) is negatively associated with it. Defectors who perceived themselves as lower class in North Korea tend to report greater happiness post-defection. Findings suggest that improving material conditions alone may be insufficient to enhance the well-being of North Korean defectors.

Keywords:

North Korean Defectors, Happiness, Social Comparison, Objective Social Class, Subjective Class Perception

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