The first research in this project confirms the multi-dimensional character of Chosunjok identity and the multiplicity of socioeconomic factors which contribute to forming that identity. The identity is more volatile than usually assumed in previous r ...
The first research in this project confirms the multi-dimensional character of Chosunjok identity and the multiplicity of socioeconomic factors which contribute to forming that identity. The identity is more volatile than usually assumed in previous researches because Chosunjok as a minority has developed its identity to minimize psychological conflict with surroundings. Next, the comparative analysis of Korean and Chinese historical perspectives on the status of Chosunjok reveals that the difference between the two is substantially profound. Korea regards it as a subgroup of Koreans who had lived in Gando area and became later Koreans overseas, while China interprets it to be an emigrant ethnic group who later earned its citizenship. What lies beneath this cognitive difference is the sensitive territorial issue of Gando. In the recent years, China has promoted Sino-Centrism, as presented in Northeast Project, and begun to strengthen its control over minority groups. Thirdly, a research analyzes the differences between Korean and Chinese scholars, research institutes, and research approaches. Again, there emerges clear cognitive difference between Korea and China regarding the status of Chosunjok. The prime reason of this difference roots in the structural dissimilarity between uni-national Korea and multinational China. Fourthly, the research focusing on cultural nationalism argues that culture and identity have a close association. Korean cultural nationalism, which has surged especially since the collapse of the Cold War structure, may provoke a conflict with Chinese authority although it does not intend to do so. Making things worse is an escalation of dissonance because of the arbitrary interpretation and propaganda of both countries' political elite. Fifthly, the impacts of Korea-China economic transactions on Chosunjok are analyzed. Chosunjok had played important roles on helping the Korean corporations early invested in China, and many Chosunjok have come over to Korea looking for wage. This macro-level analysis concludes that a little over 48,000 Chosunjok employees works at Korean firms and they make about $160 millions a year as of 2004. The total income effect of Korea-China economic transactions on Chosunjok’s income is roughly $200 millions if the remittance from Korea is included. Sixthly, the research on the Chosunjok’s organizational commitment at Korean companies shows that Chosunjok workers show their loyalties in accordance with company prestige, marital status, fairness of labor compensation, leadership initiative, and job satisfaction. The result implies that it is strategically necessary for Korean companies to improve its reputation, to recruit competent officers, and to raise work satisfaction. Lastly, the analysis of Chosunjok’s national culture and education addresses that the successful inheritage of national tradition has been possible thanks to national education dwarfing others. Chosunjok communities are now in danger because of, among others, the ever increasing social mobility and the reduction in governmental financial assistance. To maintain national culture calls for activating national education, and it in return asks for keeping national communities. In order to keep their communities, Chosunjok should raise their economic power.
This research project on Chosunjok clarifies the structure of its identity, and traces the explanatory and intervening factors. The cognitive difference between Korea and China in regard to Chosunjok’ status is analyzed in terms of historical perspectives, academic approaches, and cultural orientations. Also, the change of macroeconomic performance of Chosunjok and the micro-behavior of Chosunjok workers at Korean corporations are researched. It is necessary for maintaining Chosunjok, which would play many important roles for the benefits of the two countries as an interlocking group, to develop national culture, education, and economic soundness.