The book presented, Beyond the Boundaries: Migration Choices of Women from North Korea (Palgrave Macmillan Studies on Human Rights in Asia), delves into the migration choices and constraints experienced by North Korean women. Initiated in 2012 with preliminary interviews conducted among North Korean women in China, the research centers on two fundamental questions: "Why do you migrate?" and "Are you happy?" Through these questions, the author investigates the socioeconomic boundaries that shape the life decisions of these migrants.
This study spans four key countries—North Korea, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom—which, according to official statistics, host the largest populations of North Korean migrants. By exploring the personal experiences and narratives of these women, the author seeks to reveal the complex interplay between individual agency and structural forces within diverse national contexts. The research sheds light on the tensions and challenges faced by North Korean migrants as they navigate their paths across these regions.
Ultimately, this work aims to provide insights into societal development, particularly by examining how different societies can better support a range of migration choices. By offering a comprehensive analysis of these migrants' lived experiences, the book contributes to broader discussions on migration, happiness, and social development.
* This panel will be conducted in a roundtable format, with adjustments to details made following the submission of the proposal. The panel participants do not need to submit their proposals.