An Analysis of North Korean Defector Supporting Experience of South Korean Policemen in Charge

Jeon, Woo Taek; Yoon, Duk Ryong; Min, Sung Kil

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to analyze the experience of South Korean policemen who are in charge of supporting the North Korean defectors' adaption to South Korean society for 2 years.
METHODS
Written-form survey questionnaire were sent to all policemen who were in charge of defectors with the help of the National police bureau.
RESULTS
172 policemen answered to survey questionnaire. There was no difference of human relationship score according to the defectors' sex, age, academic career. But defectors with low academic career showed bad human relationship as time went by. The type of human relationship change were different according to the defectors' age. Defectors who entered to South Korea directly from North Korea in short period had a better relationship in comparison with those who escaped to China or other third countries and stayed there for a long time to get a chance to enter to South Korea. As the policemen are younger, the relationship scores were better. But when some problem occurred in their relationship, younger policemen were less successful in solving the problem. There were many kind of efforts of policemen to improve the human relationship and it showed that the education-oriented effort is more effective and successful than direct problem-solving effort. CONCLULSION: This study showed that the human relationship of defectors and policemen in charge are affected by some demographic factors and defection routes and the types of efforts of policemen to improve the human relationship. It was suggested that the role of policemen in charge of defectors should be more well-defined, and NGO(Non Government Organization) need to have more continuos and specified program to help defectors' adaptation. Finally, the importance of continuing scientific researches about defectors' adaptation was emphasized.