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

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.