Analysis: Reverse migration to impact political environment
Expatriate Koreans are returning home in ever larger numbers and this will impact the social and political environment
Event or Trend: A growing trend of Korean expatriates living in the West are returning to South Korea, driven by economic, social, and personal factors.
Significance: The trend of reverse migration has implications beyond personal decisions, affecting South Korea's demographic composition, political dynamics, and societal fabric. South Korea faces a shrinking and aging population, economic shifts, and cultural transformation. Its global diaspora returning home adds to this burden. For businesses and policymakers, understanding this movement is essential, given its potential to shape local economies, labor markets, and political sentiments.
The experiences of returnees—marked by both opportunities and challenges—add layers to South Korea’s national identity and integration strategies. As returnees navigate identity conflicts and societal expectations, the interplay between traditional South Korean norms and global influences will become more prominent, potentially reshaping political age…