Framing Identity and Gender in Public Discourse: A Corpus Analysis of Representation of North Korean Female Defectors

• Published in: Asian journal of peacebuilding Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 99 - 128
• Main Authors: Sun-hee Lee, Beomil Kang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 서울대학교 통일평화연구원 31.05.2024
• Subjects: corpus; discourse analysis; gender; media; North Korean defector (NKD)
• ISSN: 2288-2693
• DOI: 10.18588/202405.00a441

This corpus-based study scrutinizes South Korean media’s portrayal of North Korean defectors (NKDs), especially women. Analyzing data from five leading newspapers (Chosun Ilbo, DongA Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, Hankyoreh, and Kyunghyang Sinmun) and Women News, this article explores power and gender dynamics in media language shaping NKD identities. Using corpus tools, statistical analysis of keywords, and collocations, the study integrates critical discourse analysis of narratives obtained through concordance search. Key findings reveal the significant underrepresentation and misrepresentation of NKD women, often stereotyping them only as victims of violence. The research advocates for a broader gender perspective in media coverage and diverse portrayals of NKD women and men as integral members of the community, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive and inclusive language in South Korean media.