Young North Koreans increasingly favor wealth over loyalty to state

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Defectors highlight lack of realistic discussions on unificationBy Jung Da-hyun

A marked generational divide is emerging in North Korea, characterized by differing attitudes toward the accumulation of wealth and loyalty to the state, according to defectors.

However, views on unification remain largely consistent across generations, primarily because of the uniform education system in North Korea.

According to North Korean refugees in South Korea, while the older generations in the North remain deeply loyal to the regime, younger generations are increasingly prioritizing their own wealth and well-being, challenging and diverging from the traditional notions of loyalty.

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"The older generation in North Korea believes that if tensions escalate and war breaks out, they should immediately take up arms and fight," Yoon Ae-ra, a defector in her 30s who has lived in the South for eight years, said during a talk show hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Friday.

"Unlike the older generation, the younger generation does not feel the same loyalty to the regime. They prioritize their survival instead."

Yoon explained that even younger North Koreans who rise to state executive positions view the roles merely as a means of earning money, rather than as acts of loyalty to the state.

"It’s just for a living, not a demonstration of loyalty," she said.

Young South Koreans and North Korean defectors share their thoughts and experiences during a talk show at Seoul Citizens Hall in central Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun

Furthermore, the younger generation in North Korea is increasingly drawn to the outside world, particularly the freedom showcased in South Korean dramas, leading to growing cultural conflicts with the older generation.

"I was most excited about the freedom and absence of surveillance when I arrived in South Korea," said Roh Jin-hye, a high school student who defected five years ago.

"Since many of my mother's relatives were in South Korea, our family was constantly monitored in the North. Government officials would check our chimney, and if there was no smoke, they would come inside to see if we were trying to escape."

She highlighted that despite the challenges of living in the South, such as the competitive academic environment, it feels like a completely different world compared to the North.

But the defectors said, despite generational differences, a shared perception of unification persists across all age groups in North Korea.

"People in North Korea are still taught that unification under communism will be achieved. In this regard, both the older and younger generations share the same perspective on unification," Yoon said.

"Some of my friends in the North don’t want unification because they are scared of war," Roh added.

In contrast, young South Koreans are educated about the importance of peaceful unification, but many seem to prefer maintaining the current status quo.

"Because of the long history of division, North Korea feels like a different country," said Kim Jeong-hyun, a 23-year-old student at the University of Seoul.

"To be honest, I've never seriously thought about unification because I've been preoccupied with achieving my current goals," said Byeon Ji-young, another 23-year-old university student.

Meanwhile, North Korean defectors highlight a lack of discussions about the actual challenges of unification.

"After living in South Korea for more than 10 years, I've realized that if peaceful reunification is achieved as South Korea claims, North Koreans will struggle to adapt to the social atmosphere," Lee Wee-sung, a defector in his 20s, said.

"If the time comes for real discussions on unification, we need to focus on everyday life issues rather than just the economy and politics."

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