Seung-Hee Nah | Resettlement Challenges of North Korean Women through the Lens of an Immigrant  

About the Speaker:

Seung-Hee Nah is a former senior officer at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, where she worked for 23 years in regions including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. Ms. Nah has been instrumental in corporate restructuring projects and privatization efforts, notably in Poland and Korea. Since her retirement, she has dedicated herself to humanitarian work, particularly supporting North Korean defectors through leadership programs. She is the chair of the Korean American Sharing Movement (KASM) and has served on various boards supporting North Korean resettlement and education.

Abstract:
This study examines the unique challenges faced by North Korean women in resettling in South Korea and US as observed through the experiences of Seung-Hee Nah, a former World Bank Group officer and advocate for North Korean defectors. Drawing on her work with the Korean American Sharing Movement and other initiatives, Nah provides insights into the socio-cultural, economic, and psychological obstacles that these women encounter. Through a blend of firsthand accounts and analysis, this article explores the complexities of resettlement, including issues of identity, integration, and economic independence. This perspective highlights the resilience of North Korean women while also underscoring the need for tailored support systems to aid their successful transition.