북한출신 청년들의 독서프로그램 참여경험에 관한 집단심층면접(FGI) 연구 = A Study on Participation Experiences in Reading Programs: A Focused Group Interview with North Korean Youth

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of young people from North Korea through in-depth group interviews on what they experience in reading programs.
Method of research: For sampling, we utilized reputational case selection, receiving recommendations from field experts who have contact with North Korean youth. Based on the criterion of having resided in South Korea for less than 10 years, a total of five participants were selected. To achieve the research objectives, in-depth interviews were conducted using the FGI research methodology. The interviews were held remotely for approximately two hours on January 16, 2023, the day the reading group concluded. Data analysis was conducted using the Repeated comparative analysis, and to ensure the rigor of the study, two methods proposed by Padgett (2001) were utilized: peer debriefing and member checking
Content of the study: As a result, four major themes and eight subcategories were derived: ‘Experiences unique to the northern homeland: Reconstructing special times,’ ‘Strengthening the spirit of challenge for future planning through North Korean defector seniors, educators, and foreigners,’ ‘Enhancing depth of thought on key topics covered in the reading program, providing comfort through a sense of solidarity, and positive self-discovery,’ and ‘Rerecognition of North Korean society through awareness of North Korean cultural capital and generational differences.’
Conclusion/suggestion: This study is significant in that it explores the scarcely researched area of North Korean youth’s experiences in reading groups using the qualitative research methodology of FGI. Based on these findings, follow-up research on reading programs and several practical alternatives were suggested to support the stable growth and psychological empowerment of North Korean youth.