DOI: 10.25136/2409-8744.2021.2.34880

Abstract: This article examines Korean diaspora as the subject of ethnic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The manifestations of the growing importance of national and ethnic affiliation as the identity important markers of the individuals and groups in the modern Kazakh society actualized the need for taking special measures and development of the doctrine of interaction of peoples within the multinational state. The research of the ethnic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan through the prism of Korean diaspora allowed considering the crucial aspects and mechanisms of implementation of the state strategy of interethnic regulation. Comparison is conducted on the the legal and factual components of the work of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan – the central body for ethnic affairs. The author reviews the humanitarian initiatives of the Association of Koreans of Kazakhstan as a structural part of the Assembly. The article analyzes not only domestic legal documents, but also the report of the United Nations Independent Expert on Minority Issues. The work is divided into the following logical parts: familiarization with the key principles and principal bodies of the ethnic policy of Kazakhstan; overview of the activity of ethno-cultural Korean societies; coverage of the topics of national language; examination of representation of the diaspora in different government branches and structures. This work is first to conduct a systematic historical research on the place and role of Koryo-saram in the ethnic policy of Kazakhstan. It is demonstrate that Korean diaspora, or Koryo-saram, is a vivid example of positive experience of the state strategy aimed at harmonization of interethnic relations. Using all necessary legal and infrastructural resources, Koreans manage to maintain and cultivate interest to their native culture, while being an organic part of Kazakhstan's democratic society.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0609.2021.2.35257

Abstract: Sociocultural processes that have taken place over the past three decades in the former Soviet republics are in the limelight of political, economic, and historical research. The Korean diaspora of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the object of particular interest, as it reflects the essence of the national political course and the level of development of democratic institutions in the country. Special attention is given to ethnocultural and business diasporic organizations and institutions of the Kazakh Koreans. The period from 1991 to 2020 demonstrates fruitful activity of the diaspora in the area of ethnic policy, establishment of domestic and international business relations. The last 30 years mark the renaissance of national culture of the Koreans in Kazakhstan due to the work of the Korean theater, performance groups, and educational centers across the country. This article discusses the following questions: institutionalization of the Korean diaspora in Kazakhstan; special role of the institutions in preservation of the centers of ethnic culture; impact of the activity of diasporic structures upon the relations with the state and historical homeland; functional role of ethnic organizations in socialization of the members of the diaspora and their advancement in the economic and political spheres. The answers to these questions define the relevance and novelty of this research in studying the problems of historical and national development of the new independent states of the post-Soviet region.