DescriptionThis dissertation investigates the complexities of citizenship and belongingness in South Korea, particularly focusing on the case of “unprotected” third country–born North Korean children. The exclusion of third country–born children is the result of many different considerations, and this dissertation analyzes the reasons for treating them differently from other North Korean settlers by investigating various areas. By scrutinizing sources of legal discourse on amendments of the Act on the Protection and Settlement Support of Residents Escaping from North Korea to include third country–born children, the rationales for excluding those children from the legal definition will be uncovered. Using the western concept of citizenship and citizenship debates as the point of departure, with close attention to exploring citizenship theories of diversity, equality and social justice, I discuss the rise of differentiated citizenship and its limits. By reviewing western citizenship theories and that of South Korea, I contemplate on the defining and redefining of membership and boundaries in relation to democratic principles and how different groups in a society should be treated. Law and policies for different migrant groups are discussed, and the differentiated definitions and statuses of migrant groups are distinguished, to clarify what is considered South Koreanness. By scrutinizing complex policies surrounding North Korean settlers and legal disputes, my project extends the understanding of citizenship and the politics of belonging in South Korea. This dissertation contributes to understanding sophisticated rationale and politics regarding the exclusion of third country–born children and shows the arbitrariness of inclusion and exclusion. To explore the policies for North Korean settlers, the procedure that North Korean settlers go through to become South Korean citizens will be explained, and some of the difficulties that North Korean settlers face are described. The exclusion of third country–born children is discussed by scrutinizing the education and integration policies of North Korean adult and children settlers. Also, how these policies demand assimilation and institutionalize discrimination will be made apparent. I argue that a comprehensive framework for immigration policy is necessary and that North Korean settlers should be regarded as migrants within this framework. I conclude with a discussion of problems within the current immigration system and recommendations of possible institutional changes. These include creating a new authority in charge of immigration and treating all migrant groups without distinguishing by point of entry or based on race and ethnicity.