북한의 신분·공민·주민등록제도에 관한 고찰

Abstract

The present research examines the systems of personal registration, resident registration and citizen registration in North Korea. The lack of interest in and understanding of these registration systems is not surprising, given the scarcity and limited availability of relevant materials and documentation on the subject. Despite the uncertainty over when and how reunification will take place on the Korean peninsula, it is essential that we prepare for such a historic event and its pursuant integration of the above registration systems. For such purposes this research focuses on the following. First, the personal, resident and citizen registration systems of North Korea will be studied in detail, with particular emphasis on their roots. Much attention will be given to the questions of how the systems were adopted and developed in the early years of the North Korean regime. Second, a comprehensive report of the personal, resident and citizen registration systems of North Korea will be provided based on a review and analysis of all publicly available materials, as well as such materials that until now have been either difficult to access or closed to the public. In addition, the research relies on first-hand accounts of the systems by North Korean defectors. By means of carefully structured interviews it was possible to identify the latest developments of the systems, thereby making it possible to update relevant information on the subject. Third, an important part of the research concerns addressing the challenges of integrating the systems of the two Koreas upon reunification. Different policies on setting up a single system of family registration and resident registration in post-reunification Korea are thoroughly considered. An analysis of such policies in respect of their lawfulness and constitutionality will also be presented.