Analysis of Factors Influencing Academic Achievement of North Korean Defector University Students

This study aims to explore the factors of personal characteristics and educational experiences in both North and South Korea that influence the academic achievement of North Korean defector university students. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted with 163 North Korean defector university students who had received public education in North Korea and were currently enrolled in South Korean universities. Frequency analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were utilized to assess the data. The results indicate that factors such as family background—including political and economic status in North Korea—educational background such as school performance and experiences with academic extracurricular activities in North Korea, as well as experiences with private education in South Korea, play significant roles in the academic achievement of these students. Based on these findings, the study discusses the impact of North Korean family environments, the importance of North Korean educational backgrounds, and the role of private education in South Korea, and further proposes academic support measures for these students.