Lost and Found: The Distinctive Identity of Sakhalin Koreans

Based on field research, including a series of in-depth interviews with respondents and experts in Sakhalin in June 2024, and a comprehensive analysis of domestic and international literature, this study examines the formation and current state of identity among the Sakhalin Koreans. The research identifies its key aspects: a persistent cultural synthesis manifested in the hybridization of ritual practices and everyday culture; a profound connection to Sakhalin as a small homeland, particularly among the second and third generations; a conscious self-distinction from the Koryo-saram; and a persistent sense of alienation in South Korea, shaped by differences in behavioral patterns and the language barrier. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the accentuated generational divide, where the first generation maintains an orientation towards the historical homeland, while subsequent generations primarily identify with Sakhalin. The study demonstrates how the historical conditions – existence within the Japanese colonial sphere, the subsequent legal vacuum in the USSR, and limited opportunities for repatriation – created a unique context for the formation of this identity. It is established that the uniqueness of the historical conditions and the dynamics of this group’s identity formation necessitate its consideration as an independent subject of socio-humanitarian research. The practical significance of the work lies in the potential application of its findings for developing programs to support cultural diversity and strengthen intergenerational ties within the Sakhalin Korean community.