Ethnic Korean populations can be found in countries around the world, a legacy of widespread emigration in the 20th century, and a new South Korean government initiative seeks to address the challenges that these communities face — and perhaps even tackle the ROK’s demographic problems at the same time.

Korean groups in Japan, Russia and Ukraine have long been marginalized by not only the countries where they live but by South Korea itself, struggling with statelessness stemming from unresolved historical issues and seeking recognition as Korean citizens.

Seoul has increasingly acknowledged the plight of these ethnic Koreans and begun taking