Mobility Affect of Labor Migration in Contemporary Literature

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the mobility affect of labor migration in contemporary literature, revealing that labor migration in the era of globalization is a multifaceted phenomenon deeply interconnected with affect rather than a mere physical relocation. It particularly highlights how systems such as South Korea’s Employment Permit System restrict the mobility of migrant workers and function as mechanisms of labor control, thereby exacerbating precarious living conditions and exploitation. Through an examination of novels by Jeon Chun-hwa, Geum Hee, and Seo Soo-jin, as well as essays by migrant workers in South Korea, this paper provides compelling empirical support. Moreover, anticipating future societal transformations, including the proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies, this research foresees an escalating trend towards the refugee-like precarity of labor migration. Moon Ji-hyeok’s novel offers a prescient perspective on emerging labor challenges. By synthesizing diverse literary texts and social phenomena, this paper introduces the novel theoretical construct of ‘mobility affect,’ thereby making a significant scholarly contribution.