noun
Korean person living in Japan; person of Korean descent
Colloquial term referring to ethnic Koreans residing in Japan, often with a focus on heritage rather than nationality. Can be neutral or carry contextual nuance depending on speaker and situation.
彼は半島系だが、日本で生まれ育った。
He is of Korean descent, but was born and raised in Japan.
半
There are many Korean communities in this area.
Refers specifically to those with North Korean affiliation or heritage. 半島系 can include this group but is less politically specific.
Compound of 半島 (はんとう, 'peninsula', referring to the Korean Peninsula) and 系 (けい, 'lineage' or 'type'). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a colloquial descriptor in post-war Japan.