VOL.69/2024.04

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo

2024.01.02

My passion for reading began at an early age, and books have always been my constant companions. Over the years, I have explored different genres, from comics to romance to thrillers, and each one has stirred different emotions and insights in me. However, the book that has left the most profound impact on me is Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 (Minumsa) by Cho Nam-Joo. This book resonated with me on a personal level, as if I were reading my own diary. As a novice Korean learner, I read the English translation by Jamie Chang, published by Scribner. I was impressed by how well Jamie Chang conveyed the nuances and intentions of the original author. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a universal story of women’s lives and struggles, as symbolized by the faceless woman on the cover page.

The novel opens with a contemporary scene, where Kim Jiyoung’s husband is concerned about his wife’s unusual behavior. He initially thinks she is joking or drunk, but he soon discovers that there is a deeper psychological issue at play. The novel then traces Kim Jiyoung’s life story through four phases: childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and marriage. The reader sees the world from Kim Jiyoung’s perspective as she grows up and tries to navigate the expectations and realities of being a woman in Korean society. Kim Jiyoung, the second daughter of three siblings, and her older sister are taught to sacrifice for their younger brother from an early age. Their mother, Oh Mi-sook, does not explicitly enforce patriarchal norms on them; rather, she tries to educate them about the world and support their aspirations. However, Kim Jiyoung is constantly confronted with a list of rules and restrictions that limit her choices and opportunities as a girl, and she relies on her mother and sister to guide her and shape her identity. Throughout her development, Kim Jiyoung faces various challenges and dilemmas that have no clear solutions, because they are rooted in the gender inequality that pervades her society. Kim Jiyoung questions her existence and purpose, but she never finds satisfactory answers.
Jiyoung’s life is marked by a series of disappointments that erode her initial optimism. Despite her academic achievements, she faces discrimination and marginalization as a woman in the workforce. She feels trapped by the limited options available to her, which often demand her self-sacrifice. However, she cannot even claim the moral satisfaction of sacrificing, which adds to her guilt and despair. Her husband, Jung Daehyun, is an exceptional partner who supports her unconditionally and stands by her through the challenges. He seems too good to be true, unlike the realistic characters that populate the rest of the story. The narrative shifts between the present, where Jiyoung undergoes therapy to cope with her mental struggles, and the past, where we witness the events that shaped her personality. Another memorable character is Kim Eun-Sil, Jiyoung’s team leader at work, who advocates for women’s rights and empowers Jiyoung to stand up for herself. She represents the rare but valuable allies that women encounter on their journeys.
The story of Kim Jiyoung is disturbing because she represents the experiences of many women around the world. The author skillfully portrays the challenges and inequalities that women face in various aspects of their lives, from education to work to family. As a woman who is about to enter the same stage of life as Kim Jiyoung, I can relate to most of the situations described in the book, which gives me a sense of validation but also anxiety. The author’s intention was to spark a public debate on the issues of gender discrimination and sexism, and she certainly achieved that goal with her provocative and candid writing. However, in a society that often views feminism as anti-male, some readers may find her arguments too harsh or biased. Nevertheless, the fact that so many women can identify with Jiyoung’s story shows how pervasive and deep-seated these problems are.
The book Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 presents a compelling case for the persistence of gender inequality in contemporary society. The author uses various sources of data and evidence, such as research reports, newspaper articles, and personal anecdotes, to illustrate the challenges and struggles faced by women in different domains of life. The book was published in 2016, but its relevance has not diminished over time. The author’s style is candid and direct, as if she is writing a diary of her experiences and observations. The book does not follow a linear narrative, but rather a collection of everyday interactions that reveal the underlying power dynamics and norms that shape women’s lives.
The book is a powerful and provocative read that will disturb and enlighten the reader. Some may criticize the book for being too biased or subjective, but the book reflects the reality of many women’s lives around the world. The book raises important questions about the pace and direction of social change. Is society becoming more egalitarian and inclusive? If not, why not? And what can we do to accelerate the process? The book deserves to be read and discussed widely, as it contributes to the ongoing dialogue and action on gender justice. It is a book that expands our vision, challenges our conscience, and inspires our solidarity. It is a book that matters today and tomorrow.

Written by Seema Thomas (Reader of K-Book Trends)