"Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" by Cho Nam-Joo is a provocative and powerful feminist novel that tells the story of a young woman named Kim Jiyoung, who lives in modern-day South Korea. The book was published in 2016 and quickly became a bestseller in Korea, sparking a national conversation about gender inequality and discrimination.The novel is divided into three parts: childhood, adulthood, and treatment. In the first part, the reader learns about Kim Jiyoung's upbringing in a society where male superiority is deeply ingrained. She is constantly reminded that she is less valuable than her brother, and she struggles to find her place in a world that expects her to be obedient and subservient.In the second part of the novel, the reader follows Kim Jiyoung as an adult, working in a corporate job and trying to balance her career with her responsibilities as a wife and mother. However, she is constantly subjected to sexism and discrimination in the workplace and at home, which takes a toll on her mental health.The final part of the book is a record of Kim Jiyoung's psychiatric treatment, as she is diagnosed with a condition called "female hysteria." Through her experiences in therapy, the reader is exposed to the subtle and insidious ways that patriarchy manifests in everyday life, and how it can have devastating consequences for women's mental health.One of the most striking aspects of "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" is the way that Cho Nam-Joo uses a seemingly ordinary character to illustrate the broader societal issues that affect women in Korea and beyond. Kim Jiyoung is an ordinary woman who experiences the same challenges and frustrations that many women face every day, such as unequal pay, sexual harassment, and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.Cho Nam-Joo's writing is concise and unadorned, which adds to the impact of the story. By presenting the facts of Kim Jiyoung's life in a matter-of-fact way, the author invites the reader to consider the ways that gender inequality is woven into the fabric of society. The novel is not just about Kim Jiyoung's individual struggles; it is also a commentary on the broader cultural norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality.The book has been praised for its honesty and authenticity, with many readers and critics noting that it reflects their own experiences as women in Korea. Cho Nam-Joo has been credited with starting a national conversation about gender inequality, and her novel has become a rallying cry for feminists and activists in Korea and beyond.Overall, "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" is a powerful and important novel that sheds light on the realities of gender inequality and discrimination. Through the story of one woman's life, Cho Nam-Joo exposes the pervasive and insidious ways that patriarchy affects women in Korea and beyond. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
