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Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
743 pages, 2021
Kim Ji-young is a common name for South Korean women born in the 1980s: At home, she is an unfavoured sister to her princeling little brother. In primary school, she is a girl who has to line up behind the boys at lunchtime. In high school, she is a daughter whose father blames her for being harassed late at night. In university, she is a good student who doesn’t get put forward for internships by her professor.
In the office, she is an exemplary employee who is overlooked for promotion by her manager. At home, she is a wife who has given up her career to take care of her husband and her baby. Kim Ji-young is depressed. Kim Jiyoung has started to act out. Kim Jiyoung's husband sends her to see a psychiatrist because he knows that there's nothing more important than his wife's happiness and well-being.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo is a deep exploration into the everyday sexism faced by women. The book takes you through the life of Kim Jiyoung, showing how gender discrimination is deeply rooted in society, from childhood to adulthood. It's a wake-up call to see and acknowledge these issues.
The book highlights the importance of mental health. Kim Jiyoung's mental state deteriorates due to the constant discrimination and pressure she faces. It's a reminder to take care of our mental health and to check on those around us.
Cho Nam-joo uses a simple yet powerful narrative to tell Kim Jiyoung's story. It's a testament to how storytelling can be used to shed light on important issues. You'll find yourself immersed in the story, feeling every emotion that Kim Jiyoung goes through.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a stark reminder of the struggle for gender equality. It shows how societal norms and expectations can limit a woman's potential. It's a call to action to challenge these norms and fight for equality.
The book gives you a glimpse into South Korean culture and how it contributes to gender discrimination. It's a chance to explore and understand how cultural norms can influence societal attitudes and behaviors. It's a reminder that change needs to happen at a cultural level too.
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Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a book that I found deeply moving and it made me angry. This book, more than any other I have read this year, has made me understand the deep-rooted misogyny in our societies.
Emma Watson - Actress, ActivistCho Nam-joo's Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a fierce and powerful look at the life of an ordinary woman. It's a novel that made me think about the systemic discrimination against women.
Han Kang - Novelist, WriterKim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a book that resonated with me. It's a story that needs to be heard, and it's a story that needs to be understood.
Bae Suzy - Singer, Actress
