Women’s Dilemma and Social Reflection in Film Narrative: A Case Study of Kim Ji-young, Born 1982

Abstract

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 portrays the life experiences of an ordinary woman navigating family, work, and society, exposing the patriarchal structures, female discipline, and reproductive oppression in South Korean society. Adapted from Cho Nam-joo’s novel, the film recounts Ji-young’s struggles in childhood and marriage, along with the mental distress caused by the pressures of balancing career and family. It powerfully illustrates how societal expectations lead women to lose their sense of self, highlighting the exploitation of emotional labor and unpaid housework. Ji-young’s story transcends individual experience, reflecting the broader structural gender inequality embedded in society. Upon release, the film sparked intense social debate, particularly from South Korean men, some of whom petitioned the Blue House to block the screening, accusing it of fueling gender conflict. This opposition reveals the patriarchal structure’s defensive response to challenges and men’s anxiety over losing status and privilege. This paper explores how government pro-natalist policies, under the guise of preserving family structures, further entrench the oppression of women’s reproductive and labor value.