Literary chat material for potential discussion:
Published in 2026, this small novel (160-180pp) became a bestseller in Korea selling more than 1 million copies by 2018. And, it has been translated into 18 different languages.
The storyline centers on a young woman who reluctantly gives up work to become a stay-at-home mother. She develops depression and as it deepens, she takes us on a personal and generational journey highlighting the everyday sexism she and others, have experienced from birth to their present day.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 raises discussion around a number of social issues: gender and generational inequality, motherhood, workplace discrimination, pressure to conform, societal systems and the treatment of mental illness. At its time of publication in Korea, the novel stirred intense social debate and controversy, leading to slow but lasting societal change.
As well as the novel’s themes, there is much to discuss around Cho Nam-Joo’s style of writing, her character choices, their development and the ending.
After reading the novel I recommend the following links (spoilers abound!)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Ji-young,_Born_1982;
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 review – South Korean #MeToo bestseller
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 has also attracted immense International appeal. An interesting approach to understanding why, might be to look at the book cover designs adopted for various countries. Perhaps the following link could be the starting point for such a discussion:
https://lookingatbooks.substack.com/p/looking-at-kim-jiyoung-born-1982
I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this, and any other novels you may have read, as we continue our Creative Voyage Korea. Please feel welcome to make suggestions.
See you all at our first stop, the MoMo Lounge at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Myeongdong!
Judith Salmon Travel 