Book Review: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

By Elizabeth Suggs

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo isn’t just a story about one woman’s life in South Korea—it’s a mirror reflecting the struggles of women everywhere, including right here in the U.S. As I read this powerful novel, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the experiences of Kim Jiyoung and the challenges faced by many women in America today.

The book meticulously weaves together Kim Jiyoung’s personal story with broader social statistics, illustrating how her life, seemingly ordinary, is shaped by the pervasive sexism embedded in society. This approach hit close to home for me. In the U.S., we often think of gender inequality as a distant issue, something that happens elsewhere or is confined to the past. But the truth is, the same systemic issues that affect women in South Korea—discrimination in the workplace, societal expectations, and the gradual erosion of identity—are all too familiar here.

What struck me most about Kim Jiyoung’s story is how universal it is. The challenges she faces, from childhood to adulthood, are not unique to South Korea. They resonate with the experiences of many women in the U.S. who find themselves constantly battling against gender norms and expectations. Whether it’s being passed over for promotions, facing pressure to prioritize family over career, or simply not being taken seriously, these issues are deeply embedded in our own society.

The novel’s success, both in South Korea and internationally, speaks volumes about the shared struggles of women across the globe. It’s no wonder that "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" has sparked widespread discussion wherever it’s been read. Here in the U.S., where conversations about gender equality are ongoing and often heated, this book offers a stark reminder that the fight for women’s rights is far from over.

Reading this novel made me reflect on the cultural and societal pressures that women face in the U.S. today. The #MeToo movement, the gender wage gap, the ongoing debates about reproductive rights—all these issues are part of the larger narrative that "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" taps into. It’s a story that resonates with the American experience because it’s a story about the human experience.

If this book has left you thinking, as it did for me, I encourage you to explore more about the cultural context not just in South Korea, but here at home. Understanding how these issues play out in different parts of the world can deepen our awareness and strengthen our resolve to push for change. "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" is more than a novel—it’s a call to action, and it’s just as relevant in the U.S. as it is anywhere else.