Reading South Korean Feminism

WRITER’S BOOK TALK

What does it mean to be a woman in contemporary South Korea? How do structural inequalities shape women’s lives from childhood to adulthood? And why did a single novel ignite nationwide debates on feminism and gender roles?

The Smith College Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures welcomes Cho Nam-joo, acclaimed author of Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982, for a discussion on her literary career and the social impact of her work. Cho’s groundbreaking novel, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982, offers a stark portrayal of the systemic discrimination faced by women in South Korea, highlighting issues of workplace inequality, domestic labor, and societal expectations. The novel’s widespread influence—leading to translations in multiple languages, a film adaptation, and ongoing public discourse—has made it a seminal text in contemporary feminist literature.

At this event, Cho Nam-joo will reflect on the themes of her novel, its cultural reception, and its role in shaping conversations on gender and social change. The event will feature a moderated discussion followed by an audience Q&A session.