Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo

Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a simple yet powerful book that hits hard. It follows Kim Jiyoung, an ordinary woman in South Korea, as she slowly unravels under the weight of everyday sexism. One day, she starts speaking in the voices of other women—her mother, a former coworker—almost as if she’s lost herself completely. From there, the novel takes us through her life, showing all the ways society has pushed her down, from childhood to marriage and motherhood.

The writing is straightforward, even a little detached at times, but that makes the story feel even more real. There’s no big, dramatic moment—just a lifetime of small injustices that build up. What makes it even more unsettling is how normal it all seems. Jiyoung’s experiences aren’t unique to her; they’re just the way things are for so many women, in Korea and beyond.

The last part of the book, told from her psychiatrist’s perspective, is especially chilling. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say it makes it clear that nothing has really changed.
​
This is one of those books that stays with you. It’s a quick read, but it packs a punch, making you think about all the invisible ways women are expected to sacrifice, adjust, and endure. If you’re interested in feminism, social issues, or just want a book that makes you feel something, this one is worth picking up.

Get the book at the library or download the eBook with your SPL card.