48 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
157
Novel • Fiction
South Korea • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, translated by Jamie Chang, follows Kim Jiyoung, a new mother in Seoul, as she begins to exhibit strange behavior by speaking in the voices of other women. Her life story, narrated by her psychiatrist, highlights her experiences with gender discrimination and sexual harassment from childhood through adulthood, underscoring the systemic challenges women face in Korean society.
Informative
Melancholic
Contemplative
Challenging
Emotional
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, translated by Jamie Chang, is praised for its poignant portrayal of gender inequality in South Korea. Critics applaud its straightforward narrative and emotional depth. Some find its didactic tone and statistical incorporations detract from the storytelling. Overall, it sparks important discussions on feminism and social norms.
Readers interested in Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo and Transl. Jamie Chang typically appreciate contemporary feminist literature highlighting social issues and gender inequality. Similar to fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, they enjoy poignant narratives with strong, relatable female protagonists.
Mother (Oh Misook)
Jiyoung's mother, who balances traditional gender roles and economic independence, aspiring for a better future for her daughters.
Jung Daehyun
Jiyoung's husband, depicted as thoughtful but oblivious to his privileges in a society structured around male dominance.
Kim Eunsil
Jiyoung’s team leader at the marketing company and a rare female manager, highlighting the challenges women face in advancing within male-dominated workplaces.
The Psychiatrist
Narrator of the story who provides an objective account based on his therapy sessions with Jiyoung, revealing insights into societal attitudes towards gender roles.
157
Novel • Fiction
South Korea • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.