Kim Ji-young, Born 1982

Set in contemporary South Korea, the story traces Ji-young’s journey from her former marketing career to motherhood and back toward professional life and publication. It reflects evolving attitudes toward women in the workforce and the stigma surrounding postpartum mental health. The timeline highlights her path to autonomy through work, writing, and self-expression.

Primarily set in Seoul, the film follows Ji-young’s life at home, in the city, and within the circles of family and work. It grounds itself in the everyday spaces of modern Korean life, where motherhood and career intersect with social expectations. The city’s environments mirror the pressures and judgments Ji-young faces as a woman seeking identity and resilience.

🗣️ Voice

Ji-young discovers her voice against gender discrimination in the workplace and in society. The film follows her progression from silent endurance to speaking up through journals and public pieces. Her growing voice becomes a catalyst for personal healing and broader conversations about mothers' rights.

💼 Workplace

The story critiques the double standards faced by working mothers, showing both admiration for female leadership and pressure to abandon careers after childbirth. It contrasts Ji-young's past professional success with her current domestic role, highlighting the glass ceiling and social judgment. Returning to work becomes a key path to restoration of identity.

🧠 Mental health

Postpartum depression and stress trigger episodes where Ji-young seems to inhabit her mother’s or grandmother's memories. The film treats mental health with empathy, using therapy, journaling, and support from loved ones as steps toward recovery. Her journey emphasizes seeking help as a sign of strength, not weakness.

📝 Memoir

Encouraged by therapy, Ji-young begins documenting her emotions and experiences. She writes opinion pieces about gender discrimination and motherhood, gradually shaping a memoir of her life. The act of writing becomes both self-assertion and social commentary, culminating in the first line of her self-titled memoir.