A Study on Korean and Chinese Gender Discourse through the Film Kim Ji-young, Born 1982

This study compares and analyzes gender discourses in South Korea and China through the film “Kim Ji-young, Born 1982”. Since its release in 2019, the film has caused a significant social impact in South Korea, depicting gender inequality experienced by women and sparking both empathy and debate. This study analyzes how the film has been interpreted in both countries, the commonalities and differences in gender discourse, and the significance of these differences within their respective social contexts. The results of the study show that in South Korea, key discourses include career interruptions, gender discrimination, and conflicts over gender roles within the family structure, with the film playing a role in publicizing these social issues and promoting change. In contrast, in China, gender issues are approached differently due to the influence of socialist ideology and traditional Confucian culture. This study explores the differences in gender discourse between South Korea and China in relation to their social and cultural backgrounds, offering a view of the complexity of East Asian gender discourses.