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Cover of Kim Ji-young, Born 1982
Literary Fiction· South Korea

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982

by Cho Nam-joo
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2016Korean
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About This Book

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 2016. Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 is a landmark novel that sparked significant cultural conversations in South Korea about gender inequality and societal expectations. Through the life of Kim Ji-young, an ordinary woman, the book explores the systemic sexism and discrimination faced by women in modern Korean society. Its straightforward narrative and relatable protagonist have resonated with readers, making it a bestseller and a catalyst for discussions on feminism. Themes of gender inequality, societal expectations, feminism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorCho Nam-joo
Published2016
Country of Origin🇰🇷 South Korea
LanguageKorean
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-1487006984
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇷 South Korea

This book is part of South Korea's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from South Korea →

Editorial Assessment

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2016 in South Korea, it engages with gender inequality, societal expectations, feminism, identity in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 is how it handles its central concerns — gender inequality, societal expectations, feminism, identity — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 reflects Cho Nam-joo's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with South Korea's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · global
20200
✍️
About the Author
Cho Nam-joo
South Korea
View Author →

Cho Nam-joo is a South Korea author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 about?

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 is a landmark novel that sparked significant cultural conversations in South Korea about gender inequality and societal expectations. Through the life of Kim Ji-young, an ordinary woman, the book explores the systemic sexism and discrimination faced by women in modern Korean society. Its straightforward narrative and relatable protagonist have resonated with readers, making it a bestseller and a catalyst for discussions on feminism.

Who wrote Kim Ji-young, Born 1982?

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 was written by Cho Nam-joo, from South Korea. First published in 2016.

What awards has Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 won?

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 worth reading?

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in gender inequality, societal expectations, feminism.

Where can I buy Kim Ji-young, Born 1982?

You can buy Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Kim Ji-young, Born 1982?

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 from?

Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 originates from South Korea's literary tradition. Explore more books from South Korea on our country page.

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