For nearly 60 years, Boksun Gam (73), a “Haenyeo” or “Sea Woman”, has been supporting her family by diving into the sea foraging for seaweed, sea urchins, and abalone. After 30 minutes in the sea, she becomes breathless.

Although she wants to continue, her body is already exhausted. The surgery she underwent for thyroid cancer 15 years ago has completely changed her life. Boksun is not alone. 8 out of 12 sea women have undergone surgery for thyroid cancer. In October 2014, these women, together with 618 other residents living near a nuclear power plant in the village of Daebon 1-ri, filed a joint lawsuit against Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power-seeking compensation for damages. However, in February 2022, the Court dismissed their case on the grounds that “There was no causal relationship between the development of cancer and exposure to radioactive substances emitted by the nuclear power plant”. Boksun and the residents of the nuclear village, Daebon 1-ri, resume their fight against the Goliath nuclear power plant company and the State. The haenyeo Boksun begins her lonely fight, which is unlikely to end even after her death.