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Projects



The Mermaid of Nuclear Village

CHOI Hyunjung

  • Korea
  • 80min
  • mp4

Synopsis

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.

 

Review

Boksun (73), a ¡°Haenyeo¡± or ¡°Sea Woman¡±, has been diving underwater for food in her hometown of Daebon 1-ri, Gyeongju, since the age of 16 years old. 15 years ago, her life changed forever when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Since her surgery, she now needs to take medication for the rest of her life and her body is easily exhausted. However, she has no other option, but to return to the sea to survive. There is also something amiss amongst her village sea women. 8 out of 12 of these women have also received surgery due to thyroid cancer. Boksun believes that the nuclear power plant 6km south of her village is the cause. Through the story of a haenyeo from a nuclear village who has suffered physical and psychological pain from the horrors and radioactive substances she cannot see or smell, this documentary sheds light on the lives of radiation victims who are fighting against a Goliath nuclear power plant company and the State and gives a voice to those who are marginalized by society. 

Director

  • CHOI Hyunjung

     

Credit

  • ProducerÃÖÇöÁ¤ CHOI Hyunjung