The popular feminist novel “Kim Ji-young, Born in 1982” will be adapted into a film by up-and-coming female director Kim Do-young.

Actress Jung Yu-mi, who appeared in the hit film “Train to Busan,” has been cast to play the role of Kim Ji-young, the main character of the film. Production is scheduled to begin early next year.

Kim Ji-young is a woman in her 30s with a personality disorder, whose experience of sexism is documented by her doctor.

(Management SOOP)

The 2016 South Korean novel has sold over a million copies and garnered critical praise for shedding light on issues faced by women in Korean society. The book regained attention recently after the #MeToo movement began to sweep across the country, with feminism becoming a subject of heated debate.

In March, singer Irene from K-pop group Red Velvet drew flak online from some male fans after sharing that she had read the book during a fan meeting.

Meanwhile, director Kim won an award at the 20th Seoul International Women’s Film Festival for her short film “The Monologue” in 2018.

By Yim Hyun-su (hyunsu@heraldcorp.com)