The "haenyeo," the female divers of South Korea, have forged an indissoluble bond with their deep azure realm, proclaiming an inseparable connection to the vast expanse beneath the waves. In the maiden executive production venture of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, she delves into the mysterious world of these divers, many now in their golden years, residing on the serene Jeju Island, a picturesque paradise 80 miles off the Korean Peninsula's shores.
These women, revered as "real-life mermaids," uphold a time-honored tradition, woven with the intricate fabric of sisterhood, and they stand resolute against contemporary challenges like climate change and nuclear waste contamination. Apple TV+'s upcoming documentary, "The Last of the Sea Women," premiering on Friday, captures the captivating lives of these haenyeo as they valiantly safeguard their livelihoods and ancestral craft against myriad external pressures.
Plunging into the depths without the crutch of oxygen tanks or professional diving gear, the divers rely solely on humble tools like nets and hoes to harvest treasures like abalone and sea urchins from the fathomless darkness. A flourishing community in the 1960s, boasting over 30,000 members, the haenyeo today hover precariously around 3,200, yet their legacy remains etched on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Amidst their banter and bickering, there lies an unwavering, unconditional camaraderie that serves as their lifeline. Malala Yousafzai attests to this profound solidarity, reflecting, "In my own activism journey, I'm often perceived as a lone warrior, but I know that true change stems from collective efforts. The haenyeo's tale mirrors this beautifully—how they uphold and sustain their community through unity, friendship, and sisterhood."
Driven by necessity—be it familial adversity or financial constraints—many women embarked on this perilous diving path. Yet, they also rise as vocal advocates, railing against the encroachment of pollution from tourists, the scorching waters of climate change, waning interest in their art, and the dire threat of nuclear waste emanating from the Fukushima plant.
Armed with determination, the haenyeo confront these hazards head-on, whether through rallies or by upholding their cultural heritage as a testament to their resilience. One such fearless diver, Jang Soon Duk, frequently treks to Switzerland to address the UN Human Rights Council, fervently pleading for the safeguarding of their waters amidst the looming specter of nuclear waste release. In the aftermath of her tireless efforts, Japan has embarked on a monumental task to encapsulate the waste, a process anticipated to span nearly three decades.
In the film, Geum Ok, a seasoned haenyeo, declares with conviction, "The ocean is our sanctuary; we must return to its embrace. Even in the next cycle of life, I shall plunge into its depths once more." Amidst the cinematic tapestry, laughter and witty quips punctuate scenes, ranging from playful banter about schedules to profound existential queries. Director Sue Kim aspired to capture the women's unvarnished essence, including the vibrant language of affection that permeates their lives.
"It's a perpetual sparring match," Kim chuckles, recalling the frequent skirmishes among the haenyos. "Yet, these disagreements are testament to their profound bond. They argue, they shout, but as the film reveals, they swiftly reconcile. Forgiveness flows effortlessly between them." Kim further elucidates that resentment has no place in their hearts, for such emotions could only fray the intricate web of mutual reliance they've woven.
"Their very existence is intertwined with one another's strength and support," she observes. Jang and Lee Hee Soon, fellow haenyeos featured in the documentary, attest to the pivotal role women play in upholding family structures. "Our maternal instincts empower us," Jang asserts through a translator, her voice filled with conviction. "As mothers, we are inherently resilient."
Jang elaborates, sharing that, akin to numerous other haenyeos, she feels an obligation to not just steward her family but also to shield it from harm. With families leaning heavily on their shoulders, pushing through adversity, regardless of the odds, has become an integral part of their cultural fabric.
Malala Yousafzai, chiming in, highlights the haenyeos' narrative as a poignant reflection of women's timeless quest to forge their own definitions of liberty and dignity. "Women find themselves in a relentless struggle," she muses. "They seldom have the luxury to ponder over how they wish to shape their lives. It's an ongoing battle for a more equitable, safer world."
