The Last of the Sea Women is a timeless story about traditions and customs pushing back against the tides of an ever-changing society. For the haenyeo—the female sea divers who harvest abalone and other sea delicacies off the coast of Jeju Island in Korea—theirs is a time-honored profession that is just as much a vocation as it is a calling. But as this documentary portrays, they face opposition on many different fronts.
The Last of the Sea Women weaves personal testimonies, the rich history of the haenyeo culture, and breathtaking cinematography to create an immersive viewing experience. The haenyeo’s remarkable dedication to their craft is awe-inspiring. Winter or summer, these women stay out in the waters for hours at a time, diving as deep as 60 feet on a single breath, which they can hold for up to three minutes. But because of the strenuous nature of their work, the haenyeo culture has been steadily decreasing with each passing generation. There are easier ways to make a living these days.
But cultural shifts aren’t the only battle these women face. Produced by Malala Yousafzai and directed by Sue Kim, the haenyeo also step out of the waters and fight against the biggest threat to their livelihood, ocean water contamination.
In August 2023, the Tokyo Electric Power Company in conjunction with the Japanese government, decided to release nuclear waste contaminated water into the ocean. It was a controversial decision—one that has been protested by Japan’s own citizens—which Kim and Yousafzai highlighted in this documentary. The haenyeo of Jeju Island have seen the effects of pollution and how it has already diminished their livelihood. So with the support of the Korean government, 73-year-old haenyeo, Soon Deok Jang, was sent to the United Nations to represent not just the divers, but the country’s protest against this threat to the environment.
Sue Kim’s documentary showcases well the strength and perseverance of the haenyeo and their willingness to fight for their livelihood, their culture, and for the protection of our natural resources. In an interview with Forbes, Kim has made it clear that these women are not passive victims, forced to work in their progressed age, but rather, they are heroic “guardians of the ocean.” In the spirit of the haenyeos, The Last of the Sea Women cements this claim with tenacity and style. (Apple TV+)
About the Author
Daniel Jung is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary and an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America. He lives in Northern California, where he serves as an associate pastor at Home of Christ in Cupertino.