Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982: A Novel

Jiyoung finds college academically challenging. Despite her perfect attendance and devoted studying, Jiyoung has a 2.0 GPA.

Many students struggle to pay for school. One of her close friends drops out and moves home to save money. Jiyoung is in a relatively stable situation: Her parents help pay for tuition and let her live at home.

Jiyoung joins clubs to meet people and discovers a more sociable side of her personality. In the hiking club, she meets her first boyfriend. He is a physical education major and enjoys taking her to soccer matches. She likes to take him to campus film screenings. They spend most of their time together, studying and eating meals with one another. He is a good listener.

Jiyoung’s mother learns that a hospital is opening across the street from their shop. She has the idea to start a porridge restaurant and convinces her husband to attempt another business venture. It is a success.

Jiyoung’s father comes home one night after drinking with friends. He tells the family that his career after the financial crisis has proved far more successful than the careers of his friends. He is happy with the family and proud of himself. Mother reminds him that the porridge business was her idea and his daughters mostly raised themselves.