The Question Raised by the Movie 'Microhabitat'... Are You Living the Life You Want Now? [Joohee Kang's Video Prism]

Protecting Oneself as an Anxious Youth Wandering Without a Home
What Does It Truly Mean to Live for Myself?

Still image from the movie 'Microhabitat'.
Photo by Naver Movie

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] [Editor's Note] How do you remember that scene? Have you ever suddenly recalled a scene from a movie? This is likely because films are closely connected to our lives. Movies offer another perspective on reality. We present various viewpoints on reality by highlighting a single scene from a film. Please note that spoilers may be present during the description of scenes.

"Even without a home, I have thoughts and tastes," "What does it mean to live like a human?"

The protagonist Miso of the movie Microhabitat speaks calmly. Miso works as a housekeeper. Her small rented room contains nothing but a small orange suitcase without any proper household items. Her only hobbies are smoking cigarettes or having a glass of whiskey. Occasionally, dating her boyfriend Hansol is all she does in her daily life.

The meager daily wage from housekeeping leaves nothing after paying rent, cigarette costs, whiskey expenses, and medicine. Yet, her tastes are firm.

Miso, who chose a job that others might avoid, feels no shame in working as a housekeeper. Doing housework is her specialty, and she simply chose the work she is best at.

In a house without heating, it is difficult to share love with her boyfriend, and she even goes on blood donation dates to get movie tickets in her impoverished life, but Miso does not feel lacking in her current life. Even without money, after work she visits her regular bar like anyone else, drinks a glass of whiskey, and finds small happiness.

One day, the landlord notifies her of a rent increase, and with the new year, cigarette prices also rise. Miso, who absolutely cannot give up cigarettes and whiskey, decides to 'coolly' give up her home. She pulls her small suitcase and begins a journey to find a new sanctuary.

Released in 2017, the movie Microhabitat depicts Miso, who has left her home, moving from one friend's house to another?friends she used to play in a band with during college?and the episodes she experiences. However, Miso realizes that these friends are no longer the passionate 'people from those days.' Forgetting when they last had dreams, they endure each day. Miso dives into their lives carrying a carton of eggs and her unique warmth.

Still image from the movie 'Microhabitat'./Photo by Naver Movies

◆ People Miso Meets... A Portrait of Dreamless Modern Individuals

The friends Miso meets after leaving her home live in what is called 'Hell Joseon,' facing various realistic issues such as work, marriage, and in-law troubles.

They work at large corporations but suffer from excessive workloads, resorting to IV drips to keep going. They have to repay interest of 1 million won per month for 20 years on a newly purchased home bought on credit. For marriage, they seek partners not because of mutual feelings but because conditions match, and they bear household chores while living under the watchful eyes of their husbands and in-laws.

The dreams of playing in a band from their youth have long been pushed aside. The friends appearing in the film seem to depict our current lives as they are.

In reality, many people say they have no choice but to give up their dreams due to practical problems. According to a 2017 survey by Incruit of 964 young adults, 87% agreed with the term 'N-po generation,' meaning a generation that gives up many things such as dreams, employment, and marriage due to difficult social and economic circumstances.

They listed what they gave up in order: dreams (12%), hobbies (12%), life values (12%), romance (11%), marriage (11%), friendships and human relationships (10%), owning a home (10%), hope (10%), and childbirth (8%).

Even those who succeed in marriage mostly suffer from debt. According to the '2019 Newlywed Couple Statistics' released by Statistics Korea on the 10th, among 998,000 first-marriage newlywed couples, 85.8% started married life with debt.

The household debt of newlyweds increased by 12.1% compared to the previous year (2018), reaching an average of 112.08 million won. This is about twice their average annual income of 57.07 million won.

This survey reveals the harsh reality faced by people living in Korean society. Miso's friends represent individuals living through a tough modern era.

In contrast, Miso, who does not bend her life to what she wants, is portrayed as a somewhat unrealistic character who might only exist in an imaginary world.

The film poses a fundamental question to the audience about the true meaning of life by contrasting the characters who must rush to meet society's demands with Miso.

Still image from the movie 'Microhabitat'./Photo by Naver Movies

◆ The Question Microhabitat Raises... Are You Living the Life You Truly Want?

No matter how hard it gets, Miso never gives up cigarettes and whiskey. Though she may give up her home, she will never give up these two. Her tastes may seem extreme or extravagant to some. However, losing these means losing her identity. Miso says these are her 'only sanctuary.'

Miso's friend Jungmi, who disapproves of her, spits harsh words: "I heard cigarette prices have gone up a lot lately. If I had no money, I would have quit cold turkey...," "I think you have no shame." To Jungmi, Miso is just a thirty-year-old irresponsible drifter with no home or proper job.

However, their lives with homes do not look happy either. Jungmi lives in a palace-like house after marrying a wealthy husband but cannot rest comfortably at home because she has to watch her husband's eyes. Daeyong, who divorced his wife but cannot sell the newlywed home due to loans, says, "The house feels like a prison." Rokie, who lives with his parents, is constantly pressured to get married. They are all forced into specific roles by society's 'universal standards.' For them, home is not a true sanctuary.

Miso stays briefly in their homes and simply observes them. Though she is a guest, she fulfills her part. She cleans the messy house neatly, prepares meals with care, listens to their troubles, and keeps them company. Miso may have no home, but she has the warmth to embrace and carefully care for those around her.

Above all, Miso knows better than anyone what makes her happy. And she pursues it without hesitation. The film emphasizes that knowing what you want and acting on it is the beginning of finding true value in life, no matter what kind of life you live.

Miso does not criticize her friends who live different lives. This reflects the film's perspective toward many people living in the present era. There is no blame or reproach directed at anyone. Therefore, no one can say that the way she chooses to live is wrong. The film simply asks: What kind of life will you live? The choice and judgment are up to the audience.