[Book Sip] Not 'Yeojukyeo' but 'Yeodopyeo'... Women Helping Women

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. We introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor's note

We interviewed 10 ‘Yeodopyeo (Women who help women)’ who have led the way in their respective fields?musicians, startup CEOs, writers, athletes, politicians, scholars?ultimately opening wider paths for other women by expanding their own domains. Hotfelt, who transformed from an idol group member into a musician presenting her own unique music; Kim So-yeon of Newnik, a rare female CEO in her 20s making a distinctive mark in the IT startup ecosystem; Ha Mina and Lim So-yeon, who are creating female networks in the male-dominated meritocratic STEM fields; tennis coach Kim Eun-hee, who set a precedent by winning a civil lawsuit against a sexual assault perpetrator in elementary school; Seo Hanna, who is laying the groundwork for feminism in her community and seeks liberation for herself and others through writing; Ryu Ho-jeong, who represents minority voices in the male-dominated elite political arena; human rights lawyer Jeon Soo-yeon, who helps refugees and trafficked women; Na Im-yoon-kyung, who has been contemplating feminism education in schools and in the field for over 20 years; and Han Seung-hee, who supports career and leadership development for women and Asians. We offer strong and concrete support to these women who carve their own paths despite societal prejudices.

Musician Hotfelt

A phrase I heard a lot growing up was “Women are flowers.” Especially female entertainers are said to be flowers that bloom briefly and then wither. But no matter how much I thought about it, I didn’t feel like a flower. Rather, I thought I was more like a bird. p.32~33

Non-fiction writer Ha Mina

I hope no one waits for others to acknowledge them. Just like recognition, don’t wait for apologies either. I hope you simply believe in yourself. Above all, I hope you connect with women around you who are similar. p.85~86

Professor of Cultural Anthropology Na Im-yoon-kyung

Looking back now, it’s nothing. Although I was once intimidated by those who discriminated against me and by discriminatory social structures, I didn’t shrink. Many women know this from experience. You may be scared and fearful right now, but I firmly believe that someday each of us will be able to tell younger women, “Hey, it’s nothing.” With that belief, I tell you, “Those who leave malicious comments, threaten, and spread hate are nothing. Don’t be intimidated.” p.223~224

Women Who Help Women | Written by Lee Hyemi | Bookie | 256 pages | 15,000 KRW