This is the first original project co-produced by BBC Studios and JTBC, showcasing Song Ji-hyo‘s challenge to immerse herself in Korea’s traditional haenyeo culture.
Haenyeo is a symbolic existence of Jeju Island with a long history, and through this project, Song Ji-hyo will directly experience the lives of these women, diving deep into their world.
According to Song Ji-hyo’s agency Nexus E&M on Oct 23rd, the actress is undergoing various training exercises to become a haenyeo. In addition to learning the core haenyeo skill of freediving, she will also participate in actual underwater harvesting, experiencing their daily routines.
Song Ji-hyo has a special connection to the sea, influenced by her mother, a former swimmer, and her aunt, who was a haenyeo. Drawing from this affection for the ocean, she plans to undertake intense short-term training to become a haenyeo.
This project will not only challenge her physically but also mentally, and there’s growing anticipation for the new sides of Song Ji-hyo that she will show in this project.
The documentary carries great significance as it introduces the breathtaking landscapes of Jeju Island and the unique haenyeo culture, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
The haenyeo continue their tradition of diving more than 10 meters deep to collect seafood without the use of special equipment. As interest rises in how Song Ji-hyo will capture the wisdom and lives of these women, it’s noted that she actively joined this project as part of a broader effort to promote Asian content globally.
Through her agency, Song Ji-hyo expressed her excitement, “I am very pleased to participate in an opportunity to promote Korea’s valuable cultural heritage to the world.“
She added, “I hope that through this challenge, more people will become interested in Korea’s haenyeo culture and K-content.“
Source: Wikitree
