Introduction

Imagine being told that mermaids truly exist—not the folklore creatures with shimmering tails, but real women who are capable of holding their breath for minutes and diving hundreds of times each day. Welcome to the world of the haenyeo, South Korea's extraordinary female divers from Jeju Island.

The Haenyeo's Heritage

For centuries, these incredible women have engaged in free-diving—harvesting seafood without any oxygen tanks. However, as the elder generation ages into their 60s and beyond, their unique lifestyle and traditions face impending extinction, mainly due to the lack of interest from younger women and the changing ocean environments.

Sue Kim and Malala Yousafzai

This pressing concern caught the attention of US-Korean filmmaker Sue Kim, who enlisted Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai to help share their inspiring story. Kim recalls being captivated by the haenyeo's vitality when she first encountered them during family summer trips to South Korea. She was drawn to their boldness, energy, and the unapologetic space they occupied in the world.

Documenting the Haenyeo's Power

Eager to highlight their power, Malala expressed her surprise upon learning about the haenyeo. “I knew this was an important story that needed to be told,” she remarked. With the knowledge that this could be the last generation of haenyeo, Kim felt a responsibility to document their experiences while she could.

The Daily Life of a Haenyeo

The heart of the documentary follows these wonderful women as they dive daily at the crack of dawn, holding their breath for up to two minutes and completing between 100 and 300 dives per session. Their routine isn’t just physically demanding; it also involves harvesting and preparing their catch for several hours after surfacing.

Historical Context

Historically, the haenyeo emerged as a response to maritime dangers that claimed many male fishermen's lives. With fewer men available to harvest seafood, women stepped into the role, turning what was once a male-dominated profession into a female-led tradition.

Challenges in Filming

Creating this documentary was a challenge, as the haenyeo communities are somewhat secluded and insular. Kim diligently built trust with the divers through open conversations, listening attentively to their experiences rather than presenting them as victims. The haenyeo view their work with pride and resilience, believing that their labor is empowering.

Risks and Environmental Concerns

Yet, the job is fraught with risks: no insurance is provided, and climate change greatly impacts their livelihood, as warmer waters and pollution reduce sea life. Moreover, the controversial release of radioactive water from Japan’s Fukushima plant has raised significant concerns among the divers, who are actively fighting for their ocean's health at international platforms.

A New Generation of Haenyeo

Despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon. The documentary introduces young divers who have embraced social media to draw interest to the profession, presenting a fresh take on what being a haenyeo can mean in a modern context. One young woman learned to swim at 30 to take on this inspiring work.

Malala's Reflection

Malala is deeply moved by the haenyeo's collaborative spirit and sees parallels in the collective struggles of women across the globe, particularly those advocating for rights in Afghanistan. She hopes that girls watching this documentary will recognize their strength and potential, inspiring them to pursue challenges like learning to swim—an endeavor she herself is considering.

Conclusion

“Seeing the haenyeo reminds me that women everywhere are working together for a brighter future,” Malala reflects. “When a girl watches this documentary, I want her to see that she can achieve anything—like diving without oxygen for several minutes. And who knows, maybe I’ll be taking swimming classes too!” This film isn’t just about mermaids; it’s a powerful testament to resilience, community, and the strength of women navigating a rapidly changing world.