Cocoon was deeply influenced by my mother and my experiences as a Korean woman. From a young age, I watched my mother struggle under the weight of a male-dominant society. As I began working on Cocoon, I was saddened to realize that she likely had to fight to maintain her sense of self due to the many roles imposed on her in the name of tradition. Before she could be her own person, she was expected to be a dutiful mother, daughter-in-law, cook, and wife. Despite her successful career as a businesswoman, a lifetime of gender-based discrimination still haunts her — a reality that continues to affect Korean women and women everywhere, today.

 

When I interviewed my mother to prepare for Cocoon, I was shocked to discover how deeply this male-dominated society had shaped her life. In the film, I explore three generations of women and how these traditions seep into our beliefs and behaviors, showing how women can both perpetuate and break the cycle.

 

As a female director, I believe it's essential to shed light on how these patterns persist. The film reflects my conviction that change can come from this generation of women, and by confronting these realities, I hope to inspire others to question and challenge the ingrained norms of our society.

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