A Woman Judge (여판사), 1962 | Judgmental Family

A Woman Judge (여판사)) 1962

‘A Woman Judge‘ (여판사) is a drama from 1962, helmed by the pioneering female director Hong Eun-won. This film recently underwent a careful restoration, celebrated in ‘Hommage‘ (2021)—You can find my review here. At the heart of the narrative is Moon Jeong-suk, who delivers a compelling performance as Jin-suk, a fictionalised version of Hwang Yun-suk, the first female judge in South Korea. Hong, however, alters the narrative with Jin-suk avoiding the tragic fate of the real-life Hwang, who fell victim to poisoning, with suspicions raised against her husband or in-laws.

Jin-suk is a fiercely dedicated young woman with an unwavering focus on passing the challenging law exam. Her relentless determination captures the attention of a construction company CEO, portrayed by Kim Seung-ho, who envisions a future where she marries his son, a role played by Kim Seok-hun. Yet, Jin-suk’s heart beats for Dr. Kwon, a man with whom she shares a deep, long-standing mutual affection.

When Dr. Kwon presents her with a painful ultimatum—surrender her ambitions of becoming a judge or risk losing him—Jin-suk resolutely chooses her dreams, committing herself to her studies. Though she marries Kim Seok-hun’s character following her triumph in becoming a judge, she grapples with the stifling expectations of her new family, who look upon her aspirations with disdain, eager to see her conform to the traditional role of a “good wife.” Meanwhile, their desire for personal favours from her, pressuring her husband, adds another layer of complexity to her experience.

The film intricately explores the turbulent dynamics that Jin-suk navigates as both a judge and a family member. She receives staunch support from her father-in-law and father, who championed her academic pursuits. In sharp contrast, her mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and husband harbour bitterness towards Jin-suk, fueled by jealousy of her accomplishments.

Significantly, ‘A Woman Judge’ underwent a laborious restoration effort, addressing portions that had lost their original audio, yet some scenes remain tragically absent, resulting in a disjointed narrative flow. The visual distinction between the traditional hanbok attire and Western fashion not only offers an aesthetic contrast but also powerfully underscores the broader tensions between Korean tradition and emerging modernity.

Hong’s direction artfully juxtaposes Jin-suk’s character with her various family members, notably her sister-in-law Geum-won, played by Bang Seong-ja. Geum-won is a cunning figure who often pressures their father for financial handouts to satiate her desires, perpetually at odds with Jin-suk’s presence and success. She disdainfully scolds Jin-suk, stating, “Oh, your work is more important than your husband,” emphasising the underlying familial tension. Similarly, the family matriarch, Oh Hwa-young (portrayed by Um Aing-ran), directs her frustration toward Jin-suk, claiming her ambition undermines the male pride needed for men to be successful.

‘A Woman Judge’ holds significant cultural importance, being directed by a woman and narrating the story of South Korea’s pioneering female judge. Although Hong Eun-won chose to modify the story for a more optimistic conclusion, the plot often feels fragmented, potentially influenced by historical censorship. While it bravely confronts the stark realities faced by women like Jin-suk, who yearn for more than the confines of domestic life, the execution leaves a lingering sense of incompleteness, rendering the narrative somewhat indecisive in its overall proclamation amidst its admirable intentions.

 The complete film is available below, courtesy of the Korean Film Archive YouTube channel, Korean Classic Film.