57 pages • 1 hour read
Frances ChaIf I Had Your Face
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Authorial Context: Frances Cha
Cha is a South Korean author who gained international recognition for her debut novel, If I Had Your Face. Cha grew up in Seoul, Hong Kong, and the United States, gaining a unique perspective that she employs in her writing. Cha attended Dartmouth College and Columbia University, eventually becoming a writer for The Atlantic, The Believer, and the Yonhap News Agency. Her background in journalism is evident in her writing style, which is characterized by its precision and attention to detail. She depicts the nuances of Korean culture and society, effectively shedding light on the often-unseen aspects of everyday life. Cha tackles difficult subjects in her writing with sensitivity and empathy. She discusses issues such as cosmetic surgery, gender inequality, and the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry in depth and without judgment (“Frances Cha.” Penguin Random House).
Social Context: South Korea’s Room Salons
South Korean room salons, also known as “booking clubs” or “booking rooms,” are a unique entertainment experience found within the affluent neighborhoods of Seoul, South Korea. These rooms provide an intimate environment for customers to socialize with friends and colleagues or host business meetings. Upon entering a room salon, patrons are seated in private rooms, complete with karaoke machines, comfortable sofas, and a dedicated server to attend to their needs. A key part of the room salon experience is the inclusion of the “room salon women” or the “booking girls.” These women are trained to entertain their clients through conversation, singing, and dancing. They are skilled in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere meant to keep conversations going and the customers happy. To work in a room salon, women must be extremely beautiful and social. They are held to very high standards because the clientele that patronize the salon rooms are often very influential or wealthy individuals. Room salons are often associated with the practice of “booking,” where customers pay for the company and attention of a hostess.
It’s important to note that room salons have faced criticism for involving illicit activities, such as solicitation, sex work, and excessive drinking. The South Korean government has implemented regulations to address these concerns and ensure the establishments operate lawfully. However, room salons remain a prominent feature of South Korea’s entertainment industry today, with new venues opening and existing ones evolving to stay relevant as Seoul’s night life continues to blossom (Wang, Maggie. “‘If I Had Your Face’: A Peek Into South Korea’s Secretive Underground World.” CNN Travel, 17 Apr. 2020).
Social Context: Gender Roles in South Korea
Historically, Confucianism has played a central role in shaping gender ideology in South Korea. Confucian principles emphasize hierarchical relationships and the importance of maintaining harmony in society. Traditionally, men held a higher position of social status as they were viewed as the protectors of the family, while women were tasked with focusing on domestic and familial duties. However, with the modernization and industrialization of South Korea, gender roles have shifted. Since the 1960s, when South Korea experienced rapid economic growth, more women have joined the workforce to contribute to the country’s financial development. This expanded women’s roles beyond the domestic sphere and provided them with increased economic independence. Notably, one of the key turning points in challenging gender roles was the democratization movement in the 1980s. Women played a significant role in promoting democratic values and advocating for equal rights. This movement led to greater awareness and discussion about gender inequality and helped foster a more gender inclusive society.
Despite these advancements, gender inequality still persists in various aspects of South Korean society. The gender wage gap remains significant, with women earning less than their male counterparts. Additionally, women continue to face challenges in accessing leadership positions, both in politics and the corporate world. Traditional gender norms surrounding marriage and child-rearing also prevail, placing pressure on women to fulfill societal expectations while balancing their careers (Ahn, Ashley. “Feminists Are Protesting Against the Wave of Anti-Feminism That’s Swept South Korea” NPR, 3 Dec. 2022).
