Song Ji-hyo Becomes Haenyeo in BBC-JTBC Korean Culture Documentary

The JTBC-BBC joint documentary series 'Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure' features actress Song Ji-hyo as she immerses herself in the life of haenyeo, the traditional female free divers of Jeju Island, whose culture has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The documentary highlights the haenyeo's remarkable ability to dive without oxygen masks and their resilience, with Song spending two months learning from veteran divers in Jeju and expressing a personal connection to the project due to her family ties and her search for renewed purpose beyond her decade-long entertainment career. The film aims to share the haenyeo's struggles, emotions, and unyielding spirit with a global audience, contributing to a wider appreciation of Korean culture amid rising international interest. Director Heo Jin emphasized the importance of authentically portraying haenyeo culture despite challenges such as language barriers, while media attention and scientific studies have further spotlighted the divers' unique abilities. Song Ji-hyo's involvement brings both personal growth and increased visibility to the haenyeo community, underscoring their cultural significance and inspiring audiences worldwide. This project forms part of a broader trend of content celebrating traditional Korean cultures, helping to deepen global understanding and respect for these enduring practices.