Documentary Highlights South Korean Haenyeo Divers

The documentary 'The Last of the Sea Women,' directed by Sue Kim and produced by Malala Yousafzai, highlights the plight of South Korea's haenyeo, or female free divers, who have historically played a crucial role in their community's semi-matriarchal culture. Once numbering around 30,000 in the 1960s, their population has dwindled to approximately 4,000, predominantly grandmothers, as they strive to preserve their centuries-old tradition against the backdrop of climate change and pollution. These divers operate without oxygen tanks, risking their lives to harvest marine life, and embody a strong sisterhood that supports their survival and activism. The film captures their vibrant personalities, fierce determination, and the challenges they face, including dwindling fish stocks and environmental degradation. As the documentary reveals both their resilience and the looming threats to their way of life, it serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and environmental issues at stake. 'The Last of the Sea Women' premieres on October 11 on Apple TV+.