A Letter for Sang-Ah is a story about two single mothers and their fight for justice and acceptance within Korean society.
Shin Kyounghee gave birth to her daughter, Sang-ah in Seoul in 1975. Due to her status as a single mother at the time, she was eventually forced by family members to give the girl up for adoption at the age of five. She has now resolved to do whatever it takes to find out what happened to her daughter Sang-ah. However, 30 years in the future, and single mothers in Korea still face stigma, prejudice and lack of support from the government. About 70% of children born to unwed mothers in Korea are given up for adoption.
Lee Seulbee is a mother who decided to buck the system, and is raising her five year-old son, Doyoon on her own. While she struggles to pay the bills, spend time with her son, and plan for a better future, she knows her decision was the right one.
A Letter for Sang-ah explores how the stigma of unwed mothers in Korea has lead to ongoing emotional suffering, hardships and lack of support for those who need it most.
A Letter for Sang-ah explores how the stigma of unwed mothers in Korea has lead to ongoing emotional suffering, hardships and lack of support for those who need it most.