Former textile union activist finds purpose in life's later chapters

Na Young-geum, now in her late 60s, speaks with a warmth that belies the hardships she has faced. She began her working life at just 15, becoming a skilled technician at Wonpung Spinning, a stark contrast to her peers who were still apprentices. Her early career was marked by a strong sense of independence, even buying a house with her sister's help and her own savings. She fondly remembers her time at the factory, particularly her involvement with the union. "Wonpung union days, just thinking about them makes me smile," she says. She found solace and intellectual stimulation in the union office, devouring books during her breaks.

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Wonpung union days, just thinking about them makes me smile.

The company's attempt to dismantle the union in 1982, known as the Sept. 27 incident, deeply affected Na. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she participated in a five-day hunger strike, a testament to her commitment. She recalls the intense hunger, even joking about it later, but emphasizes that she couldn't have endured it alone. "If I were alone, I couldn't have imagined it," she reflects. The experience left her blacklisted, making employment difficult and leading to an unhappy marriage.

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If I were alone, I couldn't have imagined it.

After leaving her marriage, Na relied heavily on her former union friends for support, moving between their homes with her young daughter. This period solidified the deep bonds of friendship forged during their time at Wonpung. "I have no hesitation in rushing to help my friends with their work," she states, highlighting her loyalty. She even helped care for a friend after childbirth. Her daughter, now grown, runs a toast shop and supports her mother, a source of great pride for Na.

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I have no hesitation in rushing to help my friends with their work.

Currently, Na works as a funeral director at a university hospital, a job she feels is her calling. She has been in the role for 10 years and plans to continue until retirement. "This job is a perfect fit for me," she says, appreciating the broader human connections it allows compared to her previous work in a bathhouse. She finds joy and gratitude in her current work and in the continued camaraderie with her former Wonpung colleagues, often taking charge of cooking when they gather.

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This job is a perfect fit for me.