Multiple Femininity in Shiri

          Watching the film Shiri, directed by Kang Je-gyu, one can easily notice the different types of femininity portrayed under the person with the same name- Hyun.  As mentioned in Kim’s readings, meta-wise the three characters, the monstrous female sniper, the sweet romantic partner of Yu, and the hospital patient is all acted by the same person.  In a movie where it places its theme on the reunification of Korea, what does this multiple personality portray?  In the film, Yu brings up the notion of Hydra, a Greek mythological creature with its many heads representing different personalities, when he explains how the split in the nation of Korea has created someone who is neither Hee or Hyun.  But one needs to ask why was it necessary to portray a female character in such a way and why focus was put into a female spy more than a male one.  And also, what does this multiple identity of femininity contribute in portraying the masculinity of major male characters including the protagonist?

         Yu’s fiance, Hyun, is an interesting character as we learn that she has had drinking problems that is likely due to her conflict in character and identity.  As Hee, her monstrosity as a femme fatale is shown early on the film through her brutal training and the assassinations she has accomplished.  But her vulnerabilities are also as evident, as we learn that she is also a woman who is so vigilant that she sleeps under her bed, is unskillful with the use of chopsticks, and relates so much with fish.  In Kim’s readings, he mentions a quote from Barbara Creeds that, “when woman is represented as monstrous it is almost always in relation to her mothering and reproductive functions”.  At the end of the film we find out that she was pregnant without Yu’s knowledge.  Why was this mentioned?  Is there a significance behind the fact of Yu being the one who murders his wife-to-be along with their offspring that could have been potentially a symbolical hope of the reunification of the North and South?  At the end, Hee was never able to shoot her lover while Yu was practically forced to do so.  Is the director trying to put an allegory in the difference of gendered reactions in similar situations?

Lenin Amaya