Strange Encounter: My Mother and a Stranger, Speechless

In a remarkable exploration of the past, filmmaker Min Sook Lee delves into the life of her mother, Song Ji Lee, in her documentary film "There Are No Words." The film sheds light on the struggles of women of the working class in South Korea during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, tackling themes of racism, domestic violence, and sociopolitical oppression.

Born in South Korea, Song Ji Lee always occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder. Her life took a tragic turn when she moved to Japan, where she faced abuse due to her non-Korean heritage and low socio-economic status. After marrying a man who was already married, she became his second wife, a union that was frowned upon and considered her a mistress or concubine.

Min Sook Lee, at the age of 12, lost her mother, who took her own life. The official archives considered her insignificant, and her death certificate attributed a vague, erroneous cause of death. This left Min Sook Lee with a largely hidden destiny and a deep desire to understand her mother's life and the circumstances that led to her untimely death.

Min Sook Lee's investigation revealed that her mother was a target of abuse in both Japan and South Korea. She was described by former Korean neighbours as a forward-thinking and determined woman who didn't take orders from anyone. However, the death certificate stated that Song Ji Lee's death was due to homesickness for Korea, as reported by her husband.

Min Sook Lee found this justification for her mother's death to be insufficient and decided to investigate further. She uncovered a largely hidden destiny, a woman who was more than just a footnote in history. Her documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and aims to show the real reasons behind Song Ji Lee's despair.

The sociopolitical conditions at the time led to Song Ji Lee's life being destined to be erased. Min Sook Lee believes that this was a result of the systemic oppression faced by women of the working class, particularly those like her mother who were marginalised due to their ethnicity and social status.

The 2025 edition of the MOMENTA biennale is in line with the spirit of reparative struggles. Min Sook Lee's documentary, "There Are No Words," is a testament to the power of storytelling in uncovering hidden histories and challenging societal norms. It serves as a reminder that every life, no matter how insignificant it may seem, deserves to be remembered and honoured.

However, there are still questions that remain unanswered. There are no search results providing information about the exact time and place where Min Sook Lee's parents were lost. The White House has denied that the American president was the author of a letter made public, which could potentially shed light on the circumstances surrounding Song Ji Lee's life and death.

Min Sook Lee's father continues to lie about her mother, even when confronted with contradictions or evidence. Despite this, Min Sook Lee remains undeterred in her quest for truth. Her documentary is not just a tribute to her mother, but a call to action for everyone to question the narratives that have been silenced and to demand justice for those whose voices have been lost.