Birth of Happiness (1963)

"He is good for nothing. I've made a mistake."

Birth of Happiness aka A Happy Businesswoman was incredibly close to being a great film for me. 1963 RoK (and most anywhere) wasn’t exactly a feminist utopia and the film's attitudes towards women reflected that. Yet Tosun had a strong desire for independence and used her wits to defy her parents and make money on her own. Of course, a handsome guy showed up and ruined everything, I mean, fell in love with Tosun.

Tosun’s father owns a bus and refuses to pay her for work she does for him. Around the same time, Shim Jae Gu comes to town looking for a bus driver job, part or full-time. Tosun’s dad kicks Jae Gu out believing him to be unworthy. Tosun has pity on penniless Jae Gu and buys him cigarettes and loans him enough money for a hotel. When her father finds out, they have a terrible row and Tosun moves out to make a living on her own much to her mother’s chagrin. She and Jae Gu hatch a plan to go into business together if they can earn enough money for a car. A developing love makes their goal more complicated.

First of all, Tosun was an amazing female lead for the most part. She was optimistic, inventive, resourceful, and bounced back when life knocked her down. She could outcon a conman and was always searching for the next best way to realistically make money. Though she was tight with her cash, she also helped people when needed. Jae Gu, on the other hand, was easily discouraged, emotionally weak, and easily duped. When the going got rough, he went drinking, gambling, and seeking intimate entertainment from the local bar hostess. Worst of all, he blamed Tosun for his failures. As so often happens, the heart wants what the heart wants and Tosun loved Jae Gu.

The film also focused on Tosun’s relationship with her mother. Tosun’s mom ran interference for both of her daughters with the dad as he was a difficult and stubborn man to deal with. When Tosun moved out, her mother was devastated. Aside from the loneliness she would face without her daughter, girls could not leave home before marriage or else their “innocence” would be questioned. Tosun refused to let that belief limit her.

I liked Tosun’s drive and cheery disposition though people did not want to get on her bad side. She could defend herself and reputation with words and fists. The romance dragged this film down as I could never see what Tosun saw in Jae Gu. Worth a watch for Tosun or if you are in need of inspiration to try, try again in life.

13 May 2026

B & W note: The film was quite dark in places and smudged looking in a few others. Mildly distracting but I’ve seen much worse.

AKA Tosuni: Birth of Happiness

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