Set in the 1970s in Kunchon, "Flaming Woman" depicts the tale of two best friends, Choon-ja and Jin-sook, alongside Jin-sook's brother and Hammer, who rely on diving without equipment to provide for themselves and their families. As their livelihood becomes threatened by a diminishing seafood supply, the women divers are forced to smuggle goods to make ends meet. However, as their actions catch the attention of higher-ups, the simplicity of their lives begins to crumble, leaving the sisters to struggle to support those they hold dear.