The Hallyu wave has taken the world by storm. Whether it’s K-pop, K-beauty, K-dramas or K-fashion, if it starts with a ‘K’, chances are, we’re obsessed. Korean dramas have painted a dreamy image of the country that has us all viewing it as some kind of utopia. But beneath this facade lies a reality that is far more complicated and complex. South Korea, for all its global contents and trends, still holds deeply regressive views, especially when it comes to feminism.
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In fact, the word feminism itself is seen as a derogatory term. Celebrities are harshly critisised online for doing even the bare minimum, like reading a feminist book, using accessories that call for women’s empowerment speaking up about gender issues. For many in Korea’s entertainment industry, being labelled a feminist can feel massive career crisis.
When Red Velvet’s Irene mentioned reading “Kim Ji Young, Born 1982”, a book about the life of a Korean woman, who is captured in the rigid cages of gender roles, she had to witness an unreasonable amount of outrage from her male fanbase. ‘Anti-feminist’ fans of the singer in Korea began acting out by cutting up or even burning her photo cards and stating they no longer support Irene because she is a feminist.
A-pink’s Naeun had to face severe backlash when pictures of her holding her cellphone went viral. The picture that Naeun posted online showed her holding her cellphone with the case that read “GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING”. This sparked a massive outrage and Korean gossip forums were filled with people who were disappointed in Naeun for ‘turning out’ to be a feminist. The criticism got so harsh that Naeun had to delete the post from her social media and issue an apology.
Late singer, Sulli had to face relentless harassment and bullying online from netizens for her outspoken attitude, she spoke out in favor of several pressing issues like feminism, abortion rights and mental health. Overwhelmed by the hate and slander, she tragically took her own life in 2019. Influential female solo artist, IU has also been criticized by the public for her support towards feminist causes.
Scandals like the horrific Nth Room case have exposed the deep-rooted misogyny that plagues Korean society. Cybersex trafficking, victim-blaming, and a legal system that barely punishes perpetrators. In reaction to this radical feminist movements like the 4B Movement are on the rise to challenging the status quo. The movement takes its name from four radical rejections: no dating men, no marrying men, no s*x with men, and no children with men.
In a society that still treats feminism like a derogatory term, women are reclaiming their voice, their power, and their freedom with the hope of moving closer to a future where women can finally feel safe, seen and respected.