Austėja Kondrataitė*

South Korea‘s Confucian tradition emphasized the idea of women‘s subordination through the principle of filial piety, which dictated double obedience: not only to the parents, but to male figures in family as well – father, husband, and son. There is one tenet that says: “to the father when young; to the husband when married; and to the son in old age“. Prioritization of hierarchical relationships over individual freedom led to reinforcement of gender inequality, often leading both women and men to accept the role of women in society, consciously or unconsciously.
Japanese colonialization brought Japanese family laws that were rooted in patriarchy, with male heirs prioritized in inheritance law. In the process of decolonization, there was a rift between those who wanted to abandon all colonial structures and those who thought that colonial structures were traditional Korean culture.
The feminist movement started in the 1890s with the establishment of Chanyang Hoe (a Korean feminist organization), aiming at women’s education. During the Japanese occupation, the organisation was banned; however, the resistance went underground and created groups such as Yosong Aeguk Tongji Hoe (Patriotic Women’s Society). Thus, redefining the role of women in society. After becoming an independent nation, Korea experienced political and economic turmoil. The rapid economic growth, exposure to capitalism, and modernization led many Koreans to rethink traditional gender views. Even though the constitution declares equal rights to both women and men, women still face discrimination through sexual harassment in the workplace and a wage gap. Korea is the 94th country out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap in 2024.
In the 2010s, feminist movements grew in Korea. Firstly, activists were pushing for a broader legal definition of rape and bigger punishments for sexual assault. Secondly, stricter laws for digital sex crimes, such as hidden cameras in public and private spaces. Thirdly, the decriminalization of abortion in 2021. Between 2017 and 2019, the 4B movement was the new wave of feminism in the country. The 4B movement is a radical feminism that entails saying no to dating men, marrying men, having sexual relations with men, and having children.
Korea is the 72nd country in terms of the political empowerment of women. 57 out of 300 members in the parliament are women, which is only 19.1 percent (for example, Lithuania has 28 percent), and it is quite low. The country had one female president, Park Geun Hye, who was impeached. Interestingly, the voter turnout is similar to that of men. Women may be participating in similar numbers to men; however, women are underrepresented in Korea.
There is an old Korean saying, “If a hen crows, the household will fall“, highlighting a long tradition of silencing women from speaking out. The former president Yoon‘s victory (58.7% men voted for the People Power Party, and 58% women voted for the Democratic Party) was fueled by his appeal to men in their 20s and 30s. Why? Joen Han Wool, researcher in the Research Institute of the Korean People, reports that conservative attitudes are emerging among men in their 20s, especially around gender issues. Young men feel they are behind in their lives, as well as men point out their obligation to serve in the military; in a survey of 2019, about 70% men in their 20s claim that discrimination against men is a very important issue. Jeong says, “Men feel they are falling behind in competitions. And they also have to serve in the military at an important time of their life. But the Democratic Party and the liberal side were only talking about discrimination against women,”.
Many South Korean men view feminism as an attack on men, rather than focusing on achieving equality. Many Korean feminists like to use hannamchung (한남충), which means Korean male bug/insect, to insult men as useless. Men use gimchinyeo (김치녀), which means Kimchi woman, to stereotype Korean women as materialistic and entitled.
Both men and women grew up in a fiercely competitive environment that leaves little room for dialogue. For young men, feminism means extreme hostility toward men, “men-hating”, and political manipulation to gain votes. For young women, the process toward equality remains difficult, and many young women fear the backlash. The mistrust and competition between both sides have deepened the gender divide in the country.

*Austėja Kondrataitė is a master’s student in the Diplomacy and International Relations program at Vytautas Magnus University, and an intern at the Centre for Asian Studies. 

Photo by CAS 

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