South Korea's Gender Inequality and Anti-Feminist Sentiment

In South Korea, the world’s tenth-largest economy, gender inequality has long persisted, while anti-feminist sentiment has rapidly intensified in recent years. Through interviews with multiple young people and policy analysis, this article reveals the social psychology and political motivations behind this contradictory phenomenon.

Core Issues and Social Tensions

Conservative Government vs. Gender Policy Conflicts: President Yoon Suk-yeol advocates for abolishing the “Ministry of Gender Equality and Family,” arguing that gender discrimination is no longer a structural issue, sparking widespread controversy. The government plans to merge its functions into the Ministry of Health, but faces legislative resistance.

Young Men’s Backlash Psychology: Korean men must perform military service in their twenties and generally believe women enjoy “advantages” in education and employment, generating hostility toward feminism. Surveys show that 60% of young men hold strong antipathy toward feminism.

Politicization and Stigmatization of Feminism: The Yoon government links feminism to low birth rates and false sexual assault allegations, further exacerbating social divisions. Some believe feminism “advocates female supremacy” and even “incites gender conflict.”

Structural Inequality Still Exists: Despite women’s high educational attainment, they comprise only 4.8% of Korean corporate executives and 19% of the National Assembly. Feminists point out that gender inequality remains profound and policy protection is indispensable.

Social Reflection and Future Prospects

The article notes that despite rising anti-feminist sentiment, public attention to gender issues is also increasing. Former Gender Equality Minister Chung Hyun-back believes this debate has prompted society to re-examine the necessity of gender justice. Supporters emphasize that feminism should not be misunderstood as an attack on men, but as a protection mechanism for marginalized groups.

This article was summarized and written by Copilot based on the NBC News article “Despite stark gender inequality in South Korea, hostility to feminism is growing.”