Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
Home> Volumes> Volume CHR Vol.44> Article
Research Article

Misogyny and Gender Conflicts in South Korea

Kim JiminSuzhou Singapore International School*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

As a nation renowned for its economic miracles and technological advancements, South Korea – officially, the Republic of Korea – is simultaneously grappling with deeply rooted gender conflicts that reflect a broader societal struggle. Despite its rapid modernization, South Korea remains deeply influenced by Confucian traditions that have historically dictated rigid gender roles, resulting in the ongoing patriarchy and systemic marginalization of women in many aspects of their lives. These entrenched norms have given rise to pervasive misogyny, a significant social issue that continues to shape gender relations and provoke conflicts in contemporary Korean society. The seemingly veneer of modernity belies the persistent influence of traditional Confucian and patriarchal values that continue to profoundly shape gender relations and power structures within the country. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of South Korea's gender landscape, illuminating the connection between its modern strides and the enduring influence of its cultural heritage. By exploring this dichotomy, it seeks to inform policymaking, social discourse, and grassroots efforts to foster a more equitable and inclusive future for all Koreans, irrespective of gender.

Keywords: Misogyny; gender conflicts; patriarchy; feminism
Published: September 27, 2024
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/44/20240118
Volume: CHR Vol.44
pp. 19-28
Download PDF

References

  1. Nella. “Confucianism - Shaping Asian Cultures for over 2,000 Years.” Asia Exchange, 3 Mar. 2017, asiaexchange.org/blogs/confucianism-shaping-asian-cultures-for-over-2000-years/#:~:text=The%20system%20gives%20advice%20on,are%20still%20very%20much%20alive. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
  2. Lee, Un-Sunn. “Confucianism and Development of Korean Women’s Subjectivity in the Twenty-First Century.” Madang, Dec. 2012, pp. 73–94.
  3. Lowe-Lee, Florence. Korean Women: You Have Come A Long Way. keia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/may-06.pdf.
  4. Williams, Ruth. “Kim Hyesoon: The Female Grotesque.” Guernica, Guernica Magazine, 2 Jan. 2012, www.guernicamag.com/williams_kim_1_1_12/#:~:text=Each%20role%20requires%20the%20woman,’angy%C5%8F%20(prostitute).%E2%80%9D. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
  5. Ali, Parveen Azam, and Paul Naylor. “Intimate Partner Violence: A Narrative Review of the Feminist, Social and Ecological Explanations for Its Causation.” Aggression and Violent Behavior, vol. 18, no. 6, Elsevier BV, Nov. 2013, pp. 611–19.
  6. Walby, Sylvia. Theorizing Patriarchy. 1990. Oxford: Blackwell.
  7. Thomas, Rebekah. CCU Digital Commons the Evolution of the Status of Women in Korea: Colonial Times to the Present. 15 May 2012, digitalcommons.coastal.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1082&context=honors-theses.
  8. Kim, Hakjoon. “The American Military Government in South Korea, 1945-1948: Its Formation, Policies, and Legacies.” Asian Perspective, vol. 12, no. 1, 1988, pp. 51–83.
  9. Moon, Ki Hoon. “Sex Discrimination Still Widespread Issue in S. Korean Workplace: Survey.” Asianews.network, 2023, asianews.network/sex-discrimination-still-widespread-issue-in-s-korean-workplace-survey/. Accessed 17 Aug. 2024.
  10. Santacreu, Ana Maria, and Heting Zhu. “How Did South Korea’s Economy Develop so Quickly?” Stlouisfed.org, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 20 Mar. 2018, www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2018/march/how-south-korea-economy-develop-quickly. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
  11. Moon, Katharine. “South Korea’s Misogyny Problem | East Asia Forum.” East Asia Forum, 8 Dec. 2022, eastasiaforum.org/2022/12/09/south-koreas-misogyny-problem/. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
  12. Geigel, Alicia. “The True Story behind the Nth Room Chat Rooms.” Popsugar, 18 May 2022, www.popsugar.com/entertainment/nth-room-true-story-48826733. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
  13. De Souza, Nicole. “The Nth Room Case and Modern Slavery in the Digital Space | Lowy Institute.” Lowyinstitute.org, 2020, www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/nth-room-case-modern-slavery-digital-space. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
  14. Yoon, Min-sik. “‘Anti-Nth Room’ legislation, an unfulfilled promise?” The Korea Herald, 10 July 2022, www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220710000209. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
  15. Kelley, Caitlin. “Burning Sun Scandal: A Timeline of Allegations, Arrests & K-Pop Star Involvement | Billboard.” Billboard, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2019, www.billboard.com/music/music-news/burning-sun-scandal-timeline-seungri-jung-joon-young-8503818/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
  16. Park, Jin-hai. “Burning Sun Scandal in K-Pop Industry Resurfaces after BBC Documentary.” Koreatimes, 21 May 2024, www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/08/398_375072.html. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
  17. Choi, Juri. “‘We will not forget the vivid voices of the Hyehwa Station protest’, says Minister Chung Hyun-baek…And the slogan, ‘Moon Jae-in, make a comeback’?”Naver, Naver Seoul Academy, 2018, n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/011/0003342330?sid=102. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
  18. Jung, Hawon. “Women in South Korea Are on Strike against Being ‘Baby-Making Machines.’” The New York Times, 27 Jan. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/opinion/south-korea-fertility-rate-feminism.html.