(Left) El Greco's 'Opening of the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse of John', (Right) Da Vinci's Portrait of Jesus. Photo by Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University, Facebook capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Joo-mi Lee] Recently, controversy arose over a specific finger gesture being suspected as a misogynistic expression, and in this context, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon indirectly criticized the 'hand gesture controversy.'
On the 27th, former professor Jin posted on his Facebook, stating, "There are Megalia (a male-hating community) symbols throughout art history," introducing works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and others.
He uploaded a photo of Leonardo da Vinci's work 'Salvator Mundi' and said, "Ah, even da Vinci... the situation is serious."
He added, "There are Megalia symbols throughout art history... it's understandable to get excited," and quoted Jesus saying, "Blessed are those with small... for Korea is ours." The hand gesture in the artwork is similar to the Megalia logo, which has recently been suspected of misogyny. This appears to mock some men who claim the hand gesture is misogynistic.
Former professor Jin posted a photo of Spanish painter El Greco's 'Opening of the Fifth Seal from the Book of Revelation' and said, "El Greco is 100% Megalia."
He then zoomed in on the part where two fingers touch in Michelangelo's 'The Creation of Adam' and said, "Michelangelo insulted Korean men." This also seems to target male netizens.
Recently, claims that a hand gesture resembling pinching with the thumb and index finger is misogynistic have continued to arise. Following the GS Retail poster controversy, BBQ, the National Police Agency, and the Ministry of National Defense have all suffered from misogyny controversies. Allegations that promotional materials contain images reminiscent of 'misogynistic hand gestures' have spread, leading to explanations and corrections.
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