CNN "South Korea's 'Antifeminism' Strange... Conservative Politicians Exploit Misogyny"

Korea Has the Largest Gender Wage Gap Among OECD Countries

On the 24th (local time), a graphic of the 2020 gender wage gap by country used in the US broadcast "Korea's Amazing Antifeminism Movement." / Photo by CNN

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The US broadcaster CNN recently reported that anti-feminism claims emerging among some Koreans and conservative politicians are a "bizarre phenomenon."

On the 24th (local time), CNN reported in the program "South Korea's Surprising Anti-Feminism Movement," hosted by Washington Post columnist Fareed Zakaria, that "a movement to enhance men's rights is emerging among young Koreans. This movement is gaining strength online and growing as it receives opportunistic courting from right-wing politicians."

Zakaria questioned, "According to a survey conducted last May, 79% of Korean men in their 20s responded that they are experiencing 'reverse discrimination.' However, South Korea has the largest gender wage gap among advanced countries as of 2020, and the proportion of female executives in listed companies is only 5%. What on earth is happening?"

According to OECD statistics as of 2020, South Korea recorded the largest gender wage gap compared to other advanced countries. South Korea's gender wage gap was 31.5%, more than 9% higher than Japan's.

Photo by Fareed Zakaria, Twitter capture

Zakaria stated, "Korean men are feeling increasing pressure and anxiety amid limited resources and opportunities," adding, "Many men are expressing 'misogyny' online and elsewhere. They refer to women as 'feminazis' and describe feminism as a 'cancerous entity.' They also call for the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, which advocates for women's equality."

He continued, "Those who promote anti-feminism claims also demand the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. This is the department that contributed to abolishing the discriminatory family registry system and supports single mothers and migrant women," explaining, "This issue is heating up ahead of the March presidential election."

Using footage of Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, he added, "The conservative party's presidential candidate has declared that he will abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family if elected."

Furthermore, he said, "While this may seem like a bizarre phenomenon unique to South Korean political culture, it is common for misogyny to be used as an energizing factor for right-wing politicians."