It was a late night when animator Darim wrapped up design work for a character in MapleStory, one of South Korea’s beloved video games. Proud of her contribution, she shared the trailer online, unaware that it would unleash a storm of vitriol. Male gamers immediately zeroed in on a fleeting hand gesture made by the character, interpreting it as a feminist statement, triggering a barrage of death and rape threats against her.
Darim, which is not her real name, recounted receiving messages filled with crude insults and threats, with one such message asserting she had sabotaged her career. As the harassment escalated, Nexon, the game developer behind MapleStory, quickly responded by pulling the promotional video and distancing itself from Darim’s studio.
This troubling incident reflects a broader pattern of online harassment in South Korea, where men frequently target women they perceive as harboring feminist sentiments. The backlash against feminism has become pronounced, characterized by organized campaigns to silence women's voices and penalize those working in industries like gaming. The attacks often spiral into witch hunts, with young male gamers at the forefront, actively seeking perceived signs of feminism to justify their aggression.
Minsung Kim, a gamer and advocate for victims of these witch hunts, explained how targeting individuals has shifted the narrative, with the intent to ruin lives over trivial gestures. In response to the threats against Darim, Minsung's organization stepped in, urging her studio to disregard the bullies and offered legal support to confront the abuse she was facing. Remarkably, Darim retained her job against daunting odds.
However, companies are increasingly capitulating to these pressures. Instances abound where women's careers were jeopardized due to fabricated claims of feminism. High-profile cases include international firms yielding to the demands of anti-feminist campaigners, with even Renault’s operations in South Korea falling victim to the trend. This reality reflects a societal discomfort with gender discussions, as many companies choose to prioritize profit over social responsibility.
The backlash against feminism has roots in wider societal myths. Young males, feeling threatened by shifts in workplace equity, adopt distorted views about feminism and gender roles. As women push back against misogyny, the carapace of entitlement felt by some men has led to increased hostility. Sociologists note the profound impact of this online culture that vilifies feminism, highlighting how it pervades various levels of society, including workplaces.
An IPSOS poll illustrated this harm, revealing that fewer women identify as feminists compared to earlier years. The fear of repercussion leads many women to self-censor, as even harmless choices—like a haircut—are now scrutinized through a feminist lens.
One particularly vivid case involved Jigu, a young woman attacked for sporting short hair, who was mischaracterized by her aggressor as a feminist. This incident drew attention to misogynist violence, garnering a conviction from the courts that recognized the attack's feminist motivation.
Groups like New Men's Solidarity promote an extreme anti-feminist rhetoric, inciting hostility towards women. In response, women’s advocacy groups are rallying efforts to demand legal protections against discrimination and harassment.
Despite the threatening climate, some women, like Jigu, find power in their experiences and choose to reclaim the narrative by proudly naming themselves feminists. They strive to reach out and support others who have faced similar trials.
In South Korea, the atmosphere regarding feminism remains fraught, specifically in a landscape lacking comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. The urgent call for change resonates among advocates who strive to defend women and reshape gender perceptions within the workforce and society at large.
