Martial Law, Gender Conflict, and the ‘Feminist Reboot’ in South Korea - Goldie Kim

How have young feminists challenged the patriarchal culture of South Korea in recent times? How are young men reacting to the upsurge in support for feminist ideas and activism? What is the background to the dramatic conflict around gender and masculinity in the country the last few years, and how might it be resolved?Please note: This episode includes discussion about sexual violence.On 3rd December 2024, a huge political upheaval took place which drew global attention when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. But this only lasted six hours as opposition lawmakers managed to get past the police and military, gain entry to the Assembly, and pass a resolution to lift it. Young women in the so-called “cheering light brigade” and the “kisses squad” played a key part in the pro-democracy movement that grew to impeach the President, staying out in public squares in freezing temperatures to demonstrate. These events followed a long-standing backlash against gender equality in South Korea, and the gains for women’s rights made since the 1980s. Three years of Yoon’s Presidency led to a dramatic roll-back on hard-won gender equality policies. He pledged to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, withdrew plans for a non-consensual sex law, undermined safe abortion service, and removed funding for sexuality and human rights education.These regressive moves reflect the rise of Manosphere communities over the past decade, fuelling men’s grievances against feminism and legitimising men’s violence against women in South Korea. Whilst the country leads the world in internet connectivity and hi-tech innovation, anti-feminist online spaces have become breeding grounds for various forms of digital crime, such as spy cameras in public toilets and deepfake pornography. So how have feminists been responding to this, how can solidarity be built among men and women amidst these divisions, and what lessons does this provide for gender equality advocates around the world?Our guest is Myoung Ryoon Kim (better known as Goldie). She’s an educator in the prevention of gender-based violence and an activist for gender equality. A graduate of Kyung-Hee University, Goldie has held numerous positions in South Korean NGOs working on gender issues over the past 30 years. In 2025, she became the Director of GOMA (Gender Justice Organisation for More Action) Korea, and is one of the founders and current co-coordinator of K-MEN (the newly-formed Korean MenEngage Network). She talks honestly about her personal experience of gender violence, how she became involved in this struggle, and how she maintains her motivation to continue through such difficult times.Episode timelineIntroThe social position of women in South Korea today (02:49-06:14)Femicide and the Gangnam Station Exit 10 Murder Case (06:14-09:58)‘Soranet’ and men’s violence against women online (09:58-15:29)The rise of the Manosphere and tech-facilitated abuse in South Korea (15:29-20:47)The ‘Feminist Reboot’ that has emerged in response (20:47-25:26)BreakReversals in gender equality under President Suk Yeol Yoon (25:35-28:25)Yoon’s masculinist attempt to impose martial law (28:25-31:04)The pro-democracy movement led by young women (31:04-35:33)Support for right-wing politicians among some young men (35:33-38:19)The relationship with North Korea, militarism and conscription of young men (38:19-43:25)Engaging men in gender equality in South Korea (43:25-47:00)What led Goldie to this work and what keeps her going (47:00-51:50)Conclusion (52:46-59:52)More info'A year after South Korea’s martial law crisis, the president urges unity, but the wounds are still raw''‘Men don’t know why they became unhappy’: the toxic gender war dividing South Korea'Mare of EasttownImagine ToolkitJens Van Tricht – ‘Men Need Feminism’‘Kim Ji-young, Born 1982’ by Cho Nam-Joo‘The Vegetarian’ by Han KangMusic, 'Now is time', courtesy of Chaps' Choir and Dom Stichbury.