Back in 2017 the #MeToo movement swept across America. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine the impact that the hashtag would have. It went viral and brought many of us together. However, there was one place which remained tight lipped on the subject of sexual abuse and gender inequality. This place was South Korea, which still remains quite conservative in its attitude towards feminism.
Those who have tried to bring up the topic of feminism in South Korea have often experienced mockery. In fact, just before the #MeToo movement swept across Korea, K-pop idol Son Na-eun of Apink had faced a storm of criticism for promoting feminism. Her crime? Simply posting a photo of her phone cover that read “GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING.” Female victims of sexual harassment or assault would often have to overcome suspicion. These victims would often have to fight to have their voices heard, but their concerns falling on deaf ears.
However, the women of Korea have finally said enough is enough. The key inspiration was Seo Ji-hyeon, who alleged during a live interview with a news channel that a former South Korean Ministry of Justice official, Ahn Tae-geun, groped her during a funeral in 2010. There have been other sexual abuse cases breaking out across all sectors. These cases have derailed the careers of prominent filmmakers such as Kim Ki-duk.
The movement has now begun to help make progress in K-pop. With activism and media attention, there’s significant movement towards huge change – like #MeToo. The wheels in motion have gathered steam over the issues with spy-cam porn – women filmed without consent during “private” moments. Likewise, star singer-songwriter Jung Joon-young, was arrested for secretly filming explicit acts with women and sharing with colleagues in the business.
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) is one such government organisation looking to stop cases of sexual discrimination. Together with Women in Film Korea, they have founded the Center for Gender Equality in Korean Cinema. And there has been rise in films made by women – including Boing, the Secret of Super Transformation (Meehwa Jung), Little Forest (Yim Soon-rye) and Miss Baek (Lee Ji-won).
It is also worth mentioning that previously unreported facts, such as Korean women receiving less than a third of men’s salaries, and women filling just 2% of Korean boardrooms have become common knowledge and topics of debate throughout the nation. By bringing these facts to surface, and to the attention of the public, South Koreans will be able to work together to better their society. The changes may be slow and gradual, but there’s no denying how impactful #MeToo has been on South Korea and on a global scale.
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