What is the 4B Movement? Radical Feminism in South Korea

The 4B Movement in South Korea: A Radical Stand Against Marriage, Children, Sex, and Relationships

Core Principles of the 4B Movement

The 4B Movement, also known as the “Four Nos,” stands on four key principles, each aimed at enabling women to redefine traditional societal expectations. This movement represents a significant shift in how women choose to participate in society and manage their personal lives. The core principles are:

• Bihon (No Marriage): Rejecting traditional marriage, which is often viewed as a reinforcement of gender roles within South Korean society. Supporters of the 4B Movement believe that marriage can impose conventional family structures that they find restrictive.

• Bichulsan (No Childbirth): Choosing not to have children as a form of resistance to societal expectations for women to become mothers. This choice challenges the idea that women must fulfill certain roles to contribute to society.

• Biyeonae (No Dating): Opting out of romantic relationships with men. Many participants view dating as part of a larger social structure that can limit personal freedom or create dependency.

• Bisekseu (No Sex with Men): Declining sexual relationships with men as an assertion of autonomy. This principle supports the belief that women’s bodies should not be influenced by social or relational expectations.

The Evolution and Impact of the 4B Movement

Emerging in South Korea’s conservative social climate, the 4B Movement has offered a platform for women to express their views openly on issues that affect their daily lives and futures. The movement gained momentum in 2019 and finds partial inspiration from the novel Kim Ji-young, Born 1982, which provides insight into the restrictive gender roles within South Korean society. This novel resonated deeply with many women and sparked conversations around personal freedoms, inspiring many to explore the possibility of a life without traditional expectations.

Ties to Other Feminist Movements: “Escape the Corset” and #MeToo

One of the major influences on the 4B Movement is the “Escape the Corset” movement, which encourages women to abandon societal beauty standards. These standards are viewed by many as a form of consumerist pressure that aligns women’s worth with appearance. By resisting these standards, the “Escape the Corset” movement promotes self-acceptance and questions the need for conformity. The 4B Movement extends this resistance by challenging traditional expectations not only around beauty but also around marriage, sexuality, and family.

Similarly, the #MeToo movement in South Korea brought to light issues of harassment and gender inequality, providing further momentum for women to question societal norms. The 4B Movement took inspiration from these efforts, adding to a growing conversation around autonomy, fairness, and equality.

The Societal Impact of the 4B Movement in South Korea

South Korea has faced challenges related to one of the lowest birth rates globally, which has prompted the government to introduce new policies aimed at encouraging childbirth. Supporters of the 4B Movement, however, view reproduction as a deeply personal choice and resist policies that may imply obligation. Rather than adhering to these expectations, they argue that women should have the right to choose if and when they want children. This perspective underscores a shift toward individual choice and freedom over conforming to societal or governmental expectations.

The 4B Movement’s Influence Beyond South Korea

With the rise of social media, the 4B Movement has gained significant visibility and has inspired similar ideas internationally. For instance, some women’s groups in the United States have also shown interest in this radical feminist approach, viewing it as a potential model for women in other countries dealing with similar issues. Through social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, discussions around the 4B Movement have broadened, allowing women across the globe to exchange perspectives and foster solidarity.

Future Directions of the 4B Movement

As it continues to grow, the 4B Movement seeks to establish a greater sense of empowerment among women, encouraging them to pursue lives that align with their personal choices and values. The movement’s online presence has helped it reach a diverse audience and attract a wide range of supporters, and it may continue to influence societal norms both within and beyond South Korea. Through peaceful online and offline demonstrations, the movement seeks to foster a future where women have greater autonomy and can choose their paths without the pressure of traditional expectations.

The 4B Movement stands as a powerful example of women asserting their rights and freedoms, challenging deeply rooted societal norms in South Korea and beyond. By redefining traditional roles and promoting a message of independence and autonomy, the movement serves as a beacon of change for those questioning the status quo. This growing conversation around individual freedom and resistance to prescribed roles continues to inspire and empower people around the world.