South Korea is witnessing a surge in protests led by women, who are demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The former prosecutor has been criticized for his authoritarian style of governance, corruption allegations, and disdain for minority rights. His approach to women’s rights has been particularly contentious, with many accusing him of perpetuating misogyny.
A Setback for Women’s Rights
Under Yoon’s conservative government, women’s rights have seen a significant decline. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, established to promote women’s rights, has been marginalized, and its influence has crumbled. The president’s intention to abolish the ministry has been met with resistance from lawmakers, but the institution remains in a state of limbo.
The wage gap between men and women in South Korea is among the highest in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Women are also disproportionately affected by the country’s socioeconomic problems, including inequality in the labor market and gender violence.
A Legacy of Female Activism
Women have played a crucial role in South Korea’s resistance and activism movements. From the union organization led by women in the 1970s to the massive protests in 2016 against former President Park Geun-hye, women have been at the forefront of the fight for social justice and democracy.
Candlelight vigils, a symbol of peaceful protest, have their roots in the memory of two high school students who lost their lives in 2002. This form of protest has been used in various movements, including the 2016 protests against Park Geun-hye, which culminated in her ouster.
Systematic Marginalization of Women
Despite their significant contributions to the country’s resistance movements, women are systematically marginalized in South Korea’s political scene. They bear the weight of the country’s socioeconomic problems, including inequality in the labor market and gender violence.
The average salary of female professionals in South Korea is 31% lower than that of their male counterparts. Women are also the main victims of gender violence and sexual crimes on the internet, including deepfake image technology.
A New Wave of Resistance
The current protests demanding Yoon’s resignation have been led by a new wave of young activists, many of whom are women. Armed with glow sticks and K-pop songs, these activists have transformed the streets into a colorful display of resistance.
Despite the government’s attempts to suppress the protests, including the imposition of martial law, the activists have remained determined. The protests have been marked by a sense of civic solidarity, with citizens from all walks of life coming together to demand justice and democracy.