In recent years, the 4B movement has gained traction in certain online spaces, sparking debates globally about its principles and intentions. It is hard to avoid its reach on social media. A video of a woman being left at the altar, and a comment screams, “This is why South Korean women are right!”; another woman tragically killed due to a gender-based violence attack followed by calls for the “4B movement!”; or even a group of women dancing and singing along to some music – “this is why I support the 4b movement, they look so happy.” You will not scroll away quickly enough without seeing “misandry!” thrown in response to those commenters. This dynamic has raised some questions about the true driving force behind this movement: hatred of men or protection of women? Misandry or miscommunication?
The 4B movement originated in South Korea in the late 2010s with YouTubers Jung Se-young and Baeck Ha-na. It is rooted in resistance to patriarchal structures and the historical oppression of women. However, as its message spread, it has been met with varying interpretations, some viewing it as an empowering feminist stance, while others label it as a form of misandry – an unjust rejection of men altogether. But is this radical feminist movement truly about enacting animosity towards men, or is there a deeper miscommunication that needs to be addressed?
The 4B movement’s name comes from four Korean words, each beginning with “B”, representing the pillars of the movement: Bi-hon (no marriage), Bi-chool-sanak (no childbirth), Bi-yeonae (no dating), and Bi-seong-sangsig (no heterosexual relationships). Its foundation lies in rejecting patriarchal norms and resisting societal pressures that prioritise male dominance. By promoting independence, the movement encourages women to focus on their personal wellbeing, free from traditional expectations of womanhood tied to marriage, motherhood, and male validation. What started as a boycott against misogyny has turned into a worldwide ideology that has brought along real-world effects.
As the 4B movement continues to grow, its impact is increasingly felt in South Korean society. Birth rates have declined sharply, and marriage rates are at an all-time low, reflecting the movement’s influence on younger generations of women. According to the World Population Review, South Korea has the second lowest fertility rate in the world at 0.72. Many are choosing to prioritise careers, personal development, and financial independence over traditional family structures. This shift has raised concerns about the future of South Korea’s population growth and the societal implications of a generation that is rejecting long-held cultural norms.
Beyond Korea, the movement has sparked conversations globally, with women in other countries reevaluating their own roles within patriarchal systems. While some people view the 4B movement as an extreme form of feminism, others argue that it is a necessary disruption to long-standing structures that have historically disadvantaged women. It has also been sensationalised in the way that most viral topics of discussion often are. The movement highlights the complexities of modern gender politics, where the fight for autonomy and equality is often misconstrued as an attack on men. This might resonate particularly with South African women who grapple with that harsh reality of GBV daily. Online forums and communities have offered women the opportunity to find support, but whether the 4B movement is being adopted in any other parts of the world or not, women still have the lower hand. Femicide is still an issue and threat, GBV is still rampant and unfortunately, many of the issues women face cannot be solved by their decision to stay away from men.
It is clear that the 4B movement has forced a reevaluation of the pressures women face and the sacrifices often demanded of them in traditional relationships. Whether it is misandry or miscommunication depends on one’s perspective. For some, it is a radical and much-needed stance; for others, it appears to foster division. Ultimately, the movement reflects the growing global tension between evolving feminist ideologies (in a social media landscape wherein one can garner support and find like-minded individuals within minutes) and the traditional norms that have governed gender relations for generations and are being restructured by younger generations constantly. The debate surrounding 4B offers a window into the broader cultural shifts at play and leaves us questioning how society can move forward while addressing the needs and rights of all genders.
Vuyiswa Fumba
Originally published on the PDBY website: The 4B movement: Misandry or miscommunication?
