Since Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States, the phenomenon known as the 4B Movement has taken root and gained substantial traction among women across the country. This burgeoning feminist movement, which originated from South Korea, has become particularly prominent on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, where women are rallying behind its four key principles: refusing marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men. Snappy posts and videos illustrating these principles have gone viral, sparking discourse about the movement’s relevance and meaning.
The movement's name, “4B,” derives from the Korean word bi, which means “no.” Essentially, it serves as an acronym for four refusals: bihon (no marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeonae (no dating), and bisekseu (no sex). The movement reflects the collective discontent and desire of women to disentangle themselves from societal pressures and expectations, especially those associated with traditional gender roles.
To many, the 4B Movement might appear as just another protest against perceived misogyny, but its roots run deep, stemming from systemic issues faced by women, particularly in South Korea. It sprang from the frustrations felt by women not only about their roles within relationships but also around societal expectations and treatment of women overall. South Korea has long grappled with rampant sexism and challenges to women’s rights, culminating in movements like #MeToo and the 4B Movement itself.
Women worldwide have expressed solidarity and curiosity about the movement. For many, the question arises: Can one support the 4B Movement and still maintain loving relationships with men? Posts on social media showcase real-time inquiries like, “Can I participate but still love my boyfriend?” illustrating the complexity and nuance of modern feminism.
The movement is not without its controversies. Critics argue it carries anti-men sentiments and raises questions about inclusivity, especially concerning gender and race. Some women ponder whether it is feasible within complex social dynamics, especially considering the massive disparities and intersectionality issues within feminist discourse. Notably, many are hesitant or unsure of the movement's viability and rules surrounding participation.
Despite such debates, the essence of the 4B Movement lies not within its specific guidelines, but rather the underlying reasons for its emergence. Women across different demographics and varying levels of expression feel empowered to engage with the movement for different, often deeply personal reasons. For some, the movement serves as liberation from restrictive societal norms, and for others, it provides space for self-discovery.
An intriguing aspect is how this movement has evolved and adapted as it spreads to different cultural contexts. Je-Young Nam, age 17, explained her motivation for joining the movement after becoming acquainted with horrific instances of deepfake pornography aimed at targeting women. Drawing from this experience, she articulated, “While I was curious about feminism before, the 4B Movement provided me the clarity on how to resist contrary expectations and pressures.”
Another participant, who identified herself as Park Ji-Young, reflected on the idea most men would prefer traditional relationship trajectories, where marriage and family are prioritized immediately. The 4B ideals, she shared, opened her eyes to alternate living paths, stating, “Embracing the 4B lifestyle has significantly shifted my perspective on relationships—pushing me to reconsider what I want out of life beyond societal pressures.”
Even among those not directly involved with the 4B Movement, there's awareness of the constraints women experience on both social and systemic levels. Vivian Nguyen, who lived and worked as an English teacher in South Korea, acknowledged how societal constructs often leave women feeling trapped. Quoting her experience, she noted, “South Korea's rigid views on gender roles have bred discomfort for many women, often leading to daily instances of intrusion and surveillance.” She emphasized societal issues such as job interviews where women face uncomfortable inquiries about their future family plans, highlighting systemic pressures ingrained within Korean culture.
Hajin Cho, who moved to the United States from South Korea as a child, also offers insights on the matter and describes growing awareness surrounding feminism. While she does not actively involve herself with the 4B Movement, she recognizes its importance. Discussing her experiences, she expressed hope for the current generation to embrace these discussions actively and dismantle dated traditions. "I support the 4B Movement indirectly; it’s liberatory thinking, which is necessary," she shared.
Among the South Korean women, the movement’s popularity is attributed not only to backlash against patriarchal expectations but also to broader societal critiques. To many, the sudden conversations surrounding the 4B Movement may feel like they emerged from the blue. The reality is, they are decades-long discussions coming to light, fueled by incremental changes and fertile ground for feminist policymaking.
Hence, the aspiration is to create spaces where women can openly share their experiences without judgment or backlash. Many women are using the 4B Movement to instigate conversations about autonomy and identity—whether running shared platforms for education or setting up safe spaces for sisters to come together. Though there are generational divides and cultural differences, these discussions spark hope for fundamental changes and inclusivity.
Simultaneously, shared principles of fellowship and consent trickle down through the lines of engagement across borders, illustrating solidarity not only within the movement but also across feminist movements globally. The attraction between the 4B Movement and its American counterparts can be traced to the networks of support and resistance created through such interactions.
For individuals considering advocacy or participation, the more significant takeaway centers on personal reflections and relationships instead of rigid adherence to rules. A supportive dialogue invites women to explore their identities without constraints, where the goal aligns less with images of perfection and more with self-affirmation and space for self-growth.
By framing the 4B Movement through personal lenses and cultural contexts, advocates and participants alike can create pathways toward inclusivity, arguing for diverse interpretations of feminism today. The conversations are not solely about rejecting relationships with men but more of advocating space for women to understand and realize their individual journeys.
Finally, as the 4B Movement continues to find footing outside its South Korean origins, it challenges societal structures on multiple fronts, forging connections among women whose struggles echo beyond nation-states. The work remains to recognize and cultivate these spaces for dialogue, acceptance, and empowerment, allowing for the movement's evolution to inspire futures far beyond its initial parameters.
