What’s the Deal with the 4B Movement?

Key Takeaways

• The 4B Movement is a feminist movement that originated in South Korea.
• 4B says no to getting married, having kids, dating, or having intercourse with men.
• It’s a fringe movement that most people don’t follow.
• Korea has a low birth rate because of modernization.

What Is the 4B Movement?

The 4B Movement is a radical feminist movement that originated in South Korea.

It focuses on four specific lifestyle choices that challenge male-dominated society.

4B stands for four principles, prefixed with “bi-” (meaning “no” or “non-“).

• Bihon (비혼) – No marriage
• Bichulsan (비출산) – No childbirth
• Biyeonae (비연애) – No dating
• Biseonggwangye (비성관계) – No physical relationships

Core Principles of the 4B Movement

The 4B Movement advocates for a lifestyle where women actively reject conventional societal norms related to marriage, family, and relationships.

Instead of pursuing romantic relationships and the traditional path of marriage and children, participants focus on their own personal growth, career, and independence.

The movement is linked to feminist ideals, as it challenges gender norms and aims to highlight the societal pressure placed on women to fulfill expected roles.

Origins and History

The origins of the 4B Movement can be traced back to significant social and feminist shifts in South Korea, particularly following several high-profile incidents.

1. 2016 Gangnam Station Murder: The brutal murder of a young woman by a man who claimed he was targeting women due to his resentment towards them sparked nationwide outrage. Vigils and protests at Gangnam Station became a turning point, highlighting gender-based violence and sparking dialogue on the persistent dangers women face.
2. 2017 Anti-Abortion Law Protests: The feminist movement gained further momentum when over 230,000 South Koreans signed a petition demanding the abolition of anti-abortion laws. This signaled a growing wave of resistance against patriarchal control over women’s bodies. Finally, the constitutional court ruled in 2019 that the anti-abortion law was unconstitutional.
3. 2019 Nth Room Case and Digital Crimes: In 2019, the exposure of the Nth Room case, a series of horrific digital crimes, ignited public outrage. The incident led to a surge in feminist activism, as women lost trust in societal protections and began questioning conventional expectations about their roles in relationships and society.

Impact and Criticism

The 4B Movement started a debate in South Korea. Supporters see it as a powerful step towards women’s liberation, self-empowerment, and dismantling outdated gender norms.

It’s viewed as a way for women to reclaim control over their lives, bodies, and choices.

However, the movement has also faced criticism.

Some argue that it may lead to further polarization in society and even a decline in birth rates in a country already facing demographic challenges.

As a Korean, I was surprised to see it trending on social media in the USA. It’s also not a mainstream movement as most Koreans don’t know about it.

Choosing to be 4B because it works for you is fine, but choosing it out of spite may lead to missed opportunities to find happiness.