From Anti-Feminism and Political Collusion to Martial Law: Why the ‘Feminism Reboot’ in South Korea Continues — An Activist’s Experiential Analysis of the Current Situation.

The 2016 femicide case in South Korea triggered what came to be known as the “feminism reboot,” leading to remarkable progress not only in legal and institutional reforms but also in enhancing gender sensitivity across society. Yet, this progress also provoked a strong backlash. This paper documents the most salient cases of resistance to gender equality that emerged after the “feminism reboot,” and examines how feminist and civil society movements have continued to pursue gender justice in response. It explores how political forces, in alliance with far-right groups, have incited resentment among young men, as well as how violent reactions—including cyberattacks and hate-based mobilizations—have unfolded both online and offline. The study traces this trajectory leading up to the unconstitutional declaration of martial law in December 2024 and highlights how, despite such regression, young women and feminist activists—the so-called “feminism reboot” generation—have reclaimed democracy through new, creative forms of protest in public squares. Finally, it suggests that the experience of martial law and democratic restoration in a small East Asian country may offer key insights for advancing transformative masculinities and global gender justice through transnational solidarity.