Feminism is a sensitive topic in South Korea as the nation has a deep-rooted patriarchal system and ideologies that define gender roles.
As a result, K-pop idols who show even just a bit of support for feminism are criticized, and at times, attacked by male-centered communities.
Thus, when these 5 idols were caught reading feminist books, they were condemned by male Koreans, yet gained cheers from feminist organizations and those who support them.
1. Girls' Generation Sooyoung
In 2018, Sooyoung first showed support for feminists when she talked about the book "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982," written by Cho Namjoo.
On SNS, she talked about the instances where she thought it was nothing, but they were actually being treated unfairly just for being a woman.
2. BTS RM
Regardless of the backlash, RM who is already a global superstar in 2018 used his platform to talk about the same book, "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982." He commented about it being one of the books he enjoyed and described it as "thought-provoking."
3. Red Velvet Irene
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In addition to Sooyoung and RM, Red Velvet Irene was also hugely condemned for reading the same book, much to the point one male fan destroying her merchandise and posted the ruins online. Some fans also burned her photo cards.
The backlash started when she confessed during a fan sign event that she's been reading "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982," which enlightens people about the injustice that women suffer in Korea.
4. LOOSSEMBLE HyunJin
In 2023, HyunJin went under fire after she was caught reading and keeping a copy of the two world-famous feminist books: "Feminism Is for Everybody" by Bell Hooks and "Men Explain Things to Me" by Rebecca Solnit.
5. LE SSERAFIM Huh Yunjin
This year, another K-pop idol was added to this list after Huh Yunjin was put in the spotlight for reading a feminist book.
During her appearance in MBC's "The Manager," Yunjin was receiving her makeup when she was seen reading "Breasts and Eggs" by Mieko Kawakami.
In the program, one could tell that she is a huge bibliophile, as she was also carrying various books like Bell Hooks' "All About Love," Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche's book and John Berger's "Ways of Seeing" in her bag.
However, she drew attention the most for carrying "Breasts and Eggs," a progressive feminist novel.
Fortunately, while they are targetted by patriarchal males, fans defended these five idols, cheering and loving them more for, in their own little ways, giving spotlight to the injustices and stereotypes women face.
According to fans, the term "feminism" is widely misunderstood and misused in Korea, with men thinking that being a "feminist" is equal to "misandry," which is hating on men.
READ MORE: Red Velvet Joy Lambasted After Wearing a Feminist Shirt — Here’s Why It's a Big Deal for K-Netz
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
