Stability in the digital space: Status and challenges of digital sexual violence in South Korea
KIM Yeojin [Chairperson, Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center]
As an activist from the Korea Women’s Associations United writes, at the 67th CSW in 2023 South Korean Minister Kim Hyun-sook repeatedly promoted the Korean government's policies to strengthen women's economic empowerment and eradicate digital sexual crimes in the digital age. Is the South Korean government responding to digital sexual violence sufficiently to be proud to share its efforts with the international community?
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This is directly related to the backlash against feminism that has been capitalized on in the political sphere and embraced by corporations, creating this incredibly ridiculous society in which the “pincer gesture” is so controversial. The controversy behind the “pincer gesture”, a hand sign made by pinching the thumb and index finger together, started with claims that this gesture is being used by radical feminists to mock male genitalia. A large part of the blame also lies with the government, which is still not interested in empowering women to be seen as fellow citizens, not as tools or a price to be paid, but as tools for procreation. Digital sex crimes cannot be solved by putting Cho Ju-bin, ringleader of the “Baksa Room”, in jail and isolating him from our society. It can only be solved by introspection and a move towards gender equality among all responsible actors in society. If the government is serious about addressing digital sexual violence, it should aim for gender equality, comprehensive sex education, and ways to treat women as fellow citizens. Only a gender perspective and serious consideration of all legal systems for punishing perpetrators and supporting victims, as well as action for a more gender-equitable society, can ensure women's safety and freedom in the evolving technologies and expanding online spaces.
Stability in the digital space: Status and challenges of digital sexual violence in South Korea
KIM Yeojin [Chairperson, Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center]
As an activist from the Korea Women’s Associations United writes, at the 67th CSW in 2023 South Korean Minister Kim Hyun-sook repeatedly promoted the Korean government's policies to strengthen women's economic empowerment and eradicate digital sexual crimes in the digital age. Is the South Korean government responding to digital sexual violence sufficiently to be proud to share its efforts with the international community?
.
.
.
This is directly related to the backlash against feminism that has been capitalized on in the political sphere and embraced by corporations, creating this incredibly ridiculous society in which the “pincer gesture” is so controversial. The controversy behind the “pincer gesture”, a hand sign made by pinching the thumb and index finger together, started with claims that this gesture is being used by radical feminists to mock male genitalia. A large part of the blame also lies with the government, which is still not interested in empowering women to be seen as fellow citizens, not as tools or a price to be paid, but as tools for procreation. Digital sex crimes cannot be solved by putting Cho Ju-bin, ringleader of the “Baksa Room”, in jail and isolating him from our society. It can only be solved by introspection and a move towards gender equality among all responsible actors in society. If the government is serious about addressing digital sexual violence, it should aim for gender equality, comprehensive sex education, and ways to treat women as fellow citizens. Only a gender perspective and serious consideration of all legal systems for punishing perpetrators and supporting victims, as well as action for a more gender-equitable society, can ensure women's safety and freedom in the evolving technologies and expanding online spaces.