South Korean Animation Student Faces Death Threats Over Misunderstood Hand Gesture

In South Korea, a young female animator known as Darim has become the target of severe online harassment after a trailer for a new character in the popular video game MapleStory was released. Following the trailer's unveiling, Darim was inundated with thousands of abusive messages, including death and rape threats, sparked by a single frame in which the female character appeared to make a hand gesture perceived as feminist by a group of male gamers.

These backlash incidents are symptomatic of a wider anti-feminist movement in South Korea, where young men have launched online witch hunts against women they suspect of holding feminist views. Following the controversy, game developer Nexon removed the trailer and artwork related to Darim’s studio from their roster to appease critics.

Minsung Kim, a fellow gamer who spoke out against the harassment, described how these campaigns often target women in various professions, particularly within the gaming industry, where unfounded accusations can lead to job losses. He established an organization to support victims like Darim, offering to help with legal fees and advising studios to stand firm against unfounded demands.

In a separate but related incident, a young woman, referred to as Jigu, was violently attacked for merely having short hair, which was perceived as a sign of femininity. The man who assaulted her stated he did so because he believed she was a feminist. This incident highlights the extreme consequences of growing anti-feminist sentiments in South Korea, where fears of backlash are silencing women's voices in public and professional spheres.

Experts warn that as anti-feminist backlash increases, many women are feeling pressured to conceal their beliefs due to threats of violence and professional repercussions. Current statistics show that only 24% of women in South Korea self-identify as feminists, a significant decline from previous years.

Advocates emphasize the need for legal protections and a cultural shift to counter the growing trend of harassment against women, urging companies and individuals to resist capitulating to these extreme pressures.