The 4B movement, a feminist initiative from South Korea that encourages women to reject marriage, childbirth, romance, and sexual relationships with men, has recently gained attention on American social media. Originally launched in 2016 as a response to South Korea’s patriarchal society, the movement has seen a surge in interest among U.S. women following Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024.
Many women have shared videos on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, pledging to refrain from romantic and sexual relationships with men as a form of protest. This reaction highlights frustrations with Trump’s win, especially after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting journalist E. Jean Carroll in 2023.
In South Korea, the 4B movement grew stronger after a tragic incident in 2016 where a woman was fatally attacked in Gangnam by a man who claimed he was ignored by women. Since then, the movement has inspired South Korean women to speak out against issues like workplace harassment, spycam pornography, and sexism.
The movement gained momentum during the #MeToo movement, which led to the resignation of prominent South Korean politicians, actors, and public figures due to allegations of sexual harassment. In South Korea, social media discussions frequently focus on “School Me Too,” “Feminism,” and “Spy Cam,” reflecting the country’s urgent social issues. The 4B movement now appears to be resonating with a growing number of American women, signaling a shared desire to confront patriarchal values across cultures.