Womad Manifesto: Challenging maternal feminism in South Korea


Jihyun Cheung, Independent

The research considers the emergence of two radical feminist movements in South Korea as antithetical to traditional feminist movements, Womad (an abbreviation for Women in Nomad) and TERFs (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists). Data was obtained for these case studies from movement websites and Facebook pages. Womad is a radical online feminist movement and group advocating for women’s rights. Their highly effective online strategies, such as ‘mirroring’, and their methods of organizing public rallies attracted substantial media attention. TERFs persist in their desire to exert influence within the contemporary women’s movement. When a femicide occurred at Gangnam Subway Station in May 2016, young women part of this movement engaged in mourning the victims of gender-based violence, both in digital spaces and in the physical world. Unlike, Womad, TERFs’ organizational structure disregards the importance of anonymity, a key value for members of Womad. The research findings indicate that while different, Womad and TERFs utilize radical feminist thought as an ideological resource, and their politics coalesce through their opposition to traditional feminist politics. Generally, these young radical feminists do not support or associate themselves with any other activist movements in South Korea. Social justice activism, including and beyond gender concerns, is interpreted from a radical lens, arguing that inter-movement solidarity will lead to the erasure of women. Activists who attempt to align themselves with other forms of feminist activism are sometimes derogatorily referred to as “kkwon-chung,” a phrase that refers to leftists as insects. In a similar vein, young radical feminists oppose traditional forms of feminism directed by on maternal interests and concerns. Both conservative and progressive feminists in South Korea regard motherhood as a key element of women’s identity. Being a mother, especially to a son, grants her a feeling of authority and influence. Conversely, Womad completely rejects the concept of family and instead uses the term “yu-chung” to describe a male infant, signifying a young worm. While traditional feminists attempt to diminish influence of young radical feminists, many young women declare not to marry men and reject being a mother. “Non-marriage confirmation” is a form of action aimed at challenging maternal feminism in South Korea.

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