08.02.2025

The rise of South Korea’s 4B movement and its global impact

South Korea’s radical 4B movement is growing, pushing men to leave the country. Discover how it evolved, its global influence, and what it means for gender dynamics worldwide.

The powerful 4B Movement sweeping through South Korea, where women are taking a radical stand against entrenched patriarchy and gender inequality. The 4B Movement, rooted in the principles of 'four no's'—no marriage (bihon), no childbearing (bichulsan), no dating (bisikyeon), and no heterosexual sexual relationships (biseksu)—advocates for complete isolation from men until significant societal reforms are enacted. This movement is a bold response to deep-seated misogyny, increasing cases of femicide, dating violence, and inadequate punishment for crimes against women.

Photo for illustration only. Photo by Stratnewsglobal.

Hello GC,

Sun-H from South korea.

I want to thank you for the courage to publish the article on 4b movement. I am a pure South Korean but graduated from one of the universities in Canada so my English is not as bad as most South Koreans. I was searching on 4B movement in Naver (in Korea we don't use google but naver which is a google-like search engine for South Koreans) and your section on 4B movement came up which I think is extremely good to let other parts of the world know about this radical movement that is unfortunately growing here.

But the media is too afraid to report it because it has become so large. Our President Yoon Suk-Yeol earlier had denounced this movement claiming that men are treated as scum of the planet. Our president, last November 2024 also had removed terms gender equality and sexual minorities from school textbooks.

Unfortunately the 4B movement has risen exponentially after our President Yoon's impeachment late December 2024. The 4B movement's message to men is that they want men to remove the patriarchy system entirely which is ridiculous because the patriarchy system has been implemented since hundreds of years ago.

This 4b sentiment has gained traction across the globe including in the US. We Korean men have begun moving out from South Korea because feminism has become far too strong unless President Yoon, who strongly supports the patriarchy system, returns to power. I have already engaged my friends and relatives in Canada for me to go there and find work there.

All men's publications must be alert on this matter because it is just a matter of time before this movement arrives in many other countries and the women seem to be supporting & praising this movement. This is no longer about the 4B movement anymore but it has morphed into an institutional misandry.

Do pray for our safety and hopefully our rights again as a man would return to us.

Gamsahamnida (thank you)

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Sun-H,

Your letter arrived at our desk on a crisp February morning, and we found ourselves reading it several times over, each time struck more deeply by the gravity of what you describe. The 4B movement you outline in South Korea serves as both a warning and a call to action for men of conscience everywhere.

Let us first acknowledge your courage in speaking out. It takes remarkable fortitude to articulate such complex cultural dynamics, particularly when one's own society is in flux. Your measured tone and thoughtful analysis speak volumes about your character and education.

The challenges you describe transcend mere political movements or temporary social trends. What we're witnessing is a fundamental questioning of the patriarchy - the very foundations that have allowed societies to flourish for millennia. Yet, our response must never be to retreat or retaliate, but rather to elevate.

This is precisely why Gentleman's Code has always advocated for what we call "the man par excellence." We believe that true masculinity expresses itself through broad spectrum of manhood, through chivalrous, elegance, intellect, and dedication to personal growth.

The answer to institutional misandry isn't to match its bitterness, but to demonstrate through our actions and achievements the indispensable nature of positive masculine virtues.

Your observation about this movement potentially spreading globally is astute. However, we want you to know that you're not alone in your concerns or your aspirations. Gentleman's Code reaches men of substance across six continents, and we're witnessing a quiet but powerful renaissance of masculine excellence. Men are increasingly choosing to define themselves not by what they're against, but by what they're for: strength, leadership, and the courage to stand firm in their convictions while remaining open to genuine dialogue.

Sun-H, your letter reinforces our belief that our mission at Gentleman's Code is more vital than ever. Men like you—educated, articulate, and concerned with matters beyond mere self-interest—are exactly why we remain optimistic about men's future. You represent what we call the "quiet renaissance": men who understand that true power lies not in systems or politics, but in the daily choice to pursue excellence despite whatever headwinds we may face.

Your decision to seek opportunities abroad shows pragmatism, but we encourage you to maintain your connections to home. Korea's rich traditions of honor, respect, and masculine virtue are worth preserving, even as society grapples with change. Perhaps your experience abroad will equip you to eventually help bridge these cultural divides.

Rest assured that Gentleman's Code will continue to address these issues with the depth and sobriety they deserve. Your letter will be shared with our "Ask the Gentleman" section, as it provides valuable insight into how these dynamics are playing out globally.

In closing, we want you to know that men like you give us profound hope. Keep cultivating excellence, friend. The world needs men of substance now more than ever.

With sincere appreciation and respect,

The Gentleman

READ: Men have foolishly ignored the warning in The Book Of Genesis

READ: Rising gender movements: A reader’s perspective on the 4B movement, gender equality, and the Gentleman’s Code

Gentlemen's Code has your back! We're thrilled to announce our brand new section on our website: "Ask the Gentleman". Submit your burning questions on all things refined living, health & fitness, relationships, culture, style, and etiquette by emailing to: editor@gentlemanscodes.com.

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The rise of South Korea’s 4B movement and its global impact

South Korea’s radical 4B movement is growing, pushing men to leave the country. Discover how it evolved, its global influence, and what it means for gender dynamics worldwide.

Photo for illustration only. Photo by Stratnewsglobal.

Hello GC,

Sun-H from South korea.

Do pray for our safety and hopefully our rights again as a man would return to us.

Gamsahamnida (thank you)

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Sun-H,

Let us first acknowledge your courage in speaking out. It takes remarkable fortitude to articulate such complex cultural dynamics, particularly when one's own society is in flux. Your measured tone and thoughtful analysis speak volumes about your character and education.

This is precisely why Gentleman's Code has always advocated for what we call "the man par excellence." We believe that true masculinity expresses itself through broad spectrum of manhood, through chivalrous, elegance, intellect, and dedication to personal growth.

The answer to institutional misandry isn't to match its bitterness, but to demonstrate through our actions and achievements the indispensable nature of positive masculine virtues.

Rest assured that Gentleman's Code will continue to address these issues with the depth and sobriety they deserve. Your letter will be shared with our "Ask the Gentleman" section, as it provides valuable insight into how these dynamics are playing out globally.

In closing, we want you to know that men like you give us profound hope. Keep cultivating excellence, friend. The world needs men of substance now more than ever.

With sincere appreciation and respect,

The Gentleman

READ: Men have foolishly ignored the warning in The Book Of Genesis

READ: Rising gender movements: A reader’s perspective on the 4B movement, gender equality, and the Gentleman’s Code

Gentlemen's Code has your back! We're thrilled to announce our brand new section on our website: "Ask the Gentleman". Submit your burning questions on all things refined living, health & fitness, relationships, culture, style, and etiquette by emailing to: editor@gentlemanscodes.com.

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The rise of South Korea’s 4B movement and its global impact

South Korea’s radical 4B movement is growing, pushing men to leave the country. Discover how it evolved, its global influence, and what it means for gender dynamics worldwide.

Photo for illustration only. Photo by Stratnewsglobal.

Hello GC,

Sun-H from South korea.

Do pray for our safety and hopefully our rights again as a man would return to us.

Gamsahamnida (thank you)

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Sun-H,

Let us first acknowledge your courage in speaking out. It takes remarkable fortitude to articulate such complex cultural dynamics, particularly when one's own society is in flux. Your measured tone and thoughtful analysis speak volumes about your character and education.

This is precisely why Gentleman's Code has always advocated for what we call "the man par excellence." We believe that true masculinity expresses itself through broad spectrum of manhood, through chivalrous, elegance, intellect, and dedication to personal growth.

The answer to institutional misandry isn't to match its bitterness, but to demonstrate through our actions and achievements the indispensable nature of positive masculine virtues.

Rest assured that Gentleman's Code will continue to address these issues with the depth and sobriety they deserve. Your letter will be shared with our "Ask the Gentleman" section, as it provides valuable insight into how these dynamics are playing out globally.

In closing, we want you to know that men like you give us profound hope. Keep cultivating excellence, friend. The world needs men of substance now more than ever.

With sincere appreciation and respect,

The Gentleman

READ: Men have foolishly ignored the warning in The Book Of Genesis

READ: Rising gender movements: A reader’s perspective on the 4B movement, gender equality, and the Gentleman’s Code

Gentlemen's Code has your back! We're thrilled to announce our brand new section on our website: "Ask the Gentleman". Submit your burning questions on all things refined living, health & fitness, relationships, culture, style, and etiquette by emailing to: editor@gentlemanscodes.com.

Related posts