Leiden University Student Repository

Haan, Kendra (2023)

Feminism creates a “gender conflict”: The Abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in South Korea

Bachelor thesis | Koreastudies (BA)

In March 2022, Yoon Suk-Yeol became the 8th President of South Korea, with a 1% victory margin over his competitor. This result has become known as the most closely contested presidential election outcome in South Korea. Then-candidate Yoon announced arbitrarily in January 2022 on his Facebook account the abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family as a campaign pledge. This case study has sought to illuminate motives behind this policy move and explain why this particular case highlights complex social issues central to gender equality in Korean society. A framework of analysis is offered for the reasons behind the high political and social upheaval in Korea concerning gender. Outcomes of the analysis point to a reorganization of the Ministry due to its contested position and a required renewed approach on gender equality.

Anti-feminism

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

presidential election South Korea 2022

gender equality

Yoon Suk-Yeol

Author

Haan, Kendra

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Jang, S.Y.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en