
PROJECT 555: Changing the stigmatizing perception of feminism in South Korea
By: Yelim of Korea International School
SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities
How do you change a deeply ingrained stigma? This question emerged as I observed the continuous negativity against the feminist movement dominating the media. In South Korea, feminism is often unfairly linked to misandry, a stark contrast to the more nuanced discussions prevalent in the US. As an international student exposed to both Korean and US media, this discrepancy intrigued me deeply and prompted further investigation.
I discovered that misunderstandings and the dominance of radical feminism in media coverage had fueled a lack of encouragement for nuanced thinking and further divided the Korean public. I wanted to counter these stereotypical portrayals of feminism by creating a space for thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding.
Finding an effective way to educate the public, especially on controversial topics where people often stray away from, was challenging. While looking at different ways to present my purpose, I realized that I could leverage my passion for art to engage people more effectively.
As an artist, I have always been passionate about using art and media as forms of communication. I sought to link my artistic passions with this project, aiming to create visual media that contrasts with the harsh imagery of protests and radicalism often seen in popular media.
Thus, Project555 (PRJT555) was born. It intends to use student-made artworks to challenge misconceptions about feminism, recorded in a website that serves as both a digital gallery and a collection of meticulous research about the feminist movement that accompanies the artworks. Through thought-provoking art, the project reveals the true landscape of feminism and fosters a more informed and compassionate dialogue.
“Scapegoat” was my first project, inspired by my observation that the backlash against feminist movements often stems not from disagreement with feminist principles but from broader societal and economic frustrations. The piece is created to encourage viewers to understand that the critique of feminism is frequently misplaced, serving as a diversion from addressing the actual causes of gender-based tensions: the shared economic challenges men and women face. This artwork advocates for a deeper examination of these root issues, rather than making feminism the scapegoat.
My hope is for Project555 to continue as I move to the US next year and gain a broader understanding of different attitudes towards the feminist movement. As I accumulate more knowledge on the topic, I plan to create broader scopes in my artworks and maintain my website as an accessible form of media that encompasses various perspectives.
PROJECT555 WEBSITE LINK: https://readymag.website/u1724811872/4444136/2/
I discovered that misunderstandings and the dominance of radical feminism in media coverage had fueled a lack of encouragement for nuanced thinking and further divided the Korean public. I wanted to counter these stereotypical portrayals of feminism by creating a space for thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding.
Finding an effective way to educate the public, especially on controversial topics where people often stray away from, was challenging. While looking at different ways to present my purpose, I realized that I could leverage my passion for art to engage people more effectively.
As an artist, I have always been passionate about using art and media as forms of communication. I sought to link my artistic passions with this project, aiming to create visual media that contrasts with the harsh imagery of protests and radicalism often seen in popular media.
Thus, Project555 (PRJT555) was born. It intends to use student-made artworks to challenge misconceptions about feminism, recorded in a website that serves as both a digital gallery and a collection of meticulous research about the feminist movement that accompanies the artworks. Through thought-provoking art, the project reveals the true landscape of feminism and fosters a more informed and compassionate dialogue.
“Scapegoat” was my first project, inspired by my observation that the backlash against feminist movements often stems not from disagreement with feminist principles but from broader societal and economic frustrations. The piece is created to encourage viewers to understand that the critique of feminism is frequently misplaced, serving as a diversion from addressing the actual causes of gender-based tensions: the shared economic challenges men and women face. This artwork advocates for a deeper examination of these root issues, rather than making feminism the scapegoat.
My hope is for Project555 to continue as I move to the US next year and gain a broader understanding of different attitudes towards the feminist movement. As I accumulate more knowledge on the topic, I plan to create broader scopes in my artworks and maintain my website as an accessible form of media that encompasses various perspectives.
PROJECT555 WEBSITE LINK: https://readymag.website/u1724811872/4444136/2/