4B Movement: Why South Korean women are opting out of marriage and parenthood

SHAH ALAM – The 4B movement or "Four Nos" which has gained traction in South Korea, sees many women embracing the initiative to abstain from relationships with men.

The movement promotes Biyeonae (no dating men), Bisekseu (no sexual relationships with men), Bihon (no marriage with men) and Bichulsan (no childbirth with men).

It is a radical feminist initiative aimed at rejecting traditional gender roles and societal expectations, while highlighting the disproportionate burden of unpaid labour women face compared to men.

Instagram user @wtfaleisa clarified that the movement's rise is largely due to widespread misogyny and sexism in South Korea, pushing women to opt out of relationships entirely.

“This is no exaggeration. They are not dating, marrying or having children with men—and not even sleeping with them anymore.

"The term '4B' comes from Korean words starting with the letter B,” she stated in a video posted in November 2024.

The movement, which began around 2016, was inspired by the release of the novel Kim Ji Young, Born 1982, which portrays the life of a Korean woman suffering from misogyny, sexism and postpartum depression.

The book resonated deeply with South Korean women and became a bestseller.

Screenshots from a video posted by Instagram user @asiabossmedia.

The 4B movement officially adopted its name in 2019 and has since grown in response to widespread gender inequality, misogyny and violence against women.

"Such is the movement’s success that South Korea now has one of the world’s lowest birth rates," @wtfaleisa added.

In 2023, South Korea's fertility rate dropped to 0.72 births per woman, marking a record low.

It has remained below the replacement fertility rate of 2.1 since 1984, with further declines projected for 2024.

According to a South Korean government official website Statistics Korea, the country’s fertility rate in 2022 was 0.78 and the forecast for 2024 is even lower, at 0.68.

This is the lowest rate among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and indicates a worsening demographic crisis.

Deaths now outnumber births in the country, a situation described as "in shambles," with calls to expand the movement globally.

Social media has played a significant role in raising awareness of the 4B movement, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok helping to amplify its reach.

Meanwhile, Arirang TV news anchor Bokyoung Kim shared on @asiabossmedia the reasons women are increasingly joining the 4B movement.

She stated that societal stereotypes penalise working mothers, with many facing career disruptions due to childcare duties.

Women are often excluded from departments or projects they aspire to join, based on assumptions about their commitment to family responsibilities, leading some to leave their jobs altogether.

Screenshots from a video posted by Instagram user @wtfaleisa.

“That’s why Korean women don’t want to give birth," Kim said.

On the other hand, TikTok influencer @anna.lee.jy argued that South Korea’s low birth rate is more influenced by the high cost of living than the 4B movement.

She pointed to a 2023 survey where financial constraints, the lack of suitable partners, and economic instability were identified as top reasons for avoiding marriage.

“The average salary in Seoul is around USD$34,000, while an apartment costs about USD$1 million.

"It’s impossible to save 100 per cent of your income for over 20 years to afford housing,” she stated.

Additionally, raising a child in South Korea costs approximately USD$272,000 from birth to age 18, making parenthood financially unfeasible for most families.

South Korean households also spend heavily on private education to ensure their children remain competitive in the rigorous education system.

“This focus on private education is driven by Korea’s competitive society, where getting into top universities is essential for securing high-paying jobs,” she said.

She argued that while feminism is present in Korea, it is not the primary cause of the country's low birth rate.

The real issue, she suggested, is the high cost of living.

"It's simply too expensive to raise a child unless you're very wealthy or come from a rich family," she added.

The 4B movement gained international attention after Donald Trump's 2016 election victory, with women around the world resonating with its message.

Protest videos of women shaving their heads went viral, symbolising the growing gender divide and amplifying solidarity across borders.

As single-person households increase and traditional relationships lose appeal, South Korea remains a key focus in the global conversation about gender and societal roles.