You Can Get Attacked for Having Short Hair in Korea: Here’s Why

In a disconcerting incident that unfolded in South Korea, an alarming attack has left the nation in shock and disbelief. In a deeply disturbing late-night assault, a man in his twenties targeted a female convenience store worker under the bizarre belief that she was a feminist due to her short hair. This perplexing act of violence took place in the southeastern city of Jinju and was captured by security cameras.

Around midnight, the man entered the convenience store, and what transpired was a sudden eruption of violence. He unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks on the female worker while spewing derogatory remarks. Even a courageous male customer in his fifties, who tried to intervene, found himself in harm’s way.

However, what makes this senseless assault even more confounding is the motivation behind it. In an exchange with the police that defies understanding, the assailant explained, “Since you have short hair, you must be a feminist. I’m a male chauvinist, and I think feminists deserve to be assaulted.”

Sexist Tendencies and Assault

This perplexing rampage continued until authorities arrived at the scene to put an end to the horror. Subsequent investigations revealed that the attacker had been intoxicated at the time and had previously received a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

The consequences of this brutal assault were severe. The young female store worker suffered significant ear and ligament injuries, though her condition, fortunately, was not life-threatening. The male customer who bravely intervened was not as fortunate, having suffered fractures to his face and shoulder after being struck with a chair.

A court subsequently issued an arrest warrant, allowing the police to keep the alleged perpetrator in custody. The suspect, however, offered a puzzling defense, citing alcohol-induced memory lapses and denying some of the charges.

This incident transcends its shock value; it serves as a grim reminder of an unsettling trend in South Korea, where women with short, cropped hairstyles have become targets for inexplicable attacks. The attackers seem to hold the mistaken belief that short hair is synonymous with feminism, a gross misconception that has gained traction in recent years. Anti-feminist sentiments, particularly among young men who perceive themselves as victims of reverse discrimination, have seen a concerning rise. 

Many Challenges of South Korea Women

Beyond its shock value, this incident spotlights the formidable challenges that women in South Korea face. It raises legitimate concerns about the safety and well-being of women in a society where a mere hairstyle choice can render them vulnerable to prejudice and violence.

In a society where personal choices, such as hairstyle, should be a matter of individual expression and freedom, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the disheartening reality that some beliefs can turn into pretexts for prejudice and aggression. It’s a stark example of how deeply ingrained gender issues still are in some corners of society.