On March 28, 2024, Asia Society Seattle and Northern California hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on Gender Equality and Women's Rights in South Korea. Our speakers included Hawon Jung, an award-winning journalist and author of Flowers of Fire: The Inside Story of South Korea's Feminist Movement and What It Means for Women's Rights Worldwide; Soo Koo, Domestic Outreach Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and Grace Yoo, Executive Director of the Washington State Women’s Commission. They delivered a fascinating, insightful, and engaging discussion drawing on their professional and personal experiences.

While acknowledging the progress in the women's movement and feminist thought, the speakers delved into the challenges that women face in South Korea today, such as the pay gap, glass ceiling, and gender-based discrimination and crimes, rooted in institutional, societal, and cultural factors. They highlighted the extremely low fertility rate in South Korea, the lowest in the world and a significant concern for the country's social dynamics. Apart from challenges related to career development and rising living costs, they noted the issue is further complicated by a lack of government policy support and anti-feminist sentiments.

The panel also provided comparative perspectives on gender inequality, particularly highlighting the experiences of women in the U.S. and those within minority diasporas. The discussion concluded with optimism for the future, emphasizing the importance of role models, women supporting each other, and nurturing the next generation of leaders.