Learn about the cultural significance and controversy surrounding Korea’s ‘Crab Hand’ gesture to avoid missteps on your travels.
In South Korea, a seemingly innocuous two-finger pinching gesture, known as the “crab hand” or jibgeson, can stir significant controversy, especially among young men. Unlike the universally understood offensive middle finger gesture, the crab hand carries a more pointed and culturally specific insult. So, if you are traveling to Korea, make sure you avoid the gesture lest you offend some locals.
What is ‘Crab Hand’ Gesture and Why is it No-Go in Korea?
The crab hand gesture gained notoriety in the mid-2010s, originating from the radical feminist website Megalia. The pinching motion was adopted to symbolize a mocking reference to the size of Korean men’s genitals. This provocative symbol became a tool of “mirroring” — a method employed by Megalia to turn the tables on the misogynistic insults women often faced online.
Cultural and Social Impact
The gesture quickly became a flashpoint in South Korea’s ongoing gender wars. Online communities, especially those frequented by young men, began vigilantly searching for instances of the gesture being used, leading to public outcries and even threats against those perceived to be using it. This has resulted in heightened tensions and further polarized the already contentious discussions on gender roles in South Korean society.
How Widespread is the Controversy?
The hunt for instances of the “crab hand” gesture online has become a frequent phenomenon, leading to multiple instances where companies and content creators have had to issue apologies and remove their content. This reaction underscores the sensitivity and the polarized environment surrounding gender issues in South Korea, where even seemingly minor actions can trigger significant backlash.
Recent Incidents and Corporate Reactions
In 2021, GS25, a major convenience store chain, issued an apology for a “man-hating poster” that featured an image of a hand picking up a sausage, resembling the controversial crab hand gesture. In 2023, game publisher Nexon faced a similar situation. They took down a promotional video for their online game, MapleStory, after a character was depicted using the crab hand gesture.
The controversy recently resurfaced when a video from Renault Korea appeared to show an employee making the crab hand gesture. The backlash was swift, with many online critics demanding apologies and even threatening to cancel pre orders of the company’s upcoming SUV. Renault Korea responded by suspending the employee and issuing a public apology, underscoring the gesture’s volatile reception and the lengths companies must go to in order to manage such controversies.
Giving anyone “the finger” is universally understood as an aggressive gesture. But in Korea, there’s something that’s considered far more insulting and derogatory than the finger, at least to some young men: two fingers creating a pinching motion. https://t.co/L57VtIrNFD
— The Korea JoongAng Daily (@JoongAngDaily) July 13, 2024
Future Implications
While companies can quickly issue apologies to quell immediate backlash, the broader societal implications of these gender conflicts remain unresolved. Only a more fundamental change can address the underlying causes of such divisions. So, until there is a radical change, be careful of your gestures in South Korea. Something that may seem inconsequential to you is highly offensive to your hosts.
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