What is Your Feminist Choice? Feminist Subjectivity and Discontent within the Escape the Corset Movement in South Korea

This paper examines the Escape the Corset (ESC) movement in South Korea relative the context of neoliberal postfeminism, exploring its role in challenging traditional beauty standards and patriarchal norms. The movement, which inspired young Korean women to deny established standards and expressions of femininity, enjoyed great popularity among feminists, but has also created contexts of exclusion, guilt, and self-censorship, especially among those unable to fully engage with it. This study explores the contradictory nature of the ESC movement as a catalyst for activism and a potential source of division within the feminist community. Findings suggest that while ESC faces challenges in maintaining its momentum, its underlying principles continue to inspire people to resist the oppressive cultural norms that surround women's lives. By exploring the accomplishments and limitations of ESC, this paper considers the future of feminist movements, emphasizing the need for constant questioning and innovation in practice to ensure the inclusion and adaptability that will embrace the diverse experiences of all women.