Rising Gender Inequality, Deepfake Dangers, and Digital Violence Affecting K-pop Artists

Cat, a feminist advocate based in South Korea, is currently facing serious threats to her safety. She has found herself targeted on the PPKKa channel, a YouTube platform known for its misogynistic content, boasting 1.19 million male followers, due to her outspoken stance on Deepfake technology. Cat explained that she is unable to deactivate or restrict access to her account because she is scheduled to lead a Digital Sexual Violence Tagging Campaign on Telegram this upcoming Sunday. There are fears that her personal details may be exposed, putting her safety in jeopardy.

A Korean feminist named Cat is threatened with her personal safety. Cat is targeted on the PPKKa channel (a misogynistic YouTuber with 1.19 million male subscribers) for discussing Deepfake technology. Cat stated she can’t delete or lock her account since she is set to host the Telegram… https://t.co/1u7eP7AVsP

— Kang Yong🚙 (@booknliving) August 26, 2024

She calls for action: “I urge everyone to report the video titled ‘중고대학생’ on the PPKKa YouTube channel. Please report and work towards removing his channel. Show your support so that I can ensure my safety. I genuinely ask for your help in this matter.”

“The wages for women are alarmingly low. They are significantly less than what college students might expect… You may not notice it from just the annual salary figures, but the inequitable wage structure, coupled with the dreadful culture of mandatory overtime, is hard to overlook. A friend of mine, who is a dedicated fan of anime and works in the entertainment sector, had to put in extra hours on the very day they signed their contract. In this industry, working overtime on weekends is commonplace if demanded by a superior. It’s far better to seek employment that offers a healthy work-life balance, receive a steady paycheck, and utilize that income to enjoy your passions. 😭”

“The wage disparity in the K-pop industry also highlights the divide between male and female artists. South Korea stands out with the highest gender wage gap globally, featuring an astonishing 30% difference.”

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