The Time ATEEZ’s San Boldly Showed His Support For Feminism

South Korean Olympic archer An San received backlash after there were “suspicions of her being a feminist“, with men and anti-feminist sites attacking her for what most would probably argue are absurd reasons.

The main reason seemed to be that, when a netizen asked her why she kept her hair short, she answered simply, “Because it’s comfortable”. According to people on these community sites dominated by men, short hair is a sign of feminism.

Along with this, the fact that she goes to an all-women’s college, is a fan of MAMAMOO, and wears badges commemorating the Sewol Ferry accident are all also apparently reasons why she’s considered a “radical feminist”.

S. Korean men are demanding the Korean Archery Association to take back the gold medals from Olympic record-breaking archer An San, alleging that “she's a short-haired feminist.”

And it's only the most recent episode in a barrage of mounting anti-feminist backlash here.

Thread. pic.twitter.com/vvSmeHZ068

— solidarity.kr_ (@solidarity_kr) July 29, 2021

Another reason these netizens suspect her feminist views are her use of the words “oh-jo-oh-eok” and “ung-aeng-ung” which, although originally without feminist connotations, are now associated with the feminist movement even though they’re used widely among Korean teens in general.

Gold medalist An San getting flamed by Korean men for using supposedly misogynistic term "오조오억" pic.twitter.com/J4pSNw958i

— Not Pannchoa (@notpannchoa) July 29, 2021

Despite the hate and criticism An San has received from these anti-feminists, she’s also been getting support from other people, especially those among the younger generation.

Growing animosity toward feminism and public policy to promote women's rights has become a hot topic in South Korea. Some South Korean politicians and celebrities posted messages and their own short-hair photos to support An San https://t.co/87ztYha7CW

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 29, 2021

Following this, ATEEZ‘s San indirectly brought up the situation and showed his support for the athlete!

Using the messaging system on the app Universe, San spoke about how he likes short hair (having just cut his own at the time), and also used the so-called “misandrist” term “오조오억” in his messages as well.

san used the same word that an san is being attacked by misogynists: 오조오억

it looks like he is using his platform to speak up about this issue. that's why they said 산돕산 (san helping ansan)

so take this as you would like

BUT I AM IN LOVE WITH CHOI SAN pic.twitter.com/JjYHnQswQA

— (@sansikcheo) July 30, 2021

While this could seem just like a coincidence to some people, his actions have Korean netizens talking, making it obvious that they knew what he was implying with his choice of words.

Although his support might also not seem like a huge deal to some people, in a more conservative nation such as South Korea, feminism is still considered quite radical and often a “men-hating” movement, and anyone is at some risk of being attacked when speaking up about such things. Taking into consideration that San is also an idol, it’s especially brave of him to support a cause in this manner.

ATINYs are incredibly proud of San for showing his support of An San and the feminist movement, and even though he has already received some backlash from anti-feminists, the love he’s getting far outweighs it.

Are you proud of choi san from ateez?

Yes Yes Yes

— Bitti (@Sanhwasmile) July 30, 2021

Y’all see the pattern: Ateez always goes viral for their kindness and positivity! That shows who they are, they are role models and the people we aspire to be! They’re such an inspiration to this generation!

— Bruni SAW ATEEZ 11 27/28 (@Brunz16) July 30, 2021

it will always amaze me the fact that every time that ateez goes viral it's for a good reason, they are amazing people and if you let them come to your life, you will meet 8 amazing and talented boys that only spread love and happiness in this world

— san singing (@csanvocals) July 30, 2021

An San was hugely successful at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showing she was not bothered by the hate from a minority group of individuals. We love seeing hard-working, successful people support each other!