Finger pinching conspiracy theory

The finger pinching conspiracy theory ^[a] is an antifeminist conspiracy theory that originated in South Korea. It claims that there is a deliberate plot to spread and promote misandry through symbolic hand gestures, and that radical feminist groups have propagated these hidden messages to humiliate men with small penises.

The theory first gained prominence in May 2021 when convenience store chain GS25 faced accusations of allegedly shoehorning a hand signal that disparaged penises in an advertisement, causing the company to retract it and issue an apology. Since then, numerous organizations were met with protests from theorists and announced similar apologies.

The conspiracy theory is regarded as a hoax due to contradictory claims and a general lack of evidence. Despite having failed to prove such a plot exists, the theory persists; notably in the video game industry, where Nexon led a public allegation against its collaborators. It is viewed as an antifeminist backlash movement in South Korea, and has been analyzed as a symptom of gender inequality in the country.

Claims

In June 2024, finger pinching theorists accused Nexon of misandry as a woman's hand clasping in MapleStory illustration (left) was deemed to taunt their small penises. The company updated the image with the hands altered (right).

According to authors who consider it false, the finger pinching conspiracy theory is based on a belief among South Korean men that feminists are planning covertly to worsen their lives or harm them. ^{[5] [6]} Most versions of the theories claim that users of Megalia, a defunct radical feminist website, were successful in infiltrating various organizations. ^[7] The theory argues its remnants started to plant the "feminism hand gesture" (commonly referred to as the "finger pinching" gesture), ^[b] a hand gesture with an index finger and thumb facing each other, which connotes small penis humiliation by implicitly signaling Korean men's penises are small. It also resembles Megalia's website logo. ^[9]

The place where the finger-pinching is spotted varies between theories. There is a general consensus among theorists that the feminist finger-pinching symbolism is found in a depiction of hands pointing at seemingly innocuous items, such as a credit card, a can of Starbucks espresso, or a COVID-19 vaccine. ^{[10] [ failed verification ]} Some theorists argue Megalia's sabotage isn't exclusive to finger-pinching gestures, because its symbolism can also be associated with other inanimate objects, such as a tent, constellations, and a laurel leaf. ^[11]

History

Background

South Korea in the 2020s has been described as having gender inequality in a number of aspects. As of 2021, the gender pay gap was at 35 percent, the widest among advanced economies, and 65 percent of public companies on the Korea Exchange had no female executives. ^[10] Gender-based violence in South Korea is described by Human Rights Watch as "shockingly widespread". In 2021, a woman was murdered or targeted for murder every 1.4 days or less. ^[12]

The social inequality is exacerbated by severe gender conflicts in the country. There have been organized social movements by women, referred to by The New York Times as "Asia's most successful MeToo movement". ^[12] Since the late-2010s, there has reportedly been an increase in the number of antifeminist young men who view feminism as a supremacy movement that oppresses men. Reasons given for this belief include that women are not subjected to compulsory military service, intense job competition, the lack of political representation, refusal to take responsibility for the toxic masculinity of older generations, and being unfairly stereotyped as potential criminals. ^{[13] [14] [15]} A 2021 survey claimed that 79% of South Korean men in their 20s believe they are victims of reverse discrimination. ^{[16] [17] [18]} Antifeminists reportedly adopted terms like "femi" ^[19] or "man haters" to discredit feminists. ^[16]

In 2015, a radical feminist website named Megalia was founded. The website focused on antagonizing men. ^[20] It became infamous for its logo that depicted an obscene hand gesture, with an index finger and thumb in a pinching motion; this was intended to mock alleged small penises. ^[9] Megalia was shut down in 2017, although criticism of the group and its symbolism has reportedly persisted. ^[21]

Origin and spread

On May 1, 2021, GS25's local retail firm GS Retail sent a digital notice letter to its customers via mobile messaging app KakaoTalk, announcing future promotional events in that month. The message contained a poster for camping-related items, which had a pictogram of hands grabbing a sausage. That same day, a rumor emerged that the picture was an intentional reference to the Megalia logo. ^[22] The rumor reportedly spread quickly; it was first posted on a website called Ppomppu  [ ko ] at 10:15 and reached other communities within an hour. GS25 responded to the incident before 13:00. ^[23]

GS25 reacted by issuing apology letters and altering the poster twice that day. Each alteration was reportedly met with more allegations of radical feminist symbolism. ^[22] A crescent was accused of being the logo of a feminist club in Seoul National University, and its tagline was suspected to have an acronym of Megalia's name. ^[24] After going through multiple revisions, GS25 removed the poster altogether and issued another apology on social media on May 2. ^{[25] [26]}

Protests continued after GS25's announcement. On May 2, a petition on National Petition to the Blue House was launched to remove the GS25 business chain from the Korea Armed Forces; it received 42 thousand signatures in a day. ^{[27] [28]} Support for a boycott spread, with an image that referenced a 2019 boycott of Japanese products. ^[26] One GS25-affiliated store owner put up a signboard that supported "equality of outcome and opportunity" and denounced feminism. ^[29]

The integrity behind the online backlash was questioned by GS25 officials and third parties. Food industry retailers interviewed by The Hankyoreh described the accusation as "esoteric" and showed concerns that such incidents would demoralize their business. ^[30] A person claiming to be the graphic designer of the GS25 poster contested the controversy on the anonymous worker community Blind on May 9, 2021. In a now-deleted statement, she said she "doesn't support any ideology" and her design didn't contain an expression of hate for men. ^{[10] [31]} Nevertheless, GS25 announced on May 31 that the graphic designer would be disciplined, and the GS Retail president was demoted. ^{[10] [32]}

MapleStory scandal

On November 25, 2023, finger pinching theorists suggested there was a vulgar display of misandry in Nexon's video game MapleStory , as its recently published trailer, promoting the new class Angelic Buster, featured a character that allegedly performed the finger pinching for 0.1 seconds. ^{[33] [34]} Theorists searched for similar gestures in other Nexon trailers, including Dungeon Fighter Online and Blue Archive . Theorists scrutinized the animation production studio that produced Nexon's trailers, Ppuri. ^{[35] [36] [37]}

Nexon reportedly contacted Ppuri on November 26 and suggested it issue an apology. Accordingly, Ppuri posted its first apology letter at 16:12. Three hours later at 19:00, MapleStory director Kim Chang-seop announced that Nexon would remove all visual works created by Ppuri and condemned the animation studio in a YouTube livestream. Kim said that he was against people who implicitly express hatred, and promised Nexon would pursue legal action. ^{[38] [37] [39]} Dungeon Fighter Online director Lee Wonman and Blue Archive director Kim Yongha expressed similar sentiments on the matter. Ppuri's works for those games were removed as well. ^{[40] [41]}

Nexon's response was followed by a major backlash from finger pinching theorists against Ppuri. A female Ppuri animator was doxed; her social media posts were analyzed and alleged to be confirmation of planting misandrist symbolism. ^{[42] [43] [44]} Ppuri president Jang Seonyeong issued a second apology letter on November 27 in which she promised to fire the animator; Ppuri later claimed this was due to pressure from the theorists and their business relationship with Nexon (which composed 80 percent of their work at the time). ^[42] This second public apology was taken down on the same day. ^[44] Ppuri later overturned the decision of removing the employee from her position. Jang Seonyeong and Ppuri director Kim Sangjin then explained that it was unjust to admit to a misdeed the studio has never done, and the director wanted to protect its animators from online harassment. ^[45]

Nexon's public reprimand of Ppuri was positively received by its associated developers. Nexon union leader Bae Suchan likened the fingers to the English racial slur nigger , saying an expression must be redacted if it can be read as hate speech. ^[46] When its umbrella organization, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, joined the press conference in front of Nexon's headquarters to condemn Nexon's action, Bae Suchan said they'd consider leaving the KCTU because it focused more on political activities than efforts to protect the rights of its members. ^{[47] [48]} Supercat, the developer behind mobile game The Kingdom of the Winds published by Nexon, started in-house training that taught its workers not to express feminism in the game and included Ppuri animator's tweet as an example. ^[49] On Blind , anonymous Nexon employee criticized Ppuri for putting the burden to fix the game on Nexon developers. ^{[39] [50]}

Later investigations performed by news media and Ppuri's interviews in December 2023 found that the allegations led by Nexon and the finger pinching theorists were erroneous. Worksheets provided by Ppuri revealed that the "feminist hand gesture" scene in the Angelic Buster trailer was not drawn by a female employee, but a male animator in his forties. ^{[51] [52] [53]} Other vetted rumors include: that Ppuri has voided its offices and ghosted its clients (it never did, although a number of employees were temporarily relocated to other places in light of threatening phone calls and several unidentified people visiting and taking photos of the main office); ^[45] that Ppuri interposed additional key poses between the original works and failed to notify Nexon (all works were closely supervised and approved by Nexon, including the alleged hand gesture scene); ^[45] and that Ppuri has performed similar practice on a promotional video of Street Fighter 6 (the company did not work on said animatics). ^[51]

Nexon has eluded subsequent contacts from Ppuri afterwards. ^[1] The company faced additional complaints from Nexon players after the scandal, who insisted there're more pinch fingers in MapleStory. Each was resolved with Nexon removing the finger pinching. ^{[54] [4]}

Since the scandal, Ppuri sought to pursue legal actions against internet trolls who harassed its employees. Ppuri's press conference in December 2023 mentioned it had collected over thousands of internet posts of cyberbullying against the company and its animators; ^[55] 308 posts were eventually chosen to press criminal charge through the Seocho District police. ^[56] The police initially dismissed Ppuri's charges in July 2024, on the basis that it's logical for defendants to criticize Ppuri animators for allying with feminists. ^{[57] [58] [59]} It re-opened the case two days later, after its decision was met with public condemnation and a request for reinvestigation from the Prosecutors' Office. ^{[60] [56]} On September 9, the police announced that it specified 65 defendants and had started pressing charges against them. ^[61]

List of notable responses

Date of response	Entity	Details
May 1, 2021	GS25	See § Origin and spread
May 2, 2021	National Police Agency	In light of the GS25 controversies, a promotional flyer of the Road Traffic Act posted by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency was met with decry from theorists. [62] The flyer contained a hand pointing to its phrase. The police explained in a subsequent announcement that the hand is to emphasize the news and, to avoid confusion, promised it'd withdraw the flyers and replace them. [63]
May 7, 2021	Genesis BBQ	In May 2021, Genesis BBQ received condemnation from theorists for featuring a pinch finger in its advertising poster, where a hand picked up a sausage with its fingers. The company apologized on May 7 and suspended distribution of the poster. [64]
May 7, 2021	Kyochon	Kyochon's fried chicken advertisement came under scrutiny when its social media posts featured an image that depicted two fingers grabbing its product, which was found by theorists offensive due to resembling the pinch finger. Kyochon denied any intention of misandry, but removed the image nonetheless. [64] [65]
May 3, 2021	Musinsa	On April 26, 2021, Musinsa commenced a collaborative event with Hyundai Card and posted a promotional flyer in which both hands were grasping a wallet and a credit card. This caused a turmoil in male-centric internet forums, which found the flyer similar to "Megalia hands." Musinsa initially published an announcement on May 3 that the flyer is meant to symbolize barter. This wasn't the first time Musinsa was accused of misandry, as the company issued coupons for female customers in March 2021, only for it to cancel them when the promotion was criticized for being a "reverse discrimination" against men, with its president Cho Manho giving an apology on social media. [66] On June 3, Cho Manho announced he'd step down from president, taking full responsibility of aforementioned two incidents. [67]
May 3, 2021	Emart	Emart24 announced a promotional event to win a prize on May 1, 2021, and posted a related poster. The poster, where a man was shown pointing to stars with his hand, was met with uproar from the theorists due to resembling pinch finger, spurring Emart to remove the hand on May 3. [68]
May 17, 2021	Pyeongtaek	In May 2021, the Pyeongtaek city hall received online protest when it distributed a poster for competition, which included an image of a group of people, one of which was found offensive by the finger pinching theorists due to having a hand gesture similar to "misandry fingers." A city hall official spoke on May 17 that they apologized for upsetting the theorists and decided to discard the existing copies, having to reprint approximately 32 banners, 200 posters, and 4,000 flyers. [69] In August 2021, the Pyeongtaek city hall was condemned by theorists again when it shared a guide on social media about how to prepare for heat waves in the area, which included an illustration of a farmer wiping his sweat with a hand gesture that allegedly looked like a pinch finger. The city hall reacted by removing the guide. [70]
May 17, 2021	MMTG	On May 13, 2021, Jaejae, the producer of SBS program MMTG, participated in the Baeksang Arts Awards and ate a chocolate bar on red carpet as impromptu performance, which was publicly broadcast on television. Finger pinching theorists took issues with her action, as picking up the chocolate bar with fingers was seen as an act of misandry. The production team behind MMTG denied the rumor and suggested to stop spreading controversies without proofs. [71] [72] Jaejae later described her experience dealing with finger pinching theories at the time to have been stressful. [73] [74]
May 25, 2021	Rankingdak	Rankingdak's wrapping paper caused controversies for featuring a hand pointing at taglines, which looked like finger pinching to theorists. The company apologized and promised to change the design on May 25. [75]
May 27, 2021	KakaoBank	KakaoBank apologized for implying misandry with its promotional material, which had a woman pointing at her cellphone. [76]
May 27, 2021	Ministry of National Defense	On May 22 and 26, Ministry of National Defense uploaded announcements about its welfare system on its social media, which contained images of soldiers doing a salute. This was considered a controversial move by theorists, as the images had what's perceived as pinch fingers. [77] Its spokesperson Bu Seungchan officially apologized on May 27 during its regular briefing, for causing a "certain misunderstanding and controversy." [78]
June 7, 2021	War Memorial of Korea	On June 6, 2021, theorists protested against the War Memorial of Korea through its website board, claiming one of its facilities is featuring a finger pinching gesture on its dedicated photo spot. Theorists argued that a Megalia user has assimilated the organization to present the pinch finger gesture and must be relieved from their position immediately, despite the fact that said work was on display since 2012 or 2013, predating Megalia's establishment in 2015. Nevertheless, an official apologized to the theorists on the next day and removed the work. [79] [80]
August 6, 2021	Ministry of the Interior and Safety	A poster distributed by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety drew ire from theorists in August 2021 as it featured an image of a man shutting a window, whose pose was claimed to promote misandry. On August 6, the ministry apologized for causing misandry controversy and removed the image. [81] [82] On October 26, 2021, theorists rallied additional campaign as another poster was subject to similar hand controversy; the ministry accepted the accusation on October 27 and apologized as well. [83]
August 26, 2021	Smilegate	In August 2021, Smilegate's MMORPG Lost Ark received accusations of featuring the offensive hand gesture. One of its avatar icons was an "OK sign," with an index finger nearly touching a thumb, which some of Lort Ark began claiming was a sexist insult against men. This icon has been in the game since March 2018, but the publisher quickly complied with the demands for removal, promising to policy "game-unrelated controversies" in their products. [21] [84] In November 2023, in light of Nexon's public condemnations against Studio Ppuri's animatic works, Smilegate's Epic Seven faced an accusation that its promotional trailer, also worked by Ppuri, contained pinch fingers. The director Kim Yunha announced in the following statement that he's ordered to take down related promotional videos and conduct a thorough investigation. [36] [85]
March 25, 2022	Starbucks	Starbucks RTD published an advertisement on Instagram about an upcoming summer event on May 25, 2022, in which there was a shadow of a hand grabbing its product. This drew uproar from internet forums that considered it too similar to the finger pinch. Starbucks RTD pulled the ad later that day and issued an apology. [86]
July 19, 2022	Line	In July 2022, Line was accused of promoting misandry by the theorists because, when they typed "small" in its text prompt, the software recommended the finger pinching emoji via autocorrection. The Line development team denied the rumor when it talked to The Chosun Ilbo about the matter. [87]
November 26, 2023	Nexon	See § MapleStory scandal
November 26, 2023	Kakao Games	Kakao Games announced on November 26, 2023, that Eternal Return has removed its opening animation produced by Ppuri following the MapleStory scandal. [88]
November 28, 2023	Posco	In August 2023, Posco uploaded an animated employee recruitment video on its official YouTube channel. On November 28, 2023, the video came under fire from the theorists for featuring multiple incidents of finger pinching gesture. Posco took down the video without publishing a statement on the same day. [89] [90]
December 7, 2023	Ministry of Health and Welfare	The Ministry of Health and Welfare distributed a poster for the 2023 Medical Scientist Conference, which caused uproar from theorists as it featured an image of a woman pointing a finger and therefore implies misandry. The ministry announced on December 7 that the image was created by a British company on April 24, 2021, having nothing to do with the finger pinching, but it's nonetheless replaced the poster with a new one. [91] [92]
December 2023	Binggrae	Prior to controversies, Binggrae was running an advertising campaign featuring Binggraeus, a brand character based on its corporate image. In December 2023, Binggrae pulled off the original promotion and replaced it with a new character design that depicts Binggraeus' hands as flat circles. This change was interpreted by the news media as a corporate decision to conform to the theorists. [93] [94]
June 30, 2024	Renault	In June 2024, Renault Korea Motors, the Korean unit of French auto group, revealed showcase videos on its corporate YouTube channel. The videos were accused by theorists as a dog whistle of misandry, as they allegedly featured multiple incidents of a female employee doing a finger pinching hand gesture. Renault Korea blocked public access to the videos on June 30 and wrote it sincerely apologize to everyone who felt discomfort due to its recent internal promotional content. [95] [96] [97] The female employee in the video issued an apology on June 29 on the YouTube channel's community, saying, "I was aware that a certain hand gesture was problematic, but I didn't know my presentation in the video could be interpreted that way." She was adamant that she didn't do it on purpose. The apology was shortly deleted that day. [98] [99] There were reportedly internal complaints against Renault's handling of the incident and the employee herself; [100] the company later claimed it had issued a suspension on her. [101] [102] The Korea Herald reported that Renault mishandled apology because it underestimated the gravity of the issue. [103] The employee was subject to online harassment shortly afterwards, with doxing and death threats against her reported on news media. [104] [105] [106] Renault Korea president Stephane Deblaise announced on July 3 that the company acknowledged the situation and would open a personnel committee with experts to discuss it. [107]
July 1, 2024	Volvo Cars	A Korean Volvo employee posted on Blind that there's an unpleasant display of pinch fingers in Volvo posters from June 2024. They were presented by theorists as proof of feminists "ruining the automotive industry". [108] Volve Korea removed the posters that day. [102]
July 15, 2024	Hyundai Heavy Industries union	On July 12, 2024, the union of Hyundai Heavy Industries published an article in its newsletter, which condemned its company's alleged use of finger-pinching on its outdoor signage. The newsletter claimed that feminists were suffering from "mental leprosy" and must be locked up in asylum. [109] [110]
August 21, 2024	Ministry of Employment and Labor	On August 2, 2024, the Ministry of Labor and Employment released public materials that detailed safety hazards and warned fatal fall. The ministry received complaints over the safety infographic for the worker's hand resembling the finger pinching, and announced on August 21 that the image was revised. [111] [112]
August 23, 2024	Korean Red Cross	A poster created by Korean Red Cross' Gyeongnam branch drew controversies from theorists, who argued that a female soldier's salute resembled the finger pinching and evoked misandry. After protests through Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission website, Red Cross official announced that the organization scrapped the prints, and apologized for images that could cause misunderstanding. [113] [114]
August 30, 2024	Gwangju Nambu Police Station	On August 27, 2024, the Gwangju police station created a poster for prevention of deepfake sexual crime, and distributed it to schools within the city. It caused outrage for what's perceived by theorists as the finger pinching hands in the image. The police announced an official statement on August 30 that the poster was withdrawn and would be replaced with new one. [115] [116]
September 6, 2024	Seoul Milk	Dairy cooperative Seoul Milk started a promotional event on September 3, 2024, looking for potential influencers to recruit for its product marketing. One of the guidelines in the notice was to "avoid a hand gesture that can cause controversies when you grab products or open yogurt", which meant the "misandry hand gesture", as later confirmed by Seoul Milk official. [117] The event became controversial on social media for allegedly appeasing the finger pinching theorists. Seoul Milk revised the notice to remove the line on September 6. [118] [119]
October 10, 2024	Hyundai Motor Company	In 2023, Hyundai has uploaded a series of videos named Electric Car How-TO, providing guides for the company's all-electric vehicle models. In October 2024, theorists alleged that the one posted in March 2023 featured the finger pinching. Hyundai took down all of Electric Car How-TO videos and apologized with an announcement that the company would tighten up self-censorship on its contents. [120]

Discourse

The finger pinching conspiracy theory is widely agreed to be a hoax. ^[c] No robust evidence suggests that radical feminist groups are planting the gesture to promote misandry. ^{[24] [53]} Some argue that the structure of the human hand results in the gesture being unintentionally formed many times a day. ^{[123] [124] [125]} Some analysts have argued that isolating single frames from animation is meaningless, as animations exist in motion. ^[9] Other sources agreed that theorists engaged in doxing and cyberbullying. ^{[126] [127] [128]}

South Korean organizations that appeased the theorists were criticized and described as enabling their behavior. ^[126] Several authors argued that such appeasement reinforced the confirmatory bias of the theorists, and infringed on people's rights to labor and expression. ^{[10] [123] [8]} Noh Jimin, of Media Today , criticized news outlets that she felt did not critically analyze the truthfulness of the GS25 and MapleStory incidents. ^{[24] [129]}

The finger pinching theory was debated by news media as a medium of justifying harassment against women. The Korea Herald in its 2019 article cited Jammi, a livestreamer accused of being a radical feminist after she used a pinching hand sign, as an example of growing anti-feminist expectations placed on female celebrities. ^[130] Jammi later committed suicide in January 2022 after online accusations of her being misandrist, with presses mentioning the finger pinching incident. ^{[131] [132]} Seoul Shinmun regarded the finger pinching theory as a tool of "hatred framing", taking certain keywords out of context and misrepresenting them to discriminate the speaker. ^[133]

Some presses argued the conspiracy theory has had a negative effect on creative works. The Chosun Ilbo reported that the finger pinching controversies, with the other internet disputes, have costed extra resources for companies to alter their commercial advertisements and avoid potential complaints. ^[116] Webtoon, an American-Korean webcomic platform owned by Naver, became a subject of constant disputes for the company's policies over the fingers. ^[134] Webtoon comics like Return of the Blossoming Blade and Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint were criticized for censoring the alleged depiction of finger pinching hand gestures, with opponents of the conspiracy theory describing Naver's actions as inconsistent censorship and misogynic. ^{[135] [136] [137]}

Internet trolling

Critics of the finger pinching theory have focused on the impact of online communities, addressing their role in spreading rumors and encouraging online harassment against victims. Numerous authors have argued that a considerable number of theorists are exposed to male-dominated internet forums and social media. ^{[2] [138]} A 2021 The Hankyoreh report found that the accusations against GS25 in May 2021 came from and were subsequently spread by male-focused websites, including DC Inside, MLBpark, FMkorea, and Ruliweb. Based on its research, The Hankyoreh suggested these websites were pivotal to the backlash pattern. ^[139] Other websites that some argued influenced the theorists include Namuwiki and Arcalive. ^{[46] [140]} Writing on Hankook Ilbo , Lee Hyemi argued these online communities misled their users by exaggerating the presence of now-defunct Megalia even though it was short-lived and, at its prime, didn't have nearly as many members as other active websites like Ilbe Storehouse and FMkorea. ^[7] SisaIN interviewed Ppuri animator regarding the 2023 MapleStory scandal and discussed how misinformation is spread through male-centric communities. Users of Namuwiki, a wiki website, compiled alleged incidents on a "misandry controversy" article; the article falsely concluded that the Ppuri incident was a conspiracy. ^[46]

Some commentators compared the theorists to supporters of other conspiracy theories. Semyung University professor Sim Seoktae compared the theorists to flat Earthers. ^[1] Hankook Ilbo journalist In Hyeonu compared the theorists to Gamergate, which involved similar cherrypicking of information and harassment. In also compared the movement to Trumpism because of perceived neotribalism. He reported that Seoul National University professor Kim Sua suggested a counter-information campaign and to pass an anti-discrimination law. ^[141] Several authors compared the finger pinching theorists to "incels". ^{[142] [143]}

Writers for Kyunghyang Shinmun claimed that the emergence of the finger pinching theory is not an isolated incident, but a part of the ongoing antifeminist backlash movement on the South Korean internet since at least 2009. ^[28] Several writers for The Hankyoreh listed nine other similar antifeminist backlashes that occurred in 2021. ^[139]

Politics

Lee Jun-seok (left) and Ryu Ho-jeong (right), founding members of the New Reform Party, both supported Nexon in regard to the MapleStory scandal. ^{[144] [145]}

Several politicians have shown either support or objection for the conspiracy theory, sometimes conflicting within the same party. In 2021, Lee Jun-seok, an antifeminist figure and future party leader of the New Reform Party, first expressed support for the theory after the GS25 incident. ^[146] In 2023, he affirmed his support for the theorists after the MapleStory scandal. ^[144] Ryu Ho-jeong, a self-proclaimed feminist and also future founding member of the New Reform Party, also supported the theory and criticized Ppuri. Formerly a game developer at Smilegate, Ryu argued that Ppuri had hurt other developers in the video game industry. ^{[145] [147]}

Other politician supporters included People Power Party member Her Eun-a and former Democratic Party member Lee Sang-heon, who both supported Nexon during the MapleStory scandal. Heo Eun-a told an interviewer that Ppuri committed antisocial behavior and instigated gender conflicts, which she believed must be penalized. ^[148] When Lee Sang-heon was later informed by Kyunghyang Shinmun that Nexon's allegations had errors, he stood by his opinion and said that "the point is not a gender issue, but that there's a certain alignment buyers find uncomfortable". ^{[d] [150] [151]}

Politicians who rejected the theory included Jang Hye-young, a Justice Party member. Jang criticized Lee Jun-seok and expressed sympathy to the people the theorists impacted. ^[152] Democratic Party politician Woo Won-shik stated that it is the government's job to protect workers, and called for special labor supervision in video game industry. ^[153]

In regard to the politicians' support, several argued that the theory's staying power originates from South Korean society's attempt at appeasing idaenam (a term referring to, sometimes derisively, South Korean men in their twenties). ^{[28] [154] [155]} Kyunghyang Shinmun argued that the 2021 South Korean by-elections for the mayor of Seoul, where 72.5% of the male twenties supported Oh Se-hoon from the People Power Party in contrast to 22.2% for Park Young-sun from the Democratic Party, were a wake-up call for both parties, motivating politicians to shift their focus to courting idaenam. ^[28] Some authors proposed that politicians stop using the gender conflict as a means to win over a certain group's votes; ^{[8] [126] [15]} one expert also suggested that the government abandon the attitude that "there's no systemic sexism," ^[e] and act first as a role model. ^[126]

Video game industry

The country's video game industry was often central to the discussion of the controversies by many authors, some of which grounded their arguments on insider testimonies, who have suspected video game companies of being involved in removing people who support feminism. Several publications claimed the finger pinching controversies are an extension of the industry-wide feminist discharge that started back in 2016. ^{[158] [159] [127] [160] [161]} Pressian 's Park Sanghyeok claimed that the industry's irresistance to the conspiracy theory stemed from its skewed population over male demographics; according to Game Industry White Paper, in 2022, only 19.1% of video game industry workers in South Korea were female. ^{[4] [162]}

Nexon received significant criticism for allegedly prioritizing appeasing the theorists. Insiders contacted by Segye Ilbo claimed that, when the company replaced a voice actor in July 2016 in reaction to players accusing her of radical feminism, Nexon's internal meetings concluded the action was successful in enlarging its playerbase. Segye Ilbo argued this foreshadowed Nexon's actions in the MapleStory scandal. ^[159] An insider report from Kyunghyang Shinmun stated that Nexon ran a web scraping software biased toward male-dominated forums, as well as a program that rewarded community posts to form public opinion to its liking, though Nexon has denied this allegation. ^[163] Kyunghyang Shinmun's Yu Seonhui cited a separate fiasco involving officially sanctioned Dungeon & Fighter convention, which predated the MapleStory scandal by a couple weeks and was seen by Yu as a precedent of the Nexon developers promoting misogyny. Prior to the event, Nexon requested its participants to submit their social media account ID, a rule that didn't exist until that year. When questioned, Nexon emphasized "user's right to know." Yu argued that Nexon's policy change coincided with the feminist blacklisting movement from finger pinching theorists, who demanded all participants' Twitter history be searched, and that Nexon made a deliberate move to enable harassment against female players. Yu also cited another incident during that time, where Nexon delisted Dungeon & Fighter YouTube promotion of a singer who supported feminism. ^[164]

The Counter-antifeminism Emergency Response Committee, founded in March 2024 as a collaborated effort to respond to antifeminism in the video game industry, claimed that they received 77 reports of shunning feminists and women within the industry from August to December 2023, of which 17 cases were workplace bullying, 9 were cyberbullying, and 7 were unfair dismissal. ^[165] The organization cited numerous incidents where workers were unjustly treated or felt threatened, including: a staff who was fired after having arguments with a male worker who complained about women problems, with an executive explaining their actions were unforgivable; ^{[165] [166]} an interviewee who received questions from a company about Ppuri, merely days after the MapleStory scandal; ^{[167] [168] [169]} and testimonies that claimed they were seen as feminists because they had short hair or didn't wear makeup for meetings. ^[165]

Korean WomenLink, a women's rights organization, performed a protest in front of Nexon headquarters as an act against the MapleStory scandal, and later sent the company a written opinion compiled from approximately ten thousand people. ^{[170] [171]}

Notes

1. Korean : 집게손가락 음모론. Coined by a series of articles published in December 2023 by Kyunghyang Shinmun , in reaction to Nexon endorsing the theory when its video game, MapleStory , was accused of hiding finger pinching images in its promotional trailers. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
2. Alternative translation includes "crab hand". ^[8]
3. Attributed to multiple references: ^{[1] [6] [10] [7] [121] [11] [122]}
4. "어쨌든 중요한 점은 젠더 이슈가 아니고, 소비자, 구매자의 관계에 있어서 구매자들이 불편하게 여길 수 있는 기호가 들어갈 수 있다는 점" ^[149]
5. A direct quote of the South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol's interview in February 2022, one month prior to his victory in the presidential election. ^{[156] [157]}

References

1. Lee, Honggeun; Jeong, Hyojin; Kim, Eunseong (December 5, 2023). "메이플 '남혐 집게손가락'의 끊이지 않는 음모론" ['Men-hating Pinch Fingers' in MapleStory, a neverending conspiracy theory]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
2. Lee, Honggeun; Kim, Eunseong (December 14, 2023). "'집게손가락' 헛짚은 넥슨, 음모론에 빠진 이유는" [Nexon barking up the wrong tree with "Finger pinching" and why it believes in the conspiracy theory]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved July 5, 2024.
3. Lee, Honggeun (January 2, 2024). "뿌리의 '집게손가락 음모론' 설명회, 유저는 한 명도 오지 않았다" [Ppuri's 'finger pinching conspiracy theory' press conference, no user coming to the site]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
4. Park, Sanghyeok (June 21, 2024). "[단독] 넥슨, '집게손가락은 남성 비하' 억지 주장에 또 무릎 꿇었다" [Exclusive – Nexon bending its knee on the incomprehensible 'finger pinching misandry' once again]. Pressian . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
5. Kim, Victoria (June 11, 2021). "What's size got to do with it? Mocking a man's manhood spurs a reverse #MeToo in South Korea". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved August 9, 2024.
6. Jeong, Jihye (January 6, 2024). "[집게손사태 대해부] 반복되는 '페미 사상검증'에 우리 사회가 무력한 이유" [(Finger pinching Incident Analysis) Why our society is helpless to repeated 'feminist hunt']. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 12, 2024.
7. Lee, Hyemi (December 5, 2023). "이혜미의 허스펙티브 – 🤏조금 더 깊게 봅시다" [Lee Hyemi's Herspective – 🤏Let's look closely]. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
8. Yoon, So-yeon (July 13, 2024). "[WHY] Korea's two-finger salute: What is the 'crab hand' and why is it so controversial?". Korea JoongAng Daily . Retrieved July 15, 2024.
9. Kim, Jaeseok (December 4, 2022). "전문가에게 물었다, 게임업계 '집게손' 논란 어떻게 볼 것인가?" [Ask the expert: what to make of video game industry's 'Finger pinching' controversies?]. ThisIsGame (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
10. Jung, Hawon (July 30, 2022). "The Little Symbol Triggering Men in South Korea's Gender War" . The New York Times . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
11. Noh, Jeongtae (May 9, 2021). ""GS25發 '남혐' 논란은 비정상적 '메갈 찾기' 편집증"" ["GS25's 'misandry' controversy is an abnormal 'megalia search' paranoia"]. Shindonga. The Dong-A Ilbo . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
12. Jung, Hawon (January 27, 2023). "Women in South Korea Are on Strike Against Being 'Baby-Making Machines'" . The New York Times . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
13. Kwon, Jake (September 23, 2019). "South Korea's young men are fighting against feminism". CNN . Retrieved July 31, 2024.
14. Jo, Hyejeong (December 25, 2021). "이대남을 화나게 한 '그 페미니즘'" [The 'feminism' that made Idaenam angry]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 31, 2024.
15. "Anti-feminism backlash on the rise in South Korea". France 24 . August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
16. Choe, Sang-Hun (January 1, 2022). "The New Political Cry in South Korea: 'Out With Man Haters'" . The New York Times . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
17. "Meet the incels and anti-feminists of Asia" . The Economist . June 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
18. Park, Junseok (June 16, 2021). "남성차별 존재한다는 '이남자'... '남성 우월주의' 오륙남과는 달랐다" [The men who claim there's discrimination against themselves... Different from men in their 50s and 60s with male chauvinism]. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
19. Ahn, Ashley (December 3, 2022). "Feminists are protesting against the wave of anti-feminism that's swept South Korea". NPR . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
20. Kim, Bo-eun (October 31, 2017). "Korea grapples with war between genders". The Korea Times . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
21. Kwon, Jake (October 7, 2021). "Why a hand gesture has South Korean companies on edge". CNN . Retrieved July 5, 2024.
22. Jeong, Yongin (May 8, 2021). "GS25포스터 제작자는 왜 손모양을 반복 사용했을까" [Why did GS25 poster designers use the hand gesture repeatedly]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
23. Kim, Juwan (May 5, 2021). "1시간 만에 퍼진 GS25 '남성 혐오' 논란…진원지는 어디? [김주완의 어쩌다IT]" [GS25 misandry controversy spread in one hour... Where's it from? [Kim Juwan's How-IT]]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 26, 2024.
24. Noh, Jimin (May 19, 2021). "'GS25 남혐 논란', 존재하지 않는 가해자 찾기 위한 광기" ['GS25 Misandry Controversy', the madness seeking an offender that does not exist]. Media Today (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
25. Lee, Mina (May 2, 2021). "난리난 GS25, 남혐 논란에 포스터 수정 거듭하다 끝내 삭제" [GS25 in ruckus, fixing posters for the misandry controversy until deleting it]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
26. Choi, Minu (May 3, 2021). "GS25 남혐 여파… '노 지에스' 포스터에 불매 팁까지" [The aftermath of GS25 misandry... 'No GS25' poster and boycott]. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 26, 2024.
27. Jang, Geunuk (May 3, 2021). ""군부대 PX서 GS25 빼라" 남혐논란에 靑청원까지 등장" ["Withdraw GS25 from the Army" the petition to the Blue House amid misandry controversies]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
28. Gang, Handeul; Kim, Hyeri (May 4, 2021). "'집게손 모양'은 다 남성 혐오?…누구를 위한 논쟁인가" [All 'Finger pinching shape' is misandry? For whom the controversies are for]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
29. Kim, Yunju (July 12, 2021). "[단독] "저도 페미 싫어요" GS25 점주, 인권위 진정 당했다" ["I hate feminists, too" GS25 store owner, appealed at National Human Rights Commission]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
30. Park, Suji (May 3, 2024). "'GS25 손가락 모양이 남성 비하? 그럼 집게로 음식 집나'" ['GS25 hand shape is misandry? Then should we pick a food with tongs?']. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
31. Kim, Myeongil (May 2, 2021). "'남혐 논란' GS25 디자이너 "나도 아들 있는 워킹맘이다"" [GS25 designer of the misandry controversy, "I'm a working mom with a son"]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
32. Oh, Jeongmin; Lee, Migyeong (May 31, 2021). "'집게손' 남혐 논란 후폭풍…GS25는 결국 직원 징계 택했다" [The aftermath of 'Finger pinching']. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 26, 2024.
33. Chae, Yuntae (November 30, 2024). "게임 홍보영상에 0.1초 '집게손'…남초 또 발끈하자 넥슨 굴복" [0.1 seconds of 'Finger pinching' in video game promotion... Men on riot, Nexon abides]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
34. Lee, Honggeun; Jeong, Hyojin (November 28, 2023). "'낙인'찍고, '신상'털고… 다시 시작된 게임업계의 '패턴화된 백래시'" [Shunning, doxing... The 'patternized industry' returns in video game industry]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
35. Kim, Ju-yeon (November 27, 2023). "Online game promo removed after 'hateful feminist gesture' accusations". Korea JoongAng Daily . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
36. Lee, Hyejin (November 27, 2023). "이 장면에 왜… 게임마다 곳곳 심어진 손모양에 2030男 분노, 업계 발칵" [Why is it in this scene... The hand gesture in video games anger men in 20s and 30s, the industry in uproar]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
37. Baek, Byung-yeul (November 27, 2023). "Nexon, Kakao Games accused of using feminist hand gesture in promotional videos". The Korea Times . Retrieved July 5, 2024.
38. Lee, Honggeun; Jeong, Hyojin (December 4, 2023). "남성이 그린 '집게손가락' 콘티, 조사 없이 하청업체 압박한 넥슨" [The 'finger pinching' storyboard by a man, Nexon pressing on its subcontractor without investigation]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
39. Choi, Yeseul (November 27, 2023). ""혐오에 유린되도록 놔두지 않겠다" 메이플 디렉터의 격분" ["I won't let hatred violate the game" MapleStory director's fury]. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 31, 2024.
40. Kim, Jiyun (November 30, 2023). "'집게 손가락' 논란에 여의도도 가세… 검열 강화한 게임사들" [Yeouido on 'Finger pinching' controversies... Censorship strengthens in video game companies]. Kukmin Ilbo . Retrieved July 11, 2024.
41. Ahn, Sanghui (November 26, 2023). "게임 홍보 영상에 등장한 '남성 혐오 논란 손가락'… 업계 "사과, 진상 조사"" ['misandry controversy fingers' in a video game promotional video... The industry says "Apologies and investigations"]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
42. Lee, Honggeun (December 4, 2024). "'납작 엎드리는' 모습 보여야 했다…'집게손가락' 논란에 입 연 뿌리의 용기" [Forced to 'kneel down'... Ppuri's courage to speak up on 'Finger pinching' controversies]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
43. Chae, Yuntae (December 6, 2024). "'집게손' 피해자 "내가 안 그렸는데…날 공격해 놓고 사과조차 안 해"" ['Finger pinching' victim "I never drew it... They harassed me and never apologized for it"]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 31, 2024.
44. Oh, Donghyeon (December 2, 2023). "[혐오로 쪼개진 사회 上] '집게 손가락'이 뭐길래…게임업계 '발칵'" [(Society split by hate, part 1) What is the 'finger pinching'... video gaming industry in chaos]. Newsis . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
45. Kim, Jaeseok (December 6, 2022). "[인터뷰] '집게손' 논란의 중심 스튜디오 뿌리, "은근슬쩍 스리슬쩍" 혐오 넣었나?" [Ppuri, center of the 'Finger pinching' controversy. Did it "sneakily" put hatred in?]. ThisIsGame (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
46. Jeon, Hyewon (December 18, 2023). "게임을 보랬더니 손가락을 보는 사람들" [Those who look at fingers instead of video games]. SisaIN. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
47. Park, Jae-hyuk (December 1, 2023). "Nexon workers in conflict with umbrella union over stance on feminism". The Korea Times . Retrieved July 11, 2024.
48. Yun, Sangeon (December 4, 2023). "집게 손 논란에 "민주노총 탈퇴 검토"…넥슨 노조의 분노 왜" [Nexon union "considers quitting Korean Confederation of Trade Unions over finger pinching controversies... Why]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
49. Chae, Yongtaek (December 5, 2023). "'나뭇가지·옷주름도 집게손으로 보일라' 검열 나선 게임업체" ['Is there the finger pinching in tree branches and cloth wrinkles?' Censorship in video game companies]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 15, 2024.
50. Yoon, Min-sik (November 28, 2023). "Female Nexon employee berates 'misandrist gesture' in MapleStory video". The Korea Herald . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
51. Kim, Jaeseok (December 20, 2022). "이들은 왜 집게손을 의심하는가, 그리고 스튜디오 뿌리의 답변" [Why they suspect the finger pinching, and Studio Ppuri's answers]. ThisIsGame (in Korean). Retrieved July 27, 2024.
52. Lee, Honggeun; Jeong, Hyojin (November 30, 2023). "메이플 '집게손가락' 콘티, 남자가 그렸다" [MapleStory 'finger pinching' storyboard is by a man]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 23, 2024.
53. Chae, Yuntae (December 1, 2024). "메이플 '집게 손' 그린 작가는 남성…'페미 검증' 허상 드러나" [MapleStory pinch finger was drawn by a man... Why 'feminist hunt' is an illusion]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
54. Lee, Honggeun (December 28, 2023). "넥슨의 '선택적' 사과와 침묵…온라인서 끊이지 않는 논란" [Nexon's 'selective' apology and silence... Lasting online controversy]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved September 9, 2024.
55. Oh, Sejin (December 29, 2024). "'집게손가락' 누명에 피해 눈덩이…의혹제기 유저는 해명자리도 외면" [Devastation after being falsely framed for 'Finger pinching'... The accusers never showed up in a conference]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
56. Lee, Eungi (August 23, 2024). "페미니스트면 욕먹어도 괜찮다고? '넥슨 집게손 사이버 괴롭힘' 그 이후" [Is it okay to harass someone for being feminist? Aftermath of 'Nexon's finger pinching cyberbullying']. SisaIN. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
57. Park, Sanghyeok (August 5, 2024). "[단독] '넥슨 집게손 마녀사냥' 사이버불링 최소 3500건…경찰 "실익없다" 수사 종결" [Exclusive – 'Nexon finger pinching witch hunt' 3,500 cases of cyberbullying at minimum... Police closed the case on the basis of 'no benefit']. Pressian . Retrieved August 6, 2024.
58. Kim, Byeonggwon (August 7, 2024). "'넥슨 집게손' 각하 결정한 서초서, 이틀 만에 재수사 진행 결정" [Seocho police re-opens 'Nexon finger pinching' case after being dismissed two days ago]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved August 7, 2024.
59. Lee, Yeseul (August 7, 2024). "'넥슨 집게손 마녀사냥' 불송치했던 경찰 "미흡한 결정 인정" 재수사 착수" [The police admits its mistake and restarts investigation after dismissing 'Nexon finger-pinch witch hunt']. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved August 20, 2024.
60. Koo, Amo; Kim, Young-eun; Park, Su-hyeon (August 12, 2024). "South Korea reopens probe into controversial 'pincer gesture'". The Chosun Daily . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
61. Lee, Yujin (September 9, 2024). "경찰, '집게손 사건' 애니메이터 비방글 작성자 65명 특정" [Police specifies 65 persons that defamed 'finger pinching incident' animators]. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
62. Won, Usik (May 4, 2021). "손모양 갖고도 시비거는 性대결… 기업·경찰도 손들어" [Gender conflicts initiated by hands shape... Business and the police all surrender]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
63. Lee, Jubin; Lee, Jaeho (May 3, 2021). "경찰까지…"남혐 손모양" 근거 없는 공격에 홍보물 수정" [Even the police... A flyer edited after baseless "misandry fingers" attack]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 5, 2024.
64. Kim, Myeongil (May 7, 2021). ""음식을 왜 손가락으로 집나?" 치킨업계로 번진 '남혐' 논란" ["Why do you pick a food with fingers?" 'Misandry' controversies spread to chicken industry]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 15, 2024.
65. Lee, Seonghun (May 7, 2021). ""그 손가락이네"…GS25 이어 BBQ · 교촌도 화들짝" ["It's the fingers"... GS25, now BBQ and Kyochon took by surprise]. SBS News . Retrieved July 15, 2024.
66. In, Hyeonu (May 3, 2021). "집게모양 손은 다 남혐? GS25·경찰 이어 무신사도 '좌표' 찍혔다" [Is the finger pinching all misandry? GS25, the police, and now Musinsa 'targeted']. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
67. Park, Suji (June 3, 2021). "'집게 손' 불똥에…최대 패션 플랫폼 '무신사' 대표 물러나" ['Finger pinching' issue sparks... President of the biggest fashion platform Mushinsa resigns]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 21, 2024.
68. Lee, Mina (May 3, 2021). "GS25 남혐 논란에 비상 걸린 이마트 '손가락을 숨겨라'" [Emart alarmed by GS25 misandry controversies 'Hide the fingers']. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
69. Choi, Injin (May 17, 2021). "평택시 '남혐 손모양' 논란 포스터 전량 수거해 수정·재배포" [Pyeongtaek takes away all copies of 'misandry hand shape' posters, edited and reprinted]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
70. Hong, Minseong (August 4, 2021). ""평택시가 또"…공식 SNS에 '남혐' 손가락 재등장" ["Pyeongtaek does it again"... 'Misandry' fingers reappear in the official social media]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
71. Kim, Jihye (May 18, 2021). "'문명특급' 재재, '남혐' 억지 시비에 "근거 없는 논란 자제해 달라"" ['MMTG' Jaejae reacting to esoteric 'misandry' quarrel, "Please refrain from the baseless controversy"]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
72. Kim, Yeryang (May 18, 2021). "재재 남혐 논란에…'문명특급' 측 "크게 당황…관련無" [전문]" [Jaejae misandry controversy... 'MMTG' remarks "Dismayed... there's no relation"]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
73. Kim, Hyerin (August 31, 2021). ""인간말종이 돼있더라" 재재, 손가락 모양 논란 후 심경 고백" ["I've become a scum in their eyes" Jaejae, her thought after the finger shape controvery]. The Dong-A Ilbo . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
74. Park, Jeongyeop (August 31, 2021). ""인간 말종 됐었다"…재재, 뒤늦게 전한 '남혐 손가락' 논란" ["I've become a scum in their eyes"... Jaejae speaks about the former 'misandry finger' controversy]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
75. Choi, Minu (May 25, 2021). "'고추맛' 위에 손가락…랭킹닭컴 '남혐'논란 사과" [The hand over 'pepper flavor'... Rankingdak apologizes over 'misandry' controversy]. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 26, 2024.
76. Kim, Suyeong (May 27, 2021). "카카오뱅크도 '손가락 모양' 논란…"해당 이미지 모두 삭제"" [KakaoBank struck with the 'hand shape' controversy... "We've removed all images"]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 26, 2024.
77. Go, Seokhyeon (May 25, 2021). ""軍경례 누가 저렇게 하나" 이번엔 국방부 '그 손가락' 논란" ["Who salutes in the army like that?" This time, National Defense in trouble for the 'finger']. JoongAng Ilbo . Retrieved July 15, 2024.
78. "'저자세 대처'가 부추기는 비상식적 '집게손 논란'" [How 'low attitude' response escalates the nonsensical 'Finger pinching controversies']. The Hankyoreh . May 3, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
79. Kim, Namil (June 8, 2021). "'남혐' 논란에 2013년 그림 철거한 전쟁기념관…누리꾼 "헛웃음 나온다"" [War Memorial of Korea demolishes 2013 picture over 'misandry' controversies... "Laughable"]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
80. Kim, Myeongjin (June 7, 2021). "남혐 논란에 화들짝... 2012년 만든 '손가락'까지 없앤 전쟁기념관" [Surprised at misandry controversies... War Memorial of Korea removes its own 'fingers' created in 2012]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
81. Yun, Juyeong (December 12, 2021). "행안부의 '집게 손 포스터' 사과에..."정부가 '남성혐오' 주장에 힘 실어줘"" [Ministry of the Interior and Safety apologizes over 'finger pinching poster'... The government empowers the 'misandry' accusations]. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
82. Lee, Jeongha; Lee, Jeongyeon (June 6, 2021). ""공공기관, '남성 혐오' 억지 주장에 어물쩍 대처"" ["Public institutions carelessly give in toward the nonsensical 'misandry' arguments]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
83. Kim, Sojeong (October 27, 2021). "안전 홍보 포스터에 '그 손가락'이…행안부 "가스 밸브 잠그는 동작"" [The 'finger' in public safety promotional poster... Ministry of the Interior and Safety says "It's a motion to lock gas valves"]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
84. "특정 표현을 연상시키는 아이콘 이미지 조치사항 안내" [A notice for icon image that recalls certain expression]. Lost Ark. Smilegate. August 26, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
85. Lee, Haejun (December 4, 2023). ""저거 남혐 아냐?" 업계 발칵 뒤집은 '집게 손가락'…넥슨 사과" ["Isn't that misandry?" The 'Finger pinching' turns the industry upside down... Nexon apologizes]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 15, 2024.
86. Song, Jusang (March 25, 2022). "스타벅스 캔커피에도 '그 손가락'?… 논란 일자 삭제 후 사과" [The 'finger' on Starbucks canned coffee?... Apology after removal]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 15, 2024.
87. Kim, Yanghyeok (July 19, 2022). "메신저 라인 '남혐 논란'…SMALL 입력시 집게손 이모티콘 자동생성" [Messaging app Line in 'misandry controversy'... Autocorrecting SMALL into finger pinching emoticon]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
88. Lee, Jeongyun (November 26, 2023). ""이 손가락 또 등장했네"…게임사들, '남성 혐오' 논란에 긴급 공지 올렸다" ["This finger shows up again"... Video game companies, emergent notices after 'misandry' controversies]. The Asia Business Daily. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
89. Kim, Ju-yeon; Han, Jee-hye (November 30, 2023). "Internet post accuses Posco of having 'feminist' gestures in recruitment video". Korea JoongAng Daily . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
90. Chae, Yuntae; Ok, Giwon; Yu, Seonhui (December 1, 2022). "허상 밝혀져도 '페미 검증'에 몸 사리는 기업, 논란의 판 키운다" [Businesses laying low over 'feminist hunt' in spite of its faults, growing the controversies]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 16, 2024.
91. Im, Jaehui (December 8, 2023). "정부, '집게손' 주장에 '2년 전 영국 작품' 알고도 포스터 회수" [The government tells the 'Finger pinching' argument 'it's a British work from 2 years ago', still removes the poster]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 23, 2024.
92. Lee, Honggeun; Kim, Hyangmi; Jeong, Hyojin (December 8, 2023). "복지부가 회수한 '집게손가락' 포스터, 영국서 사온 이미지였다" [The 'Finger pinching' poster purchased by Ministry of Health and Welfare was a British image]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 23, 2024.
93. Kim, Hyeonjeong (July 6, 2024). "'집게손' 뭇매 빙그레, 손가락 없는 '둥근손' 캐릭터 내놨다" [Binggrae under 'finger pinching' censure, coming back with fingerless characters]. The Asia Business Daily. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
94. Park, Sanghyeok (July 10, 2024). "1도 잘못없는 '집게손', 그럼에도 해고는 정의구현일까?" [Not a single proof in 'Finger pinching', is the lay-off justice?]. Pressian . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
95. "Renault Korea apologizes after YouTube channel accused of showing finger pinching gesture considered misandry symbol". The Korea Times . July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
96. Yu, Jihui (June 30, 2024). ""4년 만에 신차 내놨는데"…르노코리아 '남혐 논란' 발칵" ["This was the first new vehicle in last four years"... Renault Korea in trouble for misandry]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
97. Oh, Sejin (July 2, 2024). "르노 '집게손' 논란…'덮어놓고 사과' 기업이 페미검증 키운다" [Renault 'Finger pinching' controversy... 'Just give in and apologize' How companies encourage the feminist hunt]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 5, 2024.
98. Sim, Yeonggu (July 1, 2024). "'집게 손' 동작이 남성혐오?…르노코리아 "불편함 느낀 모든 분에게 사과"" ['Finger pinching' gesture is misandry?... Renault Korea, "We're sorry to all who felt uncomfortable"]. SBS News . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
99. Go, Eunsang (July 1, 2024). "신차 영상에 이 손모양이 왜‥르노 사과했지만 '후폭풍'" [Why is this hand gesture on the new vehicle trailer... Renault, the 'aftermath' after apology]. MBC News . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
100. Lee, Hyeyeong (July 1, 2024). ""어떻게 버텨왔는데"…'집게손 파장' 분노 드러낸 르노 직원들" ["We have endured all this time..." Renault employees upset after 'finger pinching ramification']. Sisa Journal . Retrieved October 20, 2024.
101. Oh, Sejin (July 2, 2024). "르노 '집게손' 직원 징계 압박에…"명백한 인권 침해"" [Renault forcing discipline on 'finger pinching' employee... "Obvious violation of human rights"]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 23, 2024.
102. Lee, Mina (July 1, 2024). "르노 말고 또 있었다…볼보 남혐 논란 재조명 "치욕적"" [Another one besides Renault... Volvo misandry controversy highlighted, "disgraceful"]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
103. Moon, Joon-hyun (July 7, 2024). "[KH Explains] How a hand gesture can turn into a corporate crisis". The Korea Herald . Retrieved September 22, 2024.
104. Lee, Yuna (July 4, 2024). "프랑스 언론, 르노코리아 사태 조명..."한국은 젠더갈등 극심한 나라"" [French news press covers Renault Korea incident... "South Korea suffers from severe gender conflicts"]. YTN . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
105. Kim, Soyeon (July 4, 2024). ""르노 '집게손' 직원, 정당한 값 치를 것"…살인 예고글 등장" ["Renault 'finger pinching' employee wil pay for what she did"... Death threat ensues]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
106. Kim, Jihye (July 4, 2024). ""르노 '집게 손' 직원 XX 살죠? 찾아내서…" 살인예고 글 논란" ["The Renault 'finger pinching' employee lives in XX, right? I'll find her and..." death threat post controversy]. JoongAng Ilbo . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
107. Lee, Gayeong (July 4, 2024). ""남녀 격렬한 전쟁" 프랑스 언론이 조명한 르노코리아 '손동작' 논란" ["Fierce gender war" French news highlights Renault Korea 'Finger pinching' controversies]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 23, 2024.
108. Kim, Jinuk (July 1, 2024). "또 남혐 논란… 르노 이어 볼보서도 '집게손'" [Another misandry controversies... Renault followed by Volvo for 'finger pinching']. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 24, 2024.
109. Kim, Myeongjin (July 13, 2024). ""페미, 정신적 문둥병" 소식지에 이런 글 실은 현대중공업노조" ["Feminists have mental leprosy," Hyundai Heavy Industries union newsletter says]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 15, 2024.
110. Jo, Haeram (December 5, 2023). ""페미는 정신적 문둥병, 격리해야"···현대중공업 노조 여성혐오 논란" ["Feminists had mental leprosy and should be contained..." misogyny controversy from Hyundai Heavy Industries union]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved October 20, 2024.
111. Gwon, Minji (August 21, 2024). "정부까지 번진 '집게손 포비아'…민원 2건에 삽화 수정한 고용부" ['Finger pinching-phobia' spills to the government… the Ministry of Employment and Labor revises an image over 2 complaints]. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved September 9, 2024.
112. Shin, Ji-hye (August 21, 2024). "Watch your fingers: Ministry revises safety infographic after pinching gesture complaints". The Korea Herald . Retrieved September 9, 2024.
113. Lee, Mina (August 23, 2024). "'홍보 포스터 속 여군 손가락이…' 국방부에 민원 제기됐다" ['Female soldier's fingers in a poster...' Civil complaint to the Ministry of Defense]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved August 23, 2024.
114. Song, Chihun (August 23, 2024). "경례 손모양이 왜 저래?…군장병 헌혈 포스터 '집게손' 그림 논란" [What's with the salute finger? Military blood donation poster 'finger pinching' image controversy]. The Dong-A Ilbo . Retrieved August 23, 2024.
115. Kim, Soyeon (August 30, 2021). "'딥페이크 예방' 경찰 포스터에 그 손가락?…성별혐오 논란" [The finger on the 'deepfake prevention' police poster?... Gender hatred controversy]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved August 31, 2024.
116. Lee, Miji (October 31, 2024). "손가락도, 퐁퐁도 금지… 피곤한 금기 사회에서 생존하기" [No fingers, no pongpong... How to survive in the exhausting society of taboo]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
117. Park, Sanghyeok (September 6, 2024). "요거트 뚜껑 열 때도 '집게손' 조심? 서울우유, 또 여성혐오 논란" [Be careful of 'finger pinching' when opening yogurt cap? Seoul Milk in another round of misogyny controversy]. Pressian . Retrieved September 6, 2024.
118. Choi, Hyeseung (September 6, 2024). ""뚜껑 열 때 손동작 주의"… 서울우유, 논란 차단하려다 '여혐' 역풍" ["Watch out for hand gesture when opening cap"... Seoul Milk, faces headwind after an attempt to avoid controversy]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved September 6, 2024.
119. Chae, Hyeseon (September 6, 2024). ""뚜껑 열 때 손동작 주의하라"…또 여혐 논란 터진 서울우유, 왜" ["Beware the hand gesture when opening cap"... Another misogyny accusation against Seoul Milk, why]. JoongAng Ilbo . Retrieved September 6, 2024.
120. Seong, Jinu (October 11, 2024). "현대차, '집게손 논란'에 "혐오 표현 확인 못해…진심으로 사과"" [Hyundai Motor to 'finger pinching controversy', "we sincerely apologize for not noticing the hate"]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved October 20, 2024.
121. Kim, Sewon (July 10, 2024). "허구의 남성혐오 '집게손가락'" [Nonexistent misandry and 'Finger pinching']. The Women's News. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
122. Kim, Dongjin (December 9, 2023). "실체도 없는 '집게손 논란', 한 편의 코미디였다 [김동진의 다른 시선]" [Unsubstantial 'finger pinching controversy', an epitome of comedy]. Sisa Journal . Retrieved October 20, 2024.
123. Park, Kwon-il (December 1, 2023). "'메갈리아'의 세계 지배" ['Megalia' on world domination]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 10, 2024.
124. Kim Jeong, Huiwon (July 10, 2024). "거룩하고 의로운 '집게손' 전쟁" [Holy, righteous 'Finger pinching' war]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 16, 2024.
125. Jeong, Soyeon (August 15, 2024). "[동아광장/정소연]경찰까지 파고든 '집게손 음모론'" [The police falls for 'finger pinching controversy']. The Dong-A Ilbo . Retrieved August 17, 2024.
126. Park, Yubin (January 11, 2024). "[집게손사태 대해부] 최태섭 작가 "손 놓는 정부, 이용한 정치권 책임 커… 접점 키울 양질의 소통 늘어야"" [(Finger pinching Incident Analysis) Write Choi Taeseop, "Much blame on the government that does nothing and the policitians who manipulate it for their benefit... We must initiate first-rate communication"]. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
127. Cho, Minyeong (July 4, 2024). "'정의구현'이라는 착각" [A delusion called 'justice']. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
128. Oh, Sejin (July 6, 2024). "'집게손' 논란, 누구의 잘못인가" ['Finger pinching' controversies, whose fault is it]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
129. Noh, Jimin (December 12, 2023). "'집게 손가락' 사태, 공포감 키운 언론의 무책임" ['Finger pinching' fiasco, the irresponsibility of journalism creating fear]. Media Today . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
130. Yim, Hyun-su (February 11, 2022). "[Newsmaker] After being called feminists, these women faced online harassment". The Korea Herald . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
131. Kim, Sojeong (February 7, 2022). "악플로 母도 떠나보냈던 BJ잼미, 극단적 선택…유족 "고인 모욕, 제발 그만"" [Livestreamer Jammi takes her own life after her mother passed away from internet trolling... Family "Please stop insulting the dead"]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
132. Ha, Suyeong (February 7, 2022). "BJ잼미 숨지자 사과 영상 올린 유튜버…누가 진짜 그녀를 죽였나" [YouTuber apologizes after Livestreamer Jammi's death... Who is the real killer]. JoongAng Ilbo . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
133. Yu, Daegeun; Choi, Hunjin; Lee, Juwon; Lee, Geuna (July 27, 2022). "집게손·쇼트커트 뭐길래… 투항할 때까지 붙이는 '혐오 딱지들'[정중하고, 세련된 혐오사회]". Seoul Shinmun . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
134. Son, Eomji (October 29, 2024). "네이버웹툰 이번엔 집게손가락 논란'…젠더갈등에 이념논쟁까지" [Naver Webtoon in a finger pinching controversy... Gender conflicts and ideology disputes]. News1. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
135. Yun, Yewon (November 4, 2024). "'퐁퐁남 논란' 네이버웹툰… 이용자들 '검열기준 공개해라' 트럭시위" ['Pongpong male controversy' Naver Webtoon... Users performing a truck protest, 'Disclose your censorship policy']. Chosun Biz . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
136. Kim, Sewon (July 10, 2024). "'퐁퐁남'이 쏘아올린 공… '여성혐오 웹툰' 플랫폼 네이버, 책임론 커진다" ['Pongpong male' shot the ball... 'Misogynic Webtoon' platform Naver, opinions for its responsibility rise]. The Women's News. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
137. Lee, Seungyeon (November 4, 2024). "[SNS세상] "혐오표현 검열기준 공개하라"…네이버웹툰 이용자들 트럭시위" [(SNS World) "Disclose the censorship policy of hate speech"... Naver Webtoon users on truck protest]. Yonhap News Agency . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
138. Tan, Yvette; Yip, Waiyee (August 10, 2021). "Why South Korean women are reclaiming their short hair". BBC . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
139. Gang, Jaegu; Chang, Yeji (February 5, 2022). "남초 커뮤니티에서 쏜 '화살촉', 어떻게 백래시 '승리 공식' 만들었나" [An arrow shot by male-dominated communities, how it formed a successful backlash 'formula']. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
140. Chae, Yuntae (June 1, 2024). "'혐오 커뮤니티' 아닌 '진짜 게임 소비자' 목소리 낸다" [The 'real video game consumers' speak up instead of 'hatred communities']. Hankyoreh 21 (in Korean). The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 4, 2024.
141. In, Hyeonu (May 16, 2021). "온라인 '안티 페미니즘'에 트럼프주의의 그림자가 보인다" [The shadow of Trumpism lurks on the online 'antifeminism']. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
142. Lim, Jason (August 8, 2021). "Korean men triggered by pinch symbol". The Korea Times . Retrieved August 31, 2024.
143. Jeong, Jihye (December 3, 2023). "집게손 대전 2탄…사회는 왜 남초커뮤 '악성민원'에 굴복하나" [Finger pinching battle round 2... Why our society surrenders to male communities' vicious complaints]. Segye Ilbo . Retrieved August 31, 2024.
144. Choi, Yongrak (February 19, 2024). "이준석 "나는 떳떳, '혐오' 문제 소지 발언한 적 없다"…진짜로?" [Lee Jun-seok, "I got no dirts and did not speak up for 'hatred' arguments"... Is it true?]. Pressian . Retrieved July 14, 2024.
145. Kim, Myeongjin (November 29, 2023). "류호정 "집게 손, 명백한 조롱...비웃음거리 될 뿐"" [Ryu Ho-jeong "Finger pinching is hatred... It's nothing but derisive"]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 14, 2024.
146. Oh, Gyeongmin; Choi, Minji (May 14, 2021). "근거 없는 '남혐' 정치인·언론 타고 공론장으로…'페미니즘 백래시'" [Ungrounded 'misandry', heading to public sphere with a vehicle of politicians and news media... 'feminism backlash']. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved August 7, 2024.
147. Kim, Jeongjae (December 5, 2023). "'정의당 찐친' 류호정·장혜영도 엇갈렸다…'집게 손' 후폭풍" [Justic Party's Ryu Ho-jeong and Jang Hye-young with different views... 'Finger pinching' aftermath]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 24, 2024.
148. Sin, Hyeonbo (December 5, 2023). "허은아 "곪아 터진 남녀 갈등…저결혼·저출산으로" [인터뷰" [Interview - Heo Eun-a "The conflict between men and women intensifies... leading to low marriage, low birth rate"]. The Korea Economic Daily . Retrieved August 31, 2024.
149. Yun, Gieun; Park, Chaeyeon (December 4, 2023). "메이플 사태 '섀도우 복싱' 가담한 국회의원, 음모론 거짓 드러나도 '입꾹닫'" [Politicians join 'shadow boxing' in MapleStory incident, silence after faults of the conspiracy exposed]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved August 6, 2024.
150. Yun, Gieun; Park, Chaeyeon (December 5, 2023). "'집게손 남성혐오' 주장에 동조글 올린 국회의원들" [The Congress members who sympathize with 'Finger pinching misandry' arguments]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 10, 2024.
151. Jeong, Jihye; Park, Yubin (January 6, 2024). "[집게손사태 대해부] 손가락 논란 올라탄 정치인들 속내는…사회 지도층의 '말말말'" [(Finger pinching Incident Analysis) Politicians hopping on the finger controversies... Various statements of the social leadership]. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 12, 2024.
152. Tak, Jiyeong (December 1, 2023). "장혜영 "이준석, 집게손가락 억지 논란 언제까지 침묵할 건가"" [Jang Hye-young, "Lee Jun-seok, when are you gonna break silence on the illogical finger pinching controversies"]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 24, 2024.
153. Yu, Seonhui (October 18, 2023). "1만2천여명 청원과 함께 국감장에 오른 '게임업계 페미니즘 사상검증'" ['Feminist eviction in video game industry' on National Assembly inspection with 12,000 petitions]. Kyunghyang Sinmun (in Korean). Retrieved August 17, 2024.
154. Lee, Jeongyeon (February 5, 2022). "목소리 지워졌다고…우린 이대남 아니란 말입니까?" [Voice erased... Are we not the Idaenam, too?]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 14, 2024.
155. Choi, Yuna (September 3, 2024). "서지현 "집게손엔 사과하더니…만연한 성폭력, 국가가 공범"" [Seo Jihyeon "Apologizing for finger pinching... The government is the accessory to rampant sex crimes"]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved September 3, 2024.
156. Gunia, Amy (March 10, 2022). "How South Korea's Yoon Suk-yeol Capitalized on Anti-Feminist Backlash to Win the Presidency". Time . Retrieved July 25, 2024.
157. Park, Jeongyeop (February 7, 2022). "윤석열 "구조적 성차별 없다. 차별은 개인적 문제"" [Yoon Suk Yeol "There's no systemic sexism. The discrimination is all personal problem."]. The Chosun Ilbo . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
158. Choi, Eunseo (December 10, 2023). ""넥슨 무릎 꿇리는 놀이인가"...페미니즘 백래시 강해졌다" ["Is this a game of bending Nexon's knee?"... Feminism backlash intensifies]. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
159. Lee, Jimin; Park, Yubin; Jeong, Jihye (January 4, 2024). "[집게손사태 대해부] 男 이용자 등 돌릴라 '백래시' 무차별 포용… 놀이가 된 혐오" [(Finger pinching Incident Analysis) Endorsing the 'backlash' over the fear that they'll lose male users... A hatred turned a game]. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
160. Oh, Sejin (December 16, 2024). "'게임 강국'의 페미 사상 검증" [Feminist eviction in 'video game powerhouse']. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved July 27, 2024.
161. Oh, Donghyeon (December 3, 2023). "[혐오로 쪼개진 사회 下] "혐오 부르는 혐오…포용 문화 자리잡아야"" [(Society split by hate, part 2) "Hatred evokes another hatred... inclusive culture should prevail"]. Newsis . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
162. 2023 Game Industry White Paper. 35, Gyoyuk-gil, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do: Korea Creative Content Agency. February 29, 2024. p. 75. ISBN   979-11-6677-232-0.
163. Lee, Honggeun; Kim, Eunseong; Yun, Gieun (November 30, 2023). ""넥슨, 편향된 정보에 쏠려 집게손가락 사태 오판"" ["Nexon, misjudgement over biased information]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 24, 2024.
164. Yu, Seonhui (November 30, 2023). "게임행사 참가자들에 "SNS 주소 내라"…OST 여성 보컬 영상도 삭제" [Demanding social media accounts to video game convention participants... Also removing the OST of a female singer]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 23, 2024.
165. Lee, Yumin (July 1, 2024). "'페미니즘 이슈'로 남성동료와 말다툼…돌아온 건 해고 통보?" [Arguing with male colleague over 'feminism issue'... Lay-off in return]. KBS News . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
166. Choi, Yuna (March 7, 2024). "'메갈' 운운 남성동료와 말다툼했더니 해고 통보" [Dispute with a male worker labelling women 'Megalia', handing over a pink slip]. The Hankyoreh . Retrieved December 5, 2024.
167. Kim, Songi (March 6, 2024). "직장에서, 온라인에서, 창작물에서···"끊이지 않는 페미니즘 사상검증 OUT"" [Workplace, online, creative works... "Out with the neverending feminist lay-offs"]. Kyunghyang Shinmun . Retrieved August 31, 2024.
168. Lee, Jimin (March 6, 2024). ""게임업계, 페미니즘 사상검증 만연"…공동대응위원회 출범" ["Video game industry has a feminist hunt problem"... Counter-antifeminism Emergency Response Committee founded]. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved July 24, 2024.
169. Kim, Taeyeon (March 6, 2021). ""집게손 논란 후 사상검증 지속"... '여성노동권' 수호 대응단체 출범" ["Oppression on thought prevails after the finger pinching controversy"... Organization to protect 'women's work rights' established]. Hankook Ilbo . Retrieved August 31, 2024.
170. Choi, Huijin (November 28, 2024). "넥슨 사옥에 몰려든 여성단체 "돈 써줄 고객층 누구일 것 같나"…업계 발칵 뒤집은 '0.1초 집게 손' 논란 뭐길래?" [Women's rights organization in front of the Nexon headquarter "Who do you think are the consumers"... Industry-breaking '0.1 second finger pinching' controversies, what is it?]. SBS News . Retrieved July 24, 2024.
171. Yun, Gieun (December 15, 2023). "넥슨에 의견서 전달한 1만명의 시민들" [A written opinion from ten thousands people handed over to Nexon]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved July 24, 2024.