Finger pinching conspiracy theory
A conspiracy theory in South Korea / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The finger pinching conspiracy theory[lower-alpha 1] is an antifeminism conspiracy theory that originated in South Korea and claims there is a deliberate plot to spread and promote misandry through hand-gesture imagery. It asserts this objective is accomplished through subliminal messages that contain finger pinching motifs, interpreted as an allegory of small penis humiliation. Most versions of the theory state that radical feminism groups have assimilated government agencies, businesses, and other various organizations to carry out the secret plot.
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It first gained prominence in May 2021 when South Korean company GS25 faced accusations of allegedly shoehorning a hand signal that mocked small 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 its video game industry, where Nexon led a public allegation against its collaborators. It is viewed as one of the antifeminism backlash movements in South Korea and has been analyzed as a symptom of gender inequality in the country.