Rejecting Romance, Marriage, and Motherhood, Focusing On Happiness and Freedom
The Rise of YOLO and FIRE Mindsets
The “4B” and “3-Po” Movements in Korea: A Reflection of Economic Reality and Changing Values
South Korea’s “4B” movement and the “3-Po” (or “giving up three things”) trend reflect deep shifts in young people’s priorities. These movements are shaped by economic pressures, changing gender dynamics, and evolving values around self-fulfillment. In recent years, many young Koreans have adopted mindsets similar to global trends like YOLO (You Only Live Once) or FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)—focusing less on traditional family structures and more on individual well-being, freedom, and financial stability.
This phenomenon is not unique to Korea. It parallels trends seen in high-income, developed nations, particularly in Europe and Northeast Asia, where marriage and birth rates are declining and DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) lifestyles are rising. These choices are not just personal decisions but also social and economic responses to structural hardships—especially when having children and raising a family demands major financial and emotional sacrifices.
What Is the 4B Movement?
The “4B” movement (short for 4비, meaning “four nos”) refers to four things that many Korean women are consciously choosing to avoid:
1) No Sex (비섹스)
Some women reject sexual and romantic relationships with men because they view these relationships as closely tied to traditional expectations of childbearing, caregiving, and the patriarchal family unit. For many, sex is no longer just a private or intimate act—it’s tied to broader social roles they wish to avoid.
📊 In a 2022 survey in South Korea, only 55.3% of women aged 19–34 expressed a desire to have children in the future—compared to 70.5% of men.
2) No Romantic Relationships (비연애)
With rising access to information online, young women are increasingly prioritizing personal happiness and independence. They see long-term relationships and marriage as commitments that often come at the expense of their career goals, financial autonomy, and emotional well-being. As a result, many are choosing to remain single by design.
3) No Childbirth (비출산)
South Korea has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, reaching a record low of 0.72 in 2023. A key reason is the high cost of raising children—from private tutoring to extracurriculars, sending a child to a top university in Seoul can cost up to 300 million KRW (~$220,000 USD).
Additionally, many women experience career interruption during and after childbirth. Once they try to return to work, they often face age discrimination and limited job prospects, especially in prestigious companies.
4) No Marriage (비결혼)
An increasing number of young South Koreans are delaying or rejecting marriage due to a combination of economic pressures, changing social values, stagnant wages, and rising living costs.
Nowadays, marriage is increasingly seen as an unnecessary social and financial burden. Many young Koreans—especially women—feel that marriage would limit their freedom, mobility, and economic potential. The legal and cultural expectation that women take on a disproportionate share of domestic and caregiving roles remains a major deterrent. This trend is particularly pronounced among women, especially in urban centers like Seoul and Busan, where the cost of living and housing has surged in recent years.
In cities like Seoul and Busan, the skyrocketing cost of real estate has made home ownership nearly impossible without financial support from parents. Many young Koreans feel that buying a home is out of reach, especially modern apartments in desirable areas. As a result, the idea of settling down and starting a family feels financially unrealistic for many.
The “4B” movement—which includes rejecting marriage—is not just about personal preference, but also a cultural and socioeconomic shift. It symbolizes a growing disillusionment among young, educated Koreans toward the traditional life path: graduate from a top university, get a corporate job, get married, have children, and then invest heavily to send those children to another top school.
To many, this cycle feels like a trap—a repetitive, exhausting treadmill that offers little personal freedom or satisfaction. Instead, many young people are choosing to prioritize their mental health, autonomy, and financial independence, rejecting what they see as outdated expectations imposed by older generations.
This widespread rethinking of marriage and family life has contributed to South Korea’s record-low birth rate, currently among the lowest in the world, and reflects larger societal shifts in how young people define success and happiness.
Final Thoughts
The 4B and 3-Po movements are not just personal choices; they are social indicators of a generation that refuses to sacrifice happiness, independence, and financial security for outdated norms. While critics may view these trends as selfish or short-sighted, they actually reflect a rational response to the cost of living, inequality, and the emotional toll of modern life in South Korea.