The Transgressive Freedom Over Gender Boundaries: Pastoral Theological Interventions for Young Korean Men’s Self-Alienation

The growing prevalence of anti-feminist and misogynistic ideologies among young men, both in the U.S. and globally, reflects their perceived sense of unfreedom in contemporary gender discourse. In South Korea, the emergence of idaenam(men in their twenties) exemplifies this trend, as many perceive themselves as victims of gendered restrictions. Despite extensive sociological analysis, theological engagement with their self-alienation remains scarce, particularly within ecclesial contexts. This paper employs digital ethnography to examine online spaces that shape harmful gender narratives and explores how pastoral theology can provide interventions that foster self-reflection, relational healing, and gender justice. By integrating theological reflection with ecclesial practice, this study reimagines freedom as a path toward gender equality, challenges the unfreedom imposed by restrictive gender norms, and proposes concrete pastoral strategies to restore self-cohesion, promote gender equity, and cultivate inclusive faith communities where young men can engage in transformative relationships by transgressing entrenched gender boundaries.