Bae In-kyu, 36, the leader of the anti-feminist group New Men's Solidarity and a far-right YouTuber, was found dead, prompting mixed reactions in male-dominated online communities.
On August 6, posts related to Bae's death circulated widely in these communities. While some expressed condolences, others criticized his actions during his life.
Internet users highlighted Bae's controversial past, including his performance in front of the Sewol ferry disaster site, derogatory comments towards participants of the Comfort Women statue protests, distortion of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, and disparaging remarks about victims of the Nth Room case.
One user wrote, "He didn't speak for us; he only caused trouble for men," while another commented, "Rather than representing men's rights, he only escalated conflicts." However, some posts acknowledged that while his actions deserved criticism, his death was still a tragedy, wishing him peace.
Online reactions varied, with some stating, "Whether far-right or far-left, extremism leads to similar outcomes," and others noting, "I never felt represented by him as a man."
Earlier, police reported that Bae was discovered unconscious in an apartment complex in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, around 8 a.m. on August 5. Emergency responders confirmed his death at the scene.
Authorities found no signs of forced entry or struggle in his home, and an open window led them to believe he may have fallen. Analysis of nearby CCTV footage has not revealed any criminal activity related to his death.
Bae had been active in anti-feminism movements, participating in protests and YouTube broadcasts. He also took part in anti-impeachment rallies during the impeachment proceedings against former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Last year, he was fined 1 million won for damaging a sign at a pro-impeachment rally at Ewha Womans University and was under investigation for using methamphetamine at a motel in Incheon, where a forensic examination confirmed the presence of drugs, which he acknowledged. The case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors without detention.
However, police have stated that no direct link has been established between these past incidents and Bae's recent death.
A police official stated, "We plan to request an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to determine the exact cause of death and continue our investigation into the circumstances surrounding it."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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