Users attempting to access the popular South Korean internet community, 에펨코리아 (often shortened to 펨코), were redirected through a security check on Sunday, requiring confirmation of their human identity before gaining access. The system, utilizing the IP address 95.216.225.51, prompted users to either automatically connect after verification or manually refresh their connection if automatic access failed. Instructions were provided for reporting errors to help@fmkorea.com, including submitting screen information.
The security measure comes as 펨코 has grown significantly since its founding in 2008. Initially focused on the football management game Football Manager, the site has evolved into a comprehensive online community, currently ranking as the sixth most visited site in South Korea and the second most popular community site as of October 2022, according to reports.
펨코’s platform relies on a recommendation system where users can “raise” (recommend) or “release” (disrecommend) posts. Highly recommended content appears on a dedicated “Poten Burst” board. Popular sections of the site include “Overseas Football” and “Humor.” Access to posting and recommending content is restricted to registered members, requiring both email and mobile phone verification – a stricter policy than many other online communities.
The community has faced controversy, including the closure of its “Prison Board” in 2021 due to concerns over sexually explicit content. Juukan Joseon reports that 펨코’s user base is primarily comprised of men interested in overseas football and gaming, and that the community exhibits hostility towards feminism.
While originally centered around Football Manager, the site’s scope has broadened to include other games such as League of Legends. The site’s homepage is accessible via the link https://www.fmkorea.com/.
