K-pop’s LGBT and androgynous idols – from Amber Liu and Nu’est’s Ren to G-Dragon’s Vogue photo-shoot, these stars are challenging South Korean gender norms
With the first openly gay idols like Holland to MRSHLL, more stars are finally challenging the conservative K-pop scene by publicly embracing their true identities and stepping up as LGBT role models
Most K-pop idols typically embody stereotypically primarily masculine or feminine traits, but thankfully this is changing to a more inclusive image. More stars are deviating from traditional gender classifications by adopting androgynous styles or openly embracing their LGBTQ+ identity.
Who are the top idols challenging these gender norms? Here’s a list of who you need to know.
Amber Liu
Amber Liu always stood out in the K-pop group F(x) thanks to her androgynous style. While her tomboyish looks made her unique, it wasn’t always easy to be herself.
In an interview with KpopStarz, Amber revealed that people constantly pestered her because of the way she looked as a child. She confessed, “They judged, avoided, bothered and cursed at me for no reason. I hid this problem from my family. I was embarrassed at first.”
The experience taught her to stop judging people based on their looks. In embracing her true self, she also recognised that everyone has their own charm.
Holland
Holland is one of the few openly gay idols in the K-pop industry. The success of his album “Neverland” also fuelled his popularity as an LGBTQ+ role model.
Despite being proud about his gender, Holland struggles to give advice to teens regarding their sexual identity. At the moment, his priority is to ensure that fans love and care for themselves. He told Vogue, “I want them to know: there’s nothing wrong with you, never lose who you are, and focus on finding what makes you happy.”