Monsta X to G-Dragon – 5 K-pop idols who were already breaking gender norms before it was a trend
BigBang member G-Dragon rocked skirts and handbags, boy group Monsta X has ‘controversial’ fashion sense and Jo Kwon from 2AM performed in drag and had a gay role in stage musical Priscilla
Apart from bringing unforgettable songs and catchy dance moves to the world, K-pop is also making waves globally for its idols’ unique fashion senses. From dressing in designer brands like Chanel, to rocking their own handmade costumes, many K-pop groups and soloists confidently flaunt their personal styles regardless of current trends.
At times this includes taking fashion a step further by breaking gender norms and wearing outfits that might not be everyone’s go-to mall-wear.
Here, we celebrate some of K-pop’s top stars who were already breaking gender norms years ago.
G-Dragon
The King of K-pop himself has long been known as a fashion pioneer in South Korea. Besides rocking avant-garde hairstyles and being one of the first to wear head-to-toe designer outfits, he also proved that a man can look cool in womenswear. The star has been spotted confidently rocking skirts and handbags as early as 2012.
More recently, he was featured on the November 2020 cover of Vogue Korea donning a Chanel lace top and layers of pearl necklaces. During the interview, he shared, “I didn’t mean to break people’s stereotypes about Chanel as a brand … When I style my jeans with Chanel’s tweed jacket or jewellery, it’s a playful combination.”
F(x)’s Amber Liu
Amber Liu, a former member of girl group F(x), is another star who has challenged gender norms from the start: while her bandmates frequently donned skirts, dresses and heels, she has always stood out by wearing a T-shirt, shorts and trainers.
In an interview with LA Weekly, Liu shared that, “I hear that I dress like a boy and that I should be more girlie, which I can understand, but I just focus on what I want to do and enjoy my time with fans who love me for who I am.”
Monsta X
Boy group Monsta X, which debuted in 2015, made waves in the Asian fashion scene for their unique sense of style. Frequently spotted in traditionally feminine items like lace tops and harnesses, they are used to being talked about for their “controversial” outfit choices.
However, the team brushes off their detractors. Member Joohoney addressed these comments, saying, “People talk about masculinity and femininity but, at the end of the day, Monsta X is there to perform a show and we don't let that affect us. We do what we’re good at.”
F.T. Island’s Lee Hong-ki
Another male idol who has been spotted in a skirt, F.T. Island’s Lee Hong-gi continued to challenge gender norms when he decided to launch Lee Hongki’s Nail Art Book in 2013.
According to website KpopStarz, Lee has had an interest in nail art since 2010. “[Nail art] felt really weird at first,” he said. “But for our song Hello Hello I went out with nail art on my nails and I realised it would add a nice point to our style … Now, it’s a part of me that I can’t leave behind.”
2AM’s Jo Kwon
2AM’s Jo Kwon showed fans that he was unafraid of femininity when he showed his “male diva” persona by covering girl group choreographies in full drag – a wig, full make-up and high heels.
And when fans criticised him for his role as a gay man in musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 2014, he defended himself by saying, “It saddens me to see the ignorance in some of the comments closed minded people left on my personal page, but I’m very much committed and in love with this role and proud to be a part of this amazing project!!”
On his Instagram, the star frequently shares his covers of female choreographies, including a dance cover of Mamamoo’s Hip.