Monsta X to G-Dragon – 5 K-pop idols who were already breaking gender norms before it was a trend

Jan 19 , 2021

Amber Liu, Lee Hong-ki and G-Dragon – three K-pop idols breaking gender boundaries. Photos: @ajol_llama; @lee_hong_ki_2015; @gdragon_offical/Instagram

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 in streetwear. Photo: @ajol_llama/Instagram

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.”