7 K-pop stars openly supporting the LGBT community, from Red Velvet’s Yeri, Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany, 2NE1’s CL and Le Sserafim’s Yunjin – who posted a throwback pic to celebrate Pride Month

Jun 24 , 2022

K-pop idols Le Sserafim’s Huh Yunjin, Red Velvet’s Yeri, 2am’s Jo Kwon, Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany and 2NE1’s CL have all voiced support of the LGBT community. Photos: @kwon_jo, @yunjin_lesserafims, @tiffanyyoungofficial, @kevin_theboyz, @chaelincl/Instagram

LGBT representation remains taboo in South Korea, but K-pop idols like Shinee’s Jonghyun and Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany aren’t afraid to voice their support as allies

2AM’s Jo Kwon wore Jeffrey Campbell heels, and has starred in Priscilla and Queen of the Desert; while The Boyz’s Kevin loves RuPaul, and is respectful of pronouns

Search anywhere in the world, online or offline, and you’ll likely come across some form of South Korean influence. From the heightened interest in Korean cosmetics and romcoms, to the pandemic-induced popularity of Dalgona coffee, Korean culture has undeniably become intertwined with the global fabric.

Participants dressed as Superman and Wonder Woman pose during the gay pride festival in Seoul, South Korea, in July 2017. Photo: AP

But despite contributing to worldwide trends and pop culture, South Korea remains surprisingly conservative about gender and the LGBTQ+ community. While the drag scene has started to grow in the country, representation remains scarce in the mainstream. There is also an unspoken pressure on celebrities and prominent figures to keep mum on controversial topics – and this is especially true for K-pop idols who are expected to be role models for the youth.

However, some idols have dared to go against the grain, using their platforms to bravely advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

2AM’s Jo Kwon

Jo Kwon has openly identified as genderless. Photo: @kwon_jo/Instagram

When Jo Kwon promoted his solo debut track Animal in a pair of Jeffrey Campbell heels, we couldn’t help but wonder if he simply wanted to give us something to talk about. However, over the years, Jo Kwon’s love affair with high-heeled stompers has remained unchanged, granting him the opportunity to explore new sides of himself and cementing his connection to drag culture.

“Being genderless is my weapon,” he shared in an interview with Newsis. Instead of shying away from the androgynous image he has become known for, he harnessed it. Since making his musical debut as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Jo Kwon has opted to star in queer-focused musicals like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – even when his performances attracted criticism from the public.

Jo Kwon was one of the four actors who played the title role in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, a musical about a young boy who aspires to become a drag queen. Photo: @kwon_jo/Instagram

“There is a drag queen in the musical,” he says of Jamie. “As time goes by, it seems like Jamie will be accepted by more and more audiences with an open mind.”