5 Times K-Pop Idols Supported LGBTQ+ Community With Their Style
With the Hallyu wave taking over the world, led by the popularity of K-pop music and K-dramas, South Korea’s contribution to the global pop culture scene can no longer be ignored. The country’s celebrities have also become favourites among luxury fashion houses that recognise their massive influence. However, despite this impact on the world’s cultural and economic landscape, South Korea still remains a nation where LGBTQ+ issues and rights are considered taboo.
While the community is not criminalised, their issues are met with hostility, and often, there is little to no representation in mainstream media. This is why it becomes incredibly important when South Korean celebrities use their platform to show their support as allies of the community. These stars reportedly face an unspoken pressure to remain apolitical and, therefore, it becomes noteworthy when A-listers with global fanbases like BTS and Blackpink put their might behind supposedly taboo issues like that.
BTS, one of the most popular boy bands in the world, often use their songs and numerous stage appearances to show their support for the community. Most notably, leader RM’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly urged young people around the world to speak up about their true selves and love whomever they want.
Aside from BTS, artists like 2NE1’s CL, Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany, Red Velvet’s Yeri, solo singer IU, and Sunmi have also been vocal supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some of the times our favourite K-pop idols used their style to promote LGBTQ+ designers and raise awareness about the rights of the community…
Here’s how BTS’ RM, Blackpink’s Jisoo And Other Idols Supported The LGBTQ+ Community Through Fashion
2AM Showcase
Jo Kwon - 2 AM
The leader of the boy band 2 AM is one of the fiercest allies of the community. While gender norms-defying clothing is becoming commonplace in K-pop now, Jo Kwon wore seven-inch heels by Jeffrey Campbell for a performance of his solo debut track ‘Animal’ in 2012. Not only did he put his neck on the line literally by performing intricate choreography in the towering pair of heels, he also invited radical reactions and protests for his look.
Tiffany & Co. NYC Flagship Store Reopening
Jimin - BTS
The vocal line member has always used symbolism to show his support towards LGBTQ+ identities and defy gender norms with his choice of outfits for album promotions, like the pleated skirt he wore for a photoshoot for ‘Butter’. For a recent photofolio titled ‘ID: Chaos’, the ‘Promise’ singer included many references and symbols to LGBTQ+ community and even wore a T-shirt with ‘Love’ written along with an equal sign. For the music video of his chart-topping track ‘Like Crazy’, from his solo debut album Face, the singer wore black leather pants from MISBHV that featured the face of American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe who is most recognised for his study of the gay club scene and BDSM sub-culture of 70s’ New York. Jimin also recently starred in the campaign for Tiffany’s first genderless jewellery collection.
Cartier Photocall
Jisoo - Blackpink
Being a part of one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world means that each member of Blackpink undergoes intense scrutiny for their looks, whether on or off-stage. The group is known for their bold concepts that are not the norm for girl groups in Korea so it isn’t really a surprise that a member of the group made their way to this list. Recently, Jisoo was spotted at the airport wearing a T-shirt from Courrèges‘ ‘Over the Rainbow’ collection. The T-shirt is a part of the collaboration between the French brand and Center Pompidou. All the proceeds from the sales of the T-shirt goes to Ardhis, an organisation that works to protect and advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ community in France.
W Magazine Korea Love Your W - Photocall
RM - BTS
As the leader of the insanely-popular BTS’ Kim Namjoon, or RM, wields considerable influence over the legions of fans the group boasts of. The rapper uses his platform to promote Korean art, often highlighting the works of marginalised LGBTQ+ artists, and uses his lyrics to promote equality. He is credited for writing one of the few mainstream K-pop songs that are overtly pro-LGBTQ+ for the now-defunct girl group Glam. For a recent photoshoot for Japan Official Fan Club Magazine Vol 10, RM was seen wearing multicoloured Vans that went perfectly with the bright and sunny theme of the shoot. However, on closer inspection fans noticed that the shoes were a part of the brand’s special Pride collection and noted that the proceeds from the shoes’ sales went directly to LGBTQ+ charities.
Jungkook Visit SiriusXM - July 17, 2023
Jungkook - BTS
All the seven members of the group have been known to show their support to the community and regularly break gender stereotypes in the notoriously sexist Korean society, whether it’s through their song lyrics or their choice of outfits for their performances. They also regularly show support to LGBTQ+ artists, designers, and musicians. In a photo shared by the youngest member Jungkook, the singer was seen wearing an oversized white t-shirt by Korean label AJOBYAJO. It’s one of the few, if not only, brands in Korea that actively promotes LGBTQ+ causes and raises awareness for the discrimination faced by the community. It also platforms the rising drag scene in the country through collaborations.
