South Korea is a country with high and often unachievable beauty standards and strict gender norms, like most Asian countries. So, standing out because of how you look or express yourself might not always be received properly, especially if you are a famous person. Korean Idols are often harshly judged for everything they do, so most of them try to stay in the persona created by their companies, while only a few dare to break out of them and show the world the real them. So, here are 10 K-Pop Idols that Broke Gender Norms:
1. Son Chae-Young of Twice
Son Chae-Young, better known by her stage name Chaeyoung, is the first idol one thinks of when the topic of stereotype breakers is brought up. Despite her label trying to project the sweet and cute female idol stereotype on her, she has broken free and expressed herself in her own ways many times. She once cut her hair short without permission from her company and also has multiple tattoos which is treated as a taboo in South Korea.
2. Jo Kwon of 2AM
When talking about idols who broke gender norms, it is impossible not to think of Jo Kwon. He is often considered the Asian son of Lady Gaga because of how he expresses himself and because she inspires him. In 2012, Jo Kwon wore high heels and a full-drag attire for his music video for ‘Animal’. He never hid this side of himself and took no notice of hate comments and trolls. In an interview with Newsis, Jo Kwon came out as genderless.
3. Amber Liu of F(X)
The constraints of these gender norms are always harsher on female idols. The moment they decide they have had enough of the mould they were forced into and try to come out of it, they are criticised in the worst ways possible, so most of them just give up on trying. But Amber didn’t. She never gave into these expected roles and always showed up with short haircuts, t-shirts and sneakers and rocked the stage. She also never holds back from speaking her mind.
4. Taemin of SHINee
Lee Taemin is often called the ‘Idol’s Idol’ because of how many idols name him as their inspiration, and an inspiration, he definitely is. Taemin specifically designed the choreo for ‘MOVE’ to be able to convey the feelings with both masculine and feminine moves. He is constantly challenging the stereotypes that come with being a male idol and redefining what it means to be one. He is often seen in gender-fluid clothing for his performances and music videos.
5. Moonbyul of Mamamoo
Mamamoo is known as the girl group that breaks gender norms in the K-Pop industry. But most prominent in its member, Moonbyul. Unlike most female K-Pop idols who are forced to always wear skirts, dresses, and uncomfortable stage costumes, Moonbyul lets no such rule govern her life. She regularly wears suits, a rarity for female idols, and chooses to do choreographies of boy group-level difficulty. Also, in her music video for ‘Eclipse’, she is seen dancing alongside male backup dancers.
6. Ren of Nu’est
Ren has always showcased himself as someone who cannot be tied down by gender stereotypes and norms. Ever since his debut, he has expressed himself in different ways, often androgynous, and garnered attention for it. Ren has never allowed the conservative society to sink his boat and continues to pay no heed to people who think they have the right to have an opinion about everything.
7. Solar of Mamamoo
Another member of Mamamoo who is known for breaking these suffocating gender norms is Solar. Kim Yong-Sun, better known by her stage name- Solar, once went bald for her solo album ‘Spit It Out’ to show her raw, natural self. She also put on a pole dance performance in front of a vast audience in MAMA 2018. The most badass thing she has done so far is quite common for male idols, for female idols? Not so much. She ripped her shirt off at the end of her BTS ‘FIRE’ cover performance. When asked about it, she said – “After seeing many male idols ripping their shirts on stage, I wondered, ‘Why can’t girls do that too?’”.
8. Jessi
When you are a new K-Pop fan and come across Jessica Ho, also known by her stage name- Jessi, it is quite difficult to accept that she is a K-Pop idol. She is everything that female idols, more often than not, are not allowed to be: tan-skinned, and curvaceous when they are expected to be pale and thin as paper. Jessi stands out in music and personality wise too. She always speaks her mind; that is part of the reason why watching her is so fun and she never takes pointless criticism from anyone. She is unapologetically herself, and we love that.
9. G-Dragon of Big Bang
Kwon Ji-Yong, better known by his stage name, G-Dragon, has never allowed gender stereotypes to tie his creativity down. Known for his genderless clothing and styling choices, he is often called the ‘King of K-Pop’ because of all the trends he started in the K-Pop industry. G-Dragon popularised the wearing of skirts and trying flamboyant fashion for male K-Pop idols, proving just because you identify as a specific gender does not mean you cannot try different styles, styles that are generally not meant for your gender.
10. Hongjoong of Ateez
This 24-year-old leader or captain of the K-Pop group Ateez is known for always straying from the norm and inspiring his members, fans, and juniors to improve as human beings. In a talk with an artist from the same company, Maddox, Hongjoong mentions that he wants to create an all-inclusive clothing brand in the future; his clothing brand won’t have specific gender clothes, and will be for all body types. Kim Hongjoong always keeps one of his nails painted to support and promote the ‘Polished Man Campaign’, which encourages everyone to take a stand and end violence against children and women globally.
