Like how language is not a barrier when it comes to music, Kpop has also become a platform for K-artists to express themselves including their support for LGBTQIA+ rights.
In this Pride Month special, Pop Journal lists down six (out of sooo many) Kpop artists who are proudly raising the flag, becoming vocal allies of the colorful community.
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Hwasa
Debuting in 2014 as a member of the popular girl group MAMAMOO, Hwasa has confidently expressed her advocacy for body positivity and gender equality. With “TWIT” as her first single as a solo artist in 2019, she has never backed down in displaying her craft as an artist.
Specifically, her first solo mini album, Maria, gave her the title of the first Korean female solo artist to hit No.1 on the iTunes US Album Chart in 2020. The title track with the same name also reached No.1 on the iTunes Song Chart in nine countries, while the album topped the iTunes Album Chart in 22 countries worldwide.
Additionally, the groundbreaking song gave her the Artist of the Year award at the 2019 Golden Disk Awards and the Song of the Year at the 2020 Asian Pop Music Awards. Just last year, Hwasa released her 6th digital single, “I Love My Body,” becoming the ultimate ‘love yourself’ anthem and encouraging listeners to love every part of themselves.
MONSTA X
MONSTA X is a six-member boy group under Starship Entertainment. Consisting of Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and I.M., the group has proved to have a no-skip album.
In this Pride Month special, MONSTA X’s 3rd EP and the first part of The Clan series, The Clan Pt. 1 Lost has brought out a title track that resonates with the LGBTQIA+ community.
The music video for “All In” gained huge attention immediately after its release in May 2016. Specifically, the music video displays the horrifying effects of domestic abuse and the issues experienced by the community. Although there is no official confirmation of the meaning behind the MV, the imagery of people refusing to conform to societal norms and boldly pursuing their happiness is vivid.
In fact, the monstas are also often seen raising the rainbow flag at their concerts overseas. Jooheon even gave out a speech during an awards show, saying, “No matter who you are or who you love, MONSTA X will always support Monbebe. Be happy, stay happy.”
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EVNNE
EVNNE is a seven-member South Korean boy group under Jellyfish Entertainment. Keita, Park Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Yoo Seungeon, Ji Yunseo, Mun Junghyun, and Park Jihoo made their debut on September 19, 2023. All members gained attention for their skills through several idol survival shows, particularly Mnet’s BOYS PLANET.
With EVNNE standing for “Evening’s Newest Étoiles,” the group symbolizes the members’ aspiration to shine brighter and higher than anyone else. Although still a rookie group, they are not afraid of representing the wonderful community with the title track “UGLY” from their second mini album, [Un: SEEN].
Notably, “UGLY” is a bold anthem of self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to embrace every part of themselves, even those deemed imperfect. EVNNE wanted to convey the message that true beauty lies in embracing all facets of our identity without reservation.
Solar
Another Kpop girl group member turned soloist listed in this Pride Month special is MAMAMOO’s Solar.
Known for breaking the stereotypes of women wearing suits and even shaving her hair bald, Solar has proudly shown herself as an ally. She has best represented the LGBTQIA+ community with her 2nd mini album, COLOURS, with the title track of the same name.
In particular, Solar has voiced out how her album’s title includes the word “ours.” “I used it as the album title as a way of showing respect to all the different colors we each have in ourselves.” The choreography of the song also features voguing, an elegant form of dance originating from our talented friends in the ballroom scene.
Most specially, “Colours” encourages listeners to embrace their true colors and shine brightly in a world that celebrates diversity.
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Girls’ Generation Tiffany
Girls’ Generation has had its fair share of support for the LGBTQIA+ community and this article isn’t enough to lay all the evidence. Noteworthy, the Nation’s Girl Group’s debut song, “Into the New World,” has become an anthem in South Korea by protesters who seek an equal and just society.
In 2018, Tiffany Young celebrated Pride Month with Neon Milk, an LGBTQIA+ creative collective. The collaboration gave birth to a special version of “Into the New World,” a song that hopes for acceptance and change. The Kpop artist has also penned a heartfelt letter to the community on Pride Month, reflecting her experiences as a Korean-American. She has expressed gratitude to the proud members for being an inspiration.
SHINee
All SHINee members have been vocal about their support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
For starters, the group’s brightest moon, Jonghyun, has cheered for the gay community, especially transgenders. He has sent a message on Twitter to a student who has faced discrimination at school to express his support. In their short exchange, Jonghyun admired the student’s courage and wished for nothing more but health and happiness.
On the other hand, Minho has portrayed a gay character in the Korean drama, Yumi’s Cells. The flaming charisma even hoped that the viewers would find comfort in his character and that they would one day find the freedom to confidently display their colors.
Moreover, SHINee has also proved to be an ally in some of their tracks. “Odd Eye,” in particular, delves into themes of self-discovery and embracing one’s uniqueness. The lyrics also serve as a reminder that our differences are what make us beautiful.
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Share your favorite Kpop artist who has also shown support for the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month!
Images: SM Entertainment, Starship Entertainment, P NATION, RBW Entertainment, Jellyfish Entertainment
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