A group claiming to be the “first openly LGBT+” K-pop boy band has launched in South Korea with their colourful debut music video. Although LGBT+ representation is growing in South Korea, there are only a handful of high-profile artists that are openly queer, including the rapper Aquinas, trot singer Kwon Do Woon, K-pop star Holland and the trans girl group Lady.
The country still has no national discrimination protections for sexuality and gender identity and the social stigmas attached to queer identities remain strong. A new four-member band, Lionesses, aims to challenge this by being loud and proud about their sexuality, starting with their very first track, “Show Me Your Pride”.
The upbeat song explores the struggles of being LGBT+ in South Korea and enduring homophobia, hatred and loneliness before finally finding your tribe.