Son Seok-gu speaks during a YouTube presence for Shin Dong-yup.
The view of the LGBTQ+ area is shifting. Celebrities like Son Seok-mu are expressing satisfaction in the love they receive from their queer fan bases. Many people have been impressed by their sincere thanks.
Child recently made headlines with his presence on the YouTube channel of artist Shin Dong-yup, where he boasted about ranking higher on a queer chart, viewed it as a badge of honor, and was a testament to being in tune with trends.
Child comically boasted about his reputation in a ballot among gay companions, saying,” It’s one of my finest achievements. A poll asks gay friends to choose their favorite female actors. It’s a position too beautiful to miss. Aren’t they quick on picking up trends?”
His wit captivated audiences with a humorous take on the tanking, remarking,” If I rise in the gay chart because of my body double, it’s not my own merit”.
Evolving tale
The open discussions on the web range present “Hong Seok-cheon’s Jewelry Box,” where professional Teo Yoo praised Hong for his openness about his sexuality, more underlined this trend.
Yoo’s personal tales about obtaining assistance for support during his first year of college highlight the growing narrative surrounding LGBTQ+ stories in the leisure industry.
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ stories has been increasingly visible in dramas, movies and especially in genres like BL (Boys’ Love), with titles like “Semantic Error” and “To My Star” resonating with audiences. The importance of these functions lies in their emphasis on LGBTQ+ narratives, marking a liberal shift in narrative.
The opinions of stars on variety shows are important because they represent the real opinions of singers as opposed to their staged characters.
Changing knowledge
Pop culture writer Ha Jae-geun attributes the more empty, queer-friendly remarks made by stars to a rise in the public’s attention to their rights. The transformation in attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues, partly influenced by Westernization, has facilitated a more open discussion, reflecting a significant cultural shift from the past when homosexuality was a taboo topic.
“In the past, homosexuality was taboo in our country, and it couldn’t even be mentioned. However, as human rights awareness has grown, the atmosphere has changed. Westernization has also had an impact,” Ha said.
A freer exploration of sensitive topics, as well as the presence of the YouTube channel for web variety shows like Shin Dong-yup, has been made possible thanks to the platform’s ability to host open discussions about sexuality outside of conventional broadcasting.
Son Seok-gu and Teo Yoo have lived and studied abroad, and their international backgrounds suggest that their tolerance for diversity may be influenced by their sensitivity and tolerance. Queer-friendly expressions are expected to continue to be heard in the entertainment industry as the number of stars with international experiences increases.
The sincere contributions of famous people are currently supporting and inspiring many in the LGBTQ+ community, even though society still has a long way to go before we can fully accept and respect everyone.
This article was edited by The Korea Times and translated by generative AI for The Hankook Ilbo, The Korea Times’ sister publication.
