One More Foot Out of the Closet
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Event Website
https://source2022.sched.com/
Start Date
19-5-2022
End Date
19-5-2022
Keywords
Kpop, Korea, LGBTQ, representation, diversity, visibility
Abstract
This presentation looks at LGBTQ representation in Korean pop music and how it influences the LGBTQ movement in South Korea. As one of the most well-funded Korean industries, and globally one most popular performance mediums today, its power and influence should not go underestimated. The behaviors of fandoms and the impact they have as a collective is well recognized. Fans are often at the beck and call of their idols, wanting to exemplify their admiration through verbal or physical means. Fandoms have been observed making mass donations to charity organizations and advocating the same political opinions that their idols show support for. To many fans, idols are more than just artists; they are role models from which they can form the basis of their identity and worldviews from. When LGBTQ issues are becoming increasingly relevant worldwide, many fans are eager to see what their idols may have to say on the subject. At times, they deliver, sparking much response and discussion amongst their fans. Analyzing social media posts and comments around the themes of Kpop, Kpop idols, and LGBTQ rights, I will demonstrate how these online interactions reflect, if not drive the growing trend of support for the LGBTQ movement in South Korea.
College of Arts and Humanities Presentation Award Winner.
Recommended Citation
Ryan, Abigail Coy, "One More Foot Out of the Closet" (2022). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 19.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CAH/19
Department/Program
Asian Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
Asian Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
AKS Korean Studies Scholarship
One More Foot Out of the Closet
This presentation looks at LGBTQ representation in Korean pop music and how it influences the LGBTQ movement in South Korea. As one of the most well-funded Korean industries, and globally one most popular performance mediums today, its power and influence should not go underestimated. The behaviors of fandoms and the impact they have as a collective is well recognized. Fans are often at the beck and call of their idols, wanting to exemplify their admiration through verbal or physical means. Fandoms have been observed making mass donations to charity organizations and advocating the same political opinions that their idols show support for. To many fans, idols are more than just artists; they are role models from which they can form the basis of their identity and worldviews from. When LGBTQ issues are becoming increasingly relevant worldwide, many fans are eager to see what their idols may have to say on the subject. At times, they deliver, sparking much response and discussion amongst their fans. Analyzing social media posts and comments around the themes of Kpop, Kpop idols, and LGBTQ rights, I will demonstrate how these online interactions reflect, if not drive the growing trend of support for the LGBTQ movement in South Korea.
College of Arts and Humanities Presentation Award Winner.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CAH/19
Faculty Mentor(s)
Chong Eun Ahn