Gay Men in Kpop

First I would like to start off by saying there’s nothing wrong with being gay. One of my family members is gay, and this person has more character, determination, and ambition than anyone I know. Not only has this person achieved more in his/her life than most people, he/she has been extremely generous to those who have accepted him/her. That being said, over the years the metrosexual look has become the new trend in K-pop. Usually, when I watch MTV, in the back of my mind I realize it’s just an act. But sometimes one of the members of the boy bands fits this extreme metrosexual role with much more ease than his fellow members. From what I have observed: mannerisms, speech patterns, intonations, and their interactions with the same and opposite sex, and after filtering it through my limited “gaydar,” I have concluded that these particular individuals are in fact gay. Gay, of course, means homosexual and according to the dictionary is “being sexually attracted to members of the same sex.” That’s it.

Some people have disregarded my conclusion saying they have girlfriends, they’re married, or they have children. Many of these entertainers do have girlfriends, many do get married, and some may even have children (rarely). But it still doesn’t mean they’re not gay. Once again “gay” means being sexually attracted to the same sex.

But let’s start with the “girlfriend” argument. It’s well known throughout the entertainment world that relationships between entertainers are used as publicity stunts. Don’t you think it’s more than a coincidence there are always rumors about the two co-stars of a film dating a couple of months before the release of the film? It’s used to increase the popularity and appeal of the film. If the co-stars aren’t actually dating, their agents or the producing company will “leak” the information. In the music industry, many artists, especially younger entertainers, hide their relationship out of fear of hurting their career. If the single female fans learned their “Mr. Right” is already taken, they may turn their eyes and ears elsewhere.

But even more damaging would be the truth about an entertainer’s homosexuality. If an entertainer whose fans were primarily young single women knew he was not attracted to them, their fantasy would be destroyed, and his career would take a dive. If you want an example, look up Lance Bass from Back Street Boys. If there are even hints whispered about a male entertainer’s homosexuality, all of a sudden he’s in a “serious relationship” with a female member of other music group. An example from k-pop would be Jo Kwon (2am) and Ga-In (Brown Eye Girls). The same can be said for the “he’s married” argument. The marriage may simply be another way to keep the façade alive, and ensure his future career and lavish lifestyle. Actually many of them have “a man on the side.

The tricky one is the “he has children” argument. I personally have met numerous gay men who have families. I don’t know the specifics about how their children were conceive because, well, I’ve never thought to ask, but I just want to highlight the fact that it’s possible. Clay Aiken was suspected of being gay though he always denied the allegation. However in 2008 he came out because he didn’t want to have his son live a lie.

At the moment Korean society seems to be rather conservative, especially when it comes to sexuality or “alternate lifestyles.” I even had one woman in my English class say there were no gay Korean men and the only gay people in Korea were from other countries. No joke! Then I proceeded to teach her the term “rice queen” but that’s other story. Koreans are known for their rapid change both economically and culturally. Many anticipate that the younger generation will be more open to homosexuality. There is a popular TV show in Korea title “Personal Preference” where a straight man is pretending to be gay. Programs like this are expected to shed some light on the gay population in Korea, hopefully a positive light. I hope that one day an entertainer’s fame and popularity will be based on his/her talent and ability rather than sex appeal, and these entertainers don’t feel the need to hide who they truly are.

Well in conclusion I would like to list some people in Kpop who I think are gay (homosexual). Once again I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being gay, and this is only spectulation.

Jo Kwon from “2am” (duh)
U-Kno from TVXQ (Dongbangshingi)
Jo Sung Mo – Ballad Singer
Hyun Joong from SS501

Ryeo Wook from Super Junior
Hee Chul from Super Junior
Eun Hyuk from Super Junior
Key from Shinee
Jong Hyun from Shinee

Eli from UKiss
Kevin from UKiss
Alexander from UKiss
Kibum from UKiss

And I going to go out on a limb and say:
Bi (Rain) from JYP
J.Y.Park-owner and founder of JYP talent agency

If I’m wrong, I’m sorry to put you on the spot. And congratulations; you fooled me.