Former Kpop star Hansol talks about coming out, labels, and being LGBTQ in South Korea.
Kim Hansol was a member of the Korean boy band Topp Dogg, before announcing his departure in September. Even before that, the singer made headlines for coming out as asexual in August.
Since then, the singer has been laying low while preparing to enlist in the military (South Korea still has a mandatory three year draft for all male citizens).
That said, the military’s strick ban on gay men and his new openness about his asexuality, has caused him to really take a firm look at South Koreas stance on LGBTQ people. After doing so, the former idol shared his thoughts in an Instagram post.
“To be honest, I don’t think South Korea’s very familiar with the queer identity."
“People under the queer umbrella, which represents a lot of different sexualities, hide the fact, fight it, or don’t worry about it.”
“Even though this is the truth, there are still people who want to erase their existence ironically.”
He also shared that he wishes that labels like “queer” didn’t have to exist.
"I wondered how wonderful the world could be if everyone was free to love anyone under the law, so there would be no need for the word “queer,”‘ Hansol added.
The singer wrote: “A lot of people wondered about my queer identity, and I wrote about it because I wanted to encourage those who were looking for answers from me. I always say that I don’t have all the answers.”
All that he knows is that he enjoys just being himself.
“I love myself a lot, so I don’t get hurt by those who hate me because of my sexuality.”
“I’m not attracted to the opposite sex, yet I’m not attracted to the same sex either. I never bothered to date.”
“I hate sex very much. This is me, and this reality is what’s good and enjoyable to me.”
What was his message to LGBTQ people?
“Gain strength and enjoy your life and have fun. Don’t listen to others. You’re the most important and precious.”
