Inquiry Paper: Female Kpop Idols Breaking Gender Stereotypes

A gender stereotype is an oversimplified set of expectations, attributes, or roles that

women and men should or should not have. Gender stereotypes promote the idea that every
gender and its related behaviors are binary, leading to widespread biases about attributes and
characteristics. This has been one of the most important concerns in our generation. It exists in
our society. It divides and limits our ability to embrace ourselves. Korean pop, or K-pop, seems
to be one sector where male and female idols have widely differing standards. The skill of K-pop
groups and single artists to fit into the patterns of what defines suitable etiquette for men and
women is essential to their success. The phrase 'K-pop idol' also delves deep into how the artists
are regarded. They are idols to their fans; thus, they must exemplify attitude, particularly within
the gender roles that have been allocated to them. I chose this topic because it piqued my
interest, and as a woman who frequently encounters prejudice, I believe it is crucial to have a
broad understanding of the issue.

The issue is how women are treated in K-pop and how courageous they are in breaking
the norm. Young Korean women are objectified, hated, and legally enslaved by a multibillion-
dollar industry that benefits from their exploitation, despite having some of the best education in
the world. Male celebrities are also taken advantage of. Female artists, on the other hand,
experience severe discrimination, both financially and in terms of how their personal lives are
perceived.

In “Nickeled and Dimed” stated that K-Pop stars are regarded as the epitome of the "ideal
image" that may be attained through working hard. Female idols, on the other hand, are treated
terribly in this paradigm of fame. This is due to the dominance of Confucian principles-based
cultural standards on the public image of these pop singers.

When it comes to gender stereotyping, I can say that I am familiar with it. I am
confidently concerned about it as someone who is quite outspoken and vocal, especially on
matters concerning women. This is one of the reasons why I chose this topic. On the other side, I
can tell that I am not connected with Female Kpop Idols Breaking Gender Stereotypes, and I do
know little information about it. However, I believe that women, in general, should overcome
stigma and begin to live the lives they desire, regardless of what others may say. Another factor
that may have influenced my decision to choose this topic is the desire to learn more about it so
that I may share and enlighten others. This is, in my opinion, an essential issue that has to be
addressed. Also, Kpop idols are well-known and have a massive impact on many people. Many
people will be educated on this subject if they use their influence.

While researching the issue of Female Kpop Idols Breaking Gender Stereotypes, I
discovered several Kpop idols that have been courageous enough to speak out about it. The first
article I'd like to analyze, "5 Female Idols Who Crush K-Pop Stereotypes and Gender
Standards," recounts the narrative of these idols fearlessly defying the norms. It also implies that
TWICE's Chaeyoung has a free spirit. Ignoring stigmas, she reportedly cut her hair short against
JYP Entertainment's approval and has many tattoos. She said in an appearance with GQ Korea
that people typically link her with a sweet image because she debuted TWICE whilst she was
little. "I think I suit a strong image like this as well," she stated, rejecting the label. She went on
to emphasize her ambition to break free from idol clichés and go further into her identity.

The second article that influenced my thoughts on the topic, "6 K-pop stars who smashed
stereotypes through their music”, highlights how K-idols have been in the spotlight for breaking
gender conventions in the fashion sector by accepting non-binary appearances, but some
musicians have also been disrupting feminine norms in their songs. CL demonstrated that women
can be "badass." CL, known as K-"badass pop's female," demonstrated a new side of the style
with her songs Hello Bitches and The Baddest Female. Contrary to the joyful, charming, and fun
impression that female K-pop stars normally convey with their music, these songs showed a
deep, strong, and brave personality. CL added, according to Billboard, "There’s this standard
where they’re all calm. I want to break that. I want to tell the world that there are some badass
Asian female girls."

The third article I would like to talk about is about artists who have paved the way for
these changes and are leading the fight against gender stereotypes in Korea. Amber was one of
them. Whereas the number of men in Korea who oppose gender norms is increasing every year,
one could say those female artists still face obstacles in breaking through their barriers. In this
type of setting, no one has expressed herself as openly as f(x)'s Amber.  She's demonstrated
that having a short hairstyle all the time and having an outspoken attitude doesn't make her any
less of a lady than the rest of her group. Moreover, Moonbyul from MAMAMOO is also
mentioned in YAAY's article. She defies all stereotypes by dressing in whatever she feels
comfortable in, regardless of whether it is too manly.

My understanding of Female Kpop Idols Breaking Gender Stereotypes was limited at

first. I also believe that the majority of these female Kpop idols are just doing what they've been
told. Many Kpop idols have defied expectations and attempted to showcase their genuine selves,
which has astonished me. Gender stereotypes do not prevent these individuals from living the
life they desire, and I hope that they will have a large impact. This information may encourage
today's generation in accepting that people can act and have a style based on their desires rather
than dictating what they should do. Moreover, now that I have gathered more information about
the topic, it widens my view on this issue.  My admiration for Kpop females grew as well. I
realized they are true role models for everyone, especially young people. Gender stereotypes
should not be permitted, and we should not allow society to determine who we are.
 References

“5 Female Idols Who Crush K-Pop Stereotypes and Gender Norms.” Koreaboo, 16 Sept. 2021,
https://www.koreaboo.com/lists/5-female-idols-crush-stereotypes-gender-norms/.

“6 K-Pop Stars Who Smashed Stereotypes through Their Music.” South China Morning Post, 13
Oct. 2021, https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3152168/k-pop-game-
changers-blackpink-cl-and-amber-liu-redefine.

Centreforneweconomicstudies. “Girl Groups and Gender Gaps: The Globalization of Gender

Stereotypes through K-Pop.” NICKELED AND DIMED, 11 Apr. 2021,
https://nickledanddimed.com/2021/04/11/girl-groups-and-gender-gaps-the-globalization-
of-gender-stereotypes-through-k-pop/.

“Gender Stereotyping.” OHCHR, https://www.ohchr.org/en/women/gender-stereotyping.

Heytoto. “8 K-Pop Idols Who Are Challenging Gender Norms in Korea.” Soompi, Soompi, 28
Nov. 2017, https://www.soompi.com/article/1079057wpp/8-k-pop-idols-challenging-
gender-norms-korea.

Medios, CMS. “The 5 K-Pop Idols Who Are Breaking Gender Norms.” YAAY,
https://yaay.today/kpop/The-5-K-pop-idols-who-are-breaking-gender-norms-20210618-
0006.html.