Recently, we've been discussing some pretty negative topics about idols in the K-pop community. So, to talk about something more positive and highlight some examples of good behavior, I wanted to share a post about CL, an artist I really like.
CL has written a letter calling for greater awareness of how all aspects of the K-pop industry have been inspired by black culture and she encouraged everyone to care about and support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Shortly after outrage sparked over the death of George Floyd, CL first showed her support for the movement on May 31 when she shared a petition on her Instagram calling for justice.
On June 4, she went on to share her thoughts in a powerful letter, written in both English and Korean. Read it below:
‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ was the first album my dad bought me.
Beyonce’s “DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE” was the first CD I bought for myself.
Janet Jackson taught me the power of movement of dance and expression.
Missy Elliott is why I am so obsessed with my video visuals.
Lil Kim was one of Fashion’s pioneers that taught me how to be fearless in how I tell stories through clothes…
Aaliyah is the reason why I still wear baggy pants and combat boots on stage.
During the rare moments of me being at karaoke, my friends saw me sing (but actually screaming) nonononoWAY by Whitney Houston.
It ends with no mo drama by MJB.
Some of the biggest inspirations for 2NE1 were DESTINY’s CHILD and TLC.
These are just some of the examples of the core women who have inspired me over the years.
Artists, directors, writers, dancers, designers, producers, stylists in the K-pop industry are all inspired by black culture whether they acknowledge it or not.
I would like to encourage all the K-pop fans to give back and show their love and support for all that we have received from Black artists.
I want to explain to all the K-pop fans, fellow Asians, and non-Americans who feel like they have little or no connection to what’s happening that we are all connected at the end of the day.
And don’t we, Asians living abroad, also face enough racism to the point where we are numb and sick of it?
We must stand up together as one helping them fight for justice.
It’s never too late. Let’s send them love and support by caring, elevating black voices, educating ourselves, and bringing awareness to people around you.
also suports lbgbq
This week, CL was spotted in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea. She went clubbing.
The club in question is the gay nightclub King Club, located on “Homo Hill.” It’s at the end of the bar district of Itaewon and includes cafés, restaurants, gay clubs and bars, and shops.
‘Homo Hill,’ also known as ‘The Hill’ or ‘LGBTQ Street’, is an informal name for an LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea. It is occupied by numerous LGBTQ+ establishments and is considered a safe space for LGBTQ+-identifying people. The creation of ‘Homo Hill’ stems from the formation of the entertainment area for U.S. military soldiers during the time of the Korean War.
CL’s fans loved and appreciated that CL went not to an ordinary club but a gay club. She clearly supports the LGBTQIA+ community.
CL has actually been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights for a while. For one thing, she is famously close friends with openly-gay designer Jeremy Scott.
In 2013, she spoke about her friendship with Jeremy Scott and her LGBTQIA+ fans in an interview with ELLE Magazine. She was asked, “You have such a big gay following. Do you know about that?”
Actually yeah. And lesbians too. And drag queens. I love them! I have so many gay friends and I love them so much because they’re fun. You know, I can’t be friends with guys. You can girl talk with them. They’re so special and so talented. And they’re so fast with stuff. I can’t ask ‘do I look good’ to my girlfriends but I will ask my gay friends because they will be honest. They’ll be like, ‘no girl.’ I can’t do that to girls or guys, they won’t be honest. I love them because of that.
