When you think of South Korea, what comes to mind? A particular K-Pop group? A delicious Korean dish, perhaps? Probably not drag queens…right?
i-D, a British news outlet and subsidiary of Vice, interviewed seven South Korean drag queens about their thoughts of their work and identity.
In a culture that still conservative, it is interesting to see how these drag queens go about following their passions and expressing themselves through drag. Some live a double-life of sorts, while others push forward unabashedly and embrace their drag 24/7. Either way, misunderstandings still abound.
Those interviewed are: Nana, Kuciia Diamant, More, Erica Balenciaga, Vita Mikju, Bori and KYAM.
The article includes photographs of the queens taken by Kanghyuk Lee (also known as Snakepool).
“I see my drag character as hope. Five years ago, queer culture festivals in Korea were receiving a lot of attention from the public, for better or worse. It was during that time I debuted, and by participating in human rights rallies as well performing at clubs, I think I became a drag queen that gives hope to others. I still work hard to embrace other people’s feelings with my drag character. On the outside, I want my character to shine just like my name Diamant (Diamond).”
– Kuciia Diamant
You can read the full article here.
As it was originally published by i-D Mexico, you can also read it in Spanish.
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