12 K-Pop MVs with unexpected homosexual concepts you may have missed
Posted by AllK_Maknae21 pts Monday, January 25, 2016
1.
12 K-Pop MVs with unexpected homosexual concepts you may have missed
Homosexuality is, sadly, quite the taboo subject in Korea. However, with the entertainment industry always being a daredevil, K-Pop MVs are becoming more open than withdrawn to featuring gay themes and concepts! Whether it is flirtatious touching, a soft gentle kiss, or lyrical plot twist, these MVs had everyone jumping back in total surprise! Browse through the rankings (with the best saved for last!) of the greatest gay K-Pop MVs and let us know which MV is your personal favorite!
(Everything said in the feature was based on personal analysis and interpretation of the stories within the MVs. Please note that although there is consistent girl x girl touching in many 'gay' MVs, not all were included due to similarities or a plot that didn't stand out among the ones selected.)
2.
4L's 'Move'
This theme was quite eye opening. For obvious reasons, and even being stated by one of the members, the song "Move" was clad with their concept of pushing the limit of how much sexual conduct they could get away with in an MV, yet it didn't gather in the views the way Stellar did. In the end, I didn't care for this style, but I appreciate the feminine yet sexual nature included in the MV, be it a stunt or not.
3.
Brown Eyed Girls 'Abracadabra'
In 2010, the gay theme wasn't something you'd really see dabbled in when it comes to K-Pop. However, sexy goddess Ga In would slowly introduce such sensual ideas through the choreography of "Abracadabra." To be honest, I love the dance and it was a shockingly unexpected moment, yet I think it was rather for show than really highlighting anything LGBT. Doesn't stop many from labeling it as sheer lesbianism as it became the talk of the town due to its womanly erotic dance scene.
4.
Cheetah's 'My Number'
Cheetah didn't necessarily have an MV that was elaborating a well planned gay concept, but it was definitely flaunting some fierce drag dancers! People may dislike it, but it is simply another part of gay culture and fashion, and I'm proud to see it effortlessly boasted in Cheetah's "My Number." It shows that gay people are also building a strong presence in media rather than being an accessory, especially since they are given some time to shine on their own in the MV!
5.
N.O.M's 'A Guys'
"A Guys" came out of the blue and hit me like a truck with their concept! I did NOT expect to see anything like this in K-Pop, and I believe that is why the song/MV by N.O.M. (Nature of Men) didn't go mainstream for it either. It definitely highlights the sexualized and flaunty sensations gay people are highly affiliated with. Whether it is distasteful or not, they are getting a message out there that gay people exist and are fierce! Keep strutting your stuff gents!
6.
Orange Caramel's 'Catallena'
"Catellena" is enjoyable for the obvious quirky theme, insanely fun lyrics, and catchy beat! Yet, did you catch the thinly lined trace of gay influence in the MV? A 'Catallena' is a very gifted girl who is sometimes full of herself, yet people are envious of her! Basically, girls want to be her and even want to date her! "Even as a girl, I think she is great!" You don't have to read between the lines to catch the hint this time! Orange Caramel lay it out in a witty manner, portraying the drag queen octopus (the Catellena) as arrogant yet chic (even costing 7,000 Won more than them), and despite a deep envy of her, the girls still want to become closer and dance with her. It's not irrational for many of us to want to be by or become something that is highly liked, as humans are naturally like that. The female x female infatuation is often done, but Orange Caramel push it towards another energetic direction.
7.
Girl's Day's 'Female President'
"Female President" is powerful, assertive and dominant, but that isn't the only reason I love it! Some may see Girl's Day's MV as a spectacle for shipping and fan serviced views, but the lyrics tell a different story! "Our nation has a female president" and "now's the time, you can start first" speaks of the bravado and courage women have. The scene of Hyeri pulling in Minah for that kiss is, in my opinion, an innuendo for gay people to come out and notice the country is experiencing changes, with homosexuality possibly being next to see a better difference. So now is the time, you can kiss first, get the picture?!
8.
MAMAMOO's 'Um Oh Ah Yeh'
Another lovely addition to fun gay plot twists, MAMAMOO successfully garnered attention for "Um Ah Oh Yeh" for their exceptional voices and terrifically fun MV! It was fun to see the ladies in drag and imitating boyish charms comically-- especially Moon Byul! The song is downright witty as all along the person they are chasing who is 100% their style, that 'ace' lover, is actually a woman! Talk about a "Girl Crush" (clever, huh?)! The thing is, MAMAMOO didn't pull a fast one just to get a reaction, the ladies definitely thought out this enjoyable concept and highlighted somewhat pansexual/genderless qualities of how they can fall for someone who may even have womanly appeal. You simply love something for what it is, without explanation, and It isn't the gender that is stopping them in this MV.
9.
BESTie's 'Excuse Me'
I like BESTie's "Excuse Me" MV for many reasons, mainly because it playfully introduced a gay theme into their MV both visually and lyrically. The mv revolves around the girls finding a magical pair of glasses that when meeting a guy reveals he is an obvious flirt with even more obvious intentions. Then it crosses over to the guys who are more genuine and sincere turning out to be gay! It also went full steam ahead with showcasing the men making out, cradling each other and tenderly touching their faces and shoulders. Since it is comically done, it takes away from that overtly sexual stigma gays may have but still provides an image into gay PDA. It was fun, quirky and a smooth way of jabbing at a common cliche "all the good guys are either taken or gay!"
This was another unexpected but beautiful representation of LGBT concepts with a dash of K-Pop's favored lesbianism. The song "She's a Flirt" with Lovelyz member Baby Soul is quite sad, but the video really emulates a beautiful secret relationship. From their couple rings and warm welcomed embraces to their sensual touches in bed and when she leans her head on the other girl's shoulder! Ahh~ the feels! I really enjoyed viewing this because it has a real story, like K.Will's "Please Don't," about gay lovers struggling to love like any other relationship. In the end all that heartbreak is the same, so shouldn't gay love be represented in a similar way? I definitely recognize its differences but it isn't a stretch from other straight relationships either. The emotions were beautifully displayed through this endearing romance!
11.
GLAM's 'Party XXO'
GLAM's disbandment was a shame because they knocked on the doors of K-Pop and delivered something amazing for their debut. "Party XXO" really garnered attention for it's genderless lyrics such as "Are you a girl? Boy? I don't care!" What is great about "Party XXO" is the rebelling feeling that comes from this upbeat song without being threatening. It is simply a forward thought towards the rise of the LGBT minorities, done tastefully, with impact, and through the beauty of music! Music is universal and love should be viewed the same way. The strong, upbeat style can easily become a supporting anthem to any gay community!
12.
K. Will's 'Please Don't'
By far a tough call, but I seriously needed to put 'Please Don't" at a high spot! First off, what an unexpected plot twist! What I love is that it shows such raw emotion for a lover that he lost for the most unfair of reasons. His lover didn't give up on him but was taken away by the pressures of Korean society. What's worse is he tries to keep K.Will involved in his life, but it simply eats away at him. I strongly appreciate that it didn't glamorize homosexuality as a sexually driven culture but actually as human beings who value serious relationships with true love over steamy/touchy love affairs.
13.
Nell's 'The Day Before'
By far one of the SADDEST gay themed MVs, Nell's did a number on my emotions with "The Day Before." First-- this MV has various interpretations but is strongly tied with suicide and homosexuality. The MV portrays the recording of a man's suicide which MV actor Song Jae Rim, his 'possible' lover, finds. As he watches the video, Song Jae Rim is reliving the scenarios, before his lover poisoned himself, as if he were there, being guided through every conversation and witnessing his friends depression as he was helpless in saving him from what "he couldn't acknowledge." The lyrics " it is so hard to bare" and "couldn't live like this" is referring to being closeted. He's in love with Song Jae Rim and couldn't bare the fact that it wasn't openly accepted by him or society. Which is why "The Day Before" (the title totally makes sense!) he reaches out, he kills himself. #TRAGIC I don't cry guys, but I literally did today.
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