While the LGBTQ+ community remains a predominantly hidden part of Korean society, areas within Seoul have made progressive strides championing queer rights and lifestyles. In the districts of Itaewon and Hongdae an underground drag scene has seen a huge rise in popularity. This growth is due to the community's ability to create safe spaces for performances, encouraging those who might not otherwise have an outlet to experiment. Freed by both the personal expression and anonymity drag provides, native and international artists take the stage to celebrate unrestricted interpretations of identity. Rebelling against a society steeped in gender norms, each performance broadens the definition of what it means to be human.
Accompanied by the words of each represented artist, these photographs offer a deeper understanding of what drag means to them as individuals.
Accompanied by the words of each represented artist, these photographs offer a deeper understanding of what drag means to them as individuals.
"I think drag is very political. While capturing the attention of the general public, it opposes the expectations that society has for individuals based on their biological gender. As I stand against gender dichotomy, drag lets me express my opinion about it." - Azangman
Azangman at Mike's Cabin. Taking the stage in Hongdae at the first Heaven Vol. 1 event, Azangman performs an electrifying set. Sponsored by the Seoul Drag Parade, the monthly show was created to offer the LGBTQ+ community and allies a safe space to enjoy drag and burlesque performances.
Hurricane Kimchi at the Rabbit Hole. After helping assist a drag makeup workshop in Itaewon, Hurricane Kimchi waits to be interviewed by a local magazine. As an activist and founder of the Seoul Drag Parade, media outlets often seek his opinion on LGBTQ+ issues affecting South Korea.
"They say I’m like a community queen. I’m into organizing shows that represent diversity, charity events, and stuff for the community. As the founder of Seoul Drag Parade, I want to create spaces in Seoul where all drag artists can be united and be friends. Being competitive or jealous of each other is counterproductive." - Hurricane Kimchi
“Drag is an art form where all my creative interests meet. I think it’s important to perform because it most directly rebels against the gender norms built-up by this society. It shows how society's perception of gender is fragile and easy to trick. Another reason I do drag is that it pisses people off and is basically a big middle finger to what people consider ‘normal.’” - Hoso Hailey Sodomite
“Drag is a way to see ourselves through each other’s queer art. With it, we stay visible as queer people in a heteronormative society. We show the world that we are resilient no matter how much hate we face in this world. It means everything to me now.” - Jaxter the Taco Master
"Drag is meaningful to me because it allows me to express myself in so many ways. As a young gay man from a small town, I grew up trying to hide every aspect of me that was feminine or not expected of men. So, drag has become a way for me to express all those things about myself that I kept hidden during my younger years." - Charlotte Goodenough
Charlotte Goodenough at The Link. Before South Korea's first drag parade, Charlotte Goodenough performs for those gathered to participate. The Seoul Drag Parade was held on May 26, 2018. It attracted around 1,000 attendees and also featured post-events that lasted well into the night.
"I believe drag allows us to question social values and push our boundaries further. We are given a platform in queer spaces that can be used to advocate real change, explore new paths, and make non-conforming people more comfortable with who they are—to see what other possibilities exist. To me, drag is a way to empower myself and also those who can't do it." - Nix
"As a genderfluid person, I think drag is the best outlet for me to invoke how I feel about gender. Drag allows me to break gender norms and certain social constructions that need to change. Performing in drag for me is exhilarating. It's a way for me to share a version of myself that I don’t often feel comfortable doing and it makes me feel powerful." - Skim
"Drag fucks with meanings that society assigns. It is freedom from anxiety, thoughts and even others. I BELIEVE people can truly know themselves if they try drag just once. Every human needs equality, and a freeness to have evolving thoughts. Often, everyday modern society tries to dismiss those rights. I believe drag can help the lives of everybody." - Pusae Uglywrinkle
"The meaning of drag to me is, 'be positive to oneself.' With drag, people dress up and wear a wig to hide themselves, but paradoxically people can also affirm their identities with it. All my complexities and shortcomings become my essence when I’m reborn as Sura. There is nothing to be ashamed of." - Sura
"I'm not solely a drag artist and also practice burlesque. I consider them both to be in the same category of cabaret-style performance art. As a whole, I think performance art is important for society because it challenges our concepts of everything—what we hold on to as "normal." As drag challenges gender conventions, performance art can be used to challenge all sorts of other stereotypes, like what it means to be a "hero,” "sexy," or "strong." - Sapphire Reign
"I like to say that drag is crossing the line of what is accepted in the world. We still get scrutinized just for wearing a wig, slapping a bit of foundation on, or putting on a dress. While we might be a minority, we have been here for millions of years and will be here for all the years to come. Drag is important because it shows the world community that we are here to stay." - Fleur West
Fleur West at View 33Before the start of the WhiteLies BurlesqueRevue's Holiday Charity show, Fleur West's signature necklace shines from a light backstage. The event raised over 1.4 million won for DdingDong 띵동, an LGBTQ+ youth crisis center in Seoul.