Celebrating transgender and non-binary musicians in Korea
Written by Jamie Finn (@jamiefinn2209)
A small group of incredible musicians are changing the perception of gender and art in Korea. Here, we take a look at some of the incredible transgender and non-binary artists working in Korea’s underground music scene.
KANG New
Instagram: kang_and_i
KANG New is the charismatic vocalist of the electronic duo Fat Hamster and KANG New. As well as her EDM stuff, KANG New also makes music that incorporates her love of all things 1980s!
“I perform as solo artist KANG New and as a member of the electronic punk duo Fat Hamster & KANG New. In 2019, I publicly came out as non-binary transgender at the TDoR march in Itaewon, organised by the Trans Liberation Front.”
Kirara
Instagram: stqpkiraradongjae
Kirara is one of the biggest names in Korean electronic music. Her critically acclaimed big beat sound is packed full of dance floor craziness and surprising emotional depth.
“I am a musician who creates and performs under the name Kirara in South Korea, and I am MTF transgender. It's not my intention to incorporate my gender into my music, but since I make music that's about my experiences, it's inevitable that it will eventually find its way into my songs. I often criticise myself for not having enough pride as an LGBT person in Korea, but I want to continue to live my life with an enterprising attitude, so I'm continuing my own music life. I love Debaser Magazine.”
June Green
Instagram: junegreen_y
June Green is a solo songwriter and performer whose music is folky and intimate, which compliments their emotional storytelling. June was also one-third of queer idol group QI.X before their disbandment last year They’re active as an activist, and recently has been hosting events featuring other transgender and non-binary artists.
AHNMARU
Instagram: ahn.maru
AHNMARU is an electronic musician based in Seoul. Working mainly within house, techno, and electronica, they create immersive soundscapes with delicate textures and emotional nuance. Through music, AHNMARU explores how to speak to society—sometimes through humor, sometimes through strangeness, always with intention.
Cecily Renns
Instagram: cecilyrenns
Cecily Renns is a really unique artist whose upbeat yet introspective punk rock style combines deeply personal lyrics with humour and unbelievably fun music.
“Hello! My name is Cecily Renns, and I'm a rock musician based in Seoul! I make punk rock music about self-love, mental health and my gender. I've been writing music for over 9 years now, and I released my debut album in 2022. My second album, which came out in 2023, was called 모두 살아 or Everyone, Live. I performed live at acs.kr that year as well. My new album is a series of 3 albums called Shinwoo, which is out now! I am also a part of the internet-based band called MIDI Bunny, where I'm a songwriter and vocalist.”
Jungle
Instagram: jungleusedtobeadragqueen
Jungle is a creative icon here in Korea. She became well-known for her work as a drag queen. More recently, though, she has been doing incredible stuff in the world of music and fashion. She’s the bassist in the criminally underrated Othersmayforgetyoubutnoti and recently starred in the Japanese Breakfast video, Orlando in Love.
Jean Rhee
Instagram: cheesebomber97
Jean Rhee is an electronic artist whose music defies simple genre labels. They weave through house, drum and bass, pop, and more with an appealing, self-assured but melancholic charm. There’s also a great amount of depth in their music, drawing on their background as a songwriter.
“Hi, this is Jean Rhee. I’m an Internet-born cyborg who likes hardcore & instant noodles.”
NoSo
Instagram: nosomusic
NoSo is a Korean-American musician known for his indie-folk sound and introspective songwriting. Born in Chicago to Korean immigrants, NoSo began playing guitar at age 12. His debut album, 2022’s Stay Proud of Me, was critically lauded for its melodic indie songwriting and frank confessional lyrics about gender and identity.
SuperKnova
Instagram: superknovamusic
SuperKnova is the iconic electro-pop music project of Korean-American musician and activist Ellie Kim, who blends synth-pop and indie rock with bold and powerful lyrics. Kim created SuperKnova as a solo venture after performing with various bands, using the platform to explore themes of identity, gender, and personal transformation through her music.
The project's name reflects the powerful rebirth symbolism that infuses her work. With releases like American Queers and Splendor Dysphoria, SuperKnova has become an icon for her uncompromising lyrics and live performance energy.
HAPPY IZOKO
Instagram: imhappyizoko
HAPPY IZOKO is a truly unique and creative talent. Perhaps best known for their work with garage punk band The 1234-Dah!, Izoko is also a visual artist and solo performer.
“Nice to meet you, Debaser Magazine. I draw, make music, and perform. Since 2022, I have identified as non-binary and have been living as a non-binary transgender person in Korea. My name is Izoko, and I perform as HAPPY IZOKO. Just like my name, I hope that those who listen to and enjoy my music feel happiness.”