Exclusive Interview: K-Pop Star Cherry’s Courageous Journey – a Trans Story That’s Redefining the Industry
- lewishooper1
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
From Boys24 trainee to a trailblazer for trans identity in the rigid world of K-pop, Cherry shares her powerful story of self-discovery and hope. Read on for this K-entertainment industry-changing interview!
In the notoriously image-conscious world of K-pop, an idol’s every move is carefully curated. Here at Dojeon Media, we have written about the scrutiny that many K-pop idols sadly face when they step out of the norm to pursue a new image or new challenge. But what happens when an idol dares to break the mold and be their authentic self?
This is the powerful story of Cherry, a former trainee on the survival program Boys24. Known to fans at the time as Chae Ryujin, a male idol, she has courageously transitioned and is now an influencer, sharing her life with the world. In this exclusive interview, Cherry opens up about her past, her journey of self-discovery, and what her truth means for the future of authenticity in the South Korean entertainment industry.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, my name is Chae Ryujin. I debuted in Korea as part of a survival program and as a male idol. Now, after coming out as a transgender woman, I'm working as a YouTuber and influencer.
What inspired you to get into K-pop?
Ever since I was young, I admired K-pop, watching a group called B1A4. At that time, survival shows were trending in Korea, and I was lucky enough to be able to participate.
What was your experience like on the reality show BOYS24? What led you to apply and join the show?
I've always loved to sing and dance since I was a child, so I always wanted to be a K-pop idol. That's when I found this audition program and decided to participate. It was an amazing memory and experience. For three months, I lived like I was in the army with over 50 people, without my phone. It was a moment I'll never be able to repeat, but it was a time when I felt so desperate and learned and felt so many things.
What were some of the most significant external challenges you faced in the K-pop world after coming out?
Coming out is still almost taboo in the Korean entertainment industry. That's because many people in Korea still view coming out as if it were some kind of bad incident.
How do you navigate both the positive and challenging fan reactions and public perceptions related to your identity?
I don't want to force people to see me as a woman just because I'm living my life as one. Korea is still very conservative compared to other countries, and there's a lot of gender conflict. Amidst those individual lives and values, I think I'll be busy enough living my life with the people who support me. I don't feel the need to be recognized by or even care about people who hate me.
What does "success" as a transgender person in the K-pop industry personally mean to you?
It means being able to come out confidently without worrying about what people think, contributing to changing the perception of transgender people, and not losing my job. Most transgender people in Korea have difficulty finding or keeping a job.
Can you share a moment or experience where you felt truly accepted or celebrated as a transgender person within the K-pop community?
I'm not being covered much by Korean broadcasters yet, and they're mostly focusing on the term "cross-dressing". So, I'm just so grateful for the support and attention I'm getting from abroad.
Beyond the personal, how do you hope your journey will impact LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-pop as a whole?
Transgender people in Korea lose their jobs. Also, LGBTQ people are still openly hated deep within society. If I can set a good precedent in K-pop, I hope other junior artists or other people can feel a bit more positive and courageous about their lives.
What specific changes or developments would you like to see in the future to make the K-pop industry more inclusive of transgender artists?
In a situation where transgender people are almost taboo, I think a shift in societal perspective is needed first—one that doesn't treat transgender people as special, but as people like everyone else, as women. There are still many people in Korea who dismiss transgender people as monsters or mentally ill. I want to make society realize that we are just people living to find our true selves. I believe that's what will lead to real change and development.
What message would you like to share with aspiring transgender artists who hope to break into the K-pop industry?
I haven't achieved great success yet, but I'm receiving a lot of support and love from many people compared to the past. Don't forget that even though many people hate you, there are far more who support and love you. I hope you move forward by holding onto the loving gazes rather than the negative ones.
What are your biggest hopes and aspirations for your career and your role as a K-pop artist moving forward?
I will continue to communicate with my fans, and in the future, I hope to participate in various activities like queer festivals both abroad and in Korea.
Is there an LGBTQ celebrity you look up to? Did they help you with your coming-out journey?
When being LGBTQ was taboo in Korea, an actor, comedian, and TV personality named Hong Seok Cheon was the first to come out publicly, and he had to go into hiding from the media. He had to endure even more terrible gazes and hatred than I do now. However, after persistently enduring and fighting, he now has his own show, and he's showing many people that being gay is friendly and nothing to be ashamed of. Watching him since I was young has given me a lot of inspiration and courage.
Final thoughts
Cherry's story stands as a beacon of courage to many young Koreans and LGBTQ+ people around the world, proving that a fearless embrace of one's truth is the most powerful and authentic performance of all. With her journey, she has shown that the most beautiful art comes from being truly, unapologetically yourself—so what is the future K-pop landscape we can now dare to dream of? With Western influences and Koreans starting to become more open to same sex and transgender personalities, will the face of K-pop change too? We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Do you have any questions for Cherry about her incredible journey? If so, leave them in the comments below, and we are sure that she would be more than happy to answer them.
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