K-Pop’s Latest ‘Scandal’: Ex-Boys24 Trainee Cherry Dares To Be Trans – but Is This ‘Right’ for the Industry?
- lewishooper1
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The industry built on illusion confronts an uncomfortable truth. Let's take a closer look as we dissect this latest K-pop scandal!
For a long time, the K-pop machine, as we know it, has been heavily criticized for the harsh and rigid control it exerts on artists to maintain the manufactured perfection image. However, K-pop's latest controversy is Cherry. Cherry is a former contestant from Mnet's Boys24, and they have declared themselves a trans woman. This isn't just a personal revelation; it's a defiant middle finger to an industry that thrives on strict gender roles and marketable fantasies.
Cherry, who is also known as Chae Ryujin, first rose to stardom on the 2016 reality series Boys24, where she competed for a spot in the K-pop boy band of the same name. Although she was eliminated, she later became a member of the K-pop group JWiiver, previously performing under the stage name Ryujei. The band released a mini album titled JTrap in 2022, before officially disbanding in January 2024.
Why Go Public?
Cherry, was once presented as another aspiring male idol, which has now shattered the illusion. Her decision to publicly transition is an undeniable challenge to South Korea's deeply conservative entertainment landscape, where LGBTQ+ identities are largely pushed to the shadows or, worse, sensationalized for clicks. While some virtue-signal with "bravery" endorsements, the real question is how the industry, built on exploiting specific images, will actually react. Will labels embrace authenticity, or will Cherry's visibility simply become another uncomfortable truth to be swept under the rug? Sadly, here the Dojeon team goes with the latter. Let's take a look at the moment she came out.
This is not just about one individual, in this case Cherry, it is about the whole K-pop industry. Cherry's existence demands a conversation about what "idol" truly means and whether an industry so reliant on manufactured narratives can ever truly accept, let alone celebrate, genuine diversity. Her journey isn't just a personal one; it's a stark mirror held up to K-pop's own prejudices and its desperate need to catch up with a world that's already moved on. Since the face of K-pop is starting to look more global, as a global fan base grows, will this force the K-pop industry to become more inclusive in what is a very woke Western culture?
Fan opinion
Fan opinion has also shifted in a more positive direction, which should help decision-makers in the K-pop industry become more open-minded. Fans on social media have expressed their appreciation for Cherry's bravery at this tough time in her life. Let's check some of the comments out!
“I am sooooo happy for her!!” one X user wrote. “I’ve been following her for a long time now and I feel excited every time she expresses herself.”
“Oh my Cherry 🥹🥹🥹🫂🫂🫂🫂,” another fan said. “So proud of you, finally able to live your truth. Wishing you nothing but health and happiness 💕.”
In a July 21 Instagram post, Cherry thanked her international fans “for your support and love.”
“I’ll live my second life happier,” she wrote. “I would appreciate it if you continue to love and support us.”
From the Dojeon team, we think this is a great act of bravery from the star, and we hope more stars speak out about their sexuality, in order to bring a more open-minded and diverse K-pop community, which is also more realistic in today's modern world.
In the ruthless, image-driven world of K-pop, is this level of personal truth ultimately a career-ending "mistake," or is it the necessary, painful step towards a more genuinely inclusive future for artists and fans alike? We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.