The last decade has observed a renaissance in the standards of sex appeal from European benchmarks to Asian craze. Flip through the magazines today; the pages seem to have a different kind of shine, with handsome Asian men dominating the scene.
These lists are usually dominated by K-pop idols in the past few years. Kim Taehyung, known as V from BTS, has been titled “The Most Handsome Man in The World” for four consecutive years. The undisputed gorgeous king has redefined masculinity and allure for a man.
Gone are the days of rugged, handsome looks; women prefer a soft, approachable appeal that is not afraid to show vulnerability.
The Hallyu wave, or the Korean global influence, has engulfed the world with K-pop and K-drama. Actors and idols are grabbing attention for their charming, soft looks. Criticizing Korean males, calling them feminine, is uncool and passé. Now, the discourse has changed to how we are brainwashed into thinking that European standards are peak beauty.
More often than not, Asians were portrayed in Hollywood as the meek, nerdy, unappealing side characters undeserving of getting the woman.
This has finally changed for the better in recent years as more Asians are bagging titular roles and main characters.
And with BTS paving the way for the K-pop community on a global forum, the terms of masculinity are challenged again.
The trend of androgynous fashion is taking over the K-pop universe, and in a shocking turn of events, the fans have been extremely supportive, encouraging, and fascinated by it. More K-pop male idols are donning skirts to experiment with the gender-neutral trend. One of the major points is to show that clothes have no gender and skirts do not diminish the masculinity of a secure man.
Why Are Male K-Pop Idols Wearing Skirts?
The first speck of experimenting with androgynous was probably prominent with BigBang’s G-Dragon, considered K-pop’s fashion king.
Given his influence, the K-Ntez did not question his fashion choice; rather, the entire K-pop community followed suit (or should we say followed skirt!).
When BTS debuted in 2013, they were not considered worthy of media coverage since they were a small company. Two years later, BTS’s leader, RM, took matters into his own hands by releasing his solo mixtape. The concept photos of the album shocked the ARMYs when they saw RM wearing skirts and owning the look.
Over the years, several male idols have not only challenged the gender norms on fashion but also liberated self-expression. People were no longer bashing individuals who don’t conform to traditional masculinity because the rules have changed; deal with it!
Side Note: no one can beat 2AM Jo Kwon when it comes to gender-neutral fashion.
What’s With the Gender-Neutral Look?
In the recent Calvin Klein campaign, Jungkook left the fandom in a collective whiplash with his “genderless concept.” The ad started a much-needed discourse in the community about individuality, redefining masculinity, and acceptance.
The gender-neutral look is defined as embracing both the masculine and feminine side of an individual, which can be predominantly expressed through fashion. More luxury brands are incorporating this fashion, which may soon transcend into a global trend.
What is your take on the gender-neutral concept? If you are a male, would you consider wearing a skirt?
What are your opinions on K-pop idols redefining men’s skirts? Let us know in the comments section below.
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