In the global entertainment industry, a cultural force from South Korea has been seen that has gone beyond the geographical boundaries of the country and reshaped traditional notions of gender, beauty, and performances. What began as a distinctly Korean genre has now grown into a worldwide phenomenon blending different genres like ballads, hip-hop, EDM, dance-pop and many more. With different cultures trying to establish strong influence over others, K-pop has successfully captured international attention through the Hallyu wave, which includes K-drama, K-fashion, and Korean food industry. Yet, beyond all the music and glamour, one of its most transformative contributions has been the way male K-pop idols have redefined masculinity for the newer generation of fans.
Toxic Masculinity
For decades, dominant cultures, especially in the West have promoted a rigid version of masculinity, one that is often associated with being stoic, physically strong, and suppressing emotion. The term ‘toxic masculinity’ can be used to indicate the pressure to “suppress emotions or mask distress, maintaining a hard appearance and using violence and dominance to indicate power.” These traits of masculinity are often considered superior to femininity and men who do not embody these traits are often labeled as ‘weak’, or ‘not masculine enough. Thus, this hierarchy often acts as a method to justify patriarchy.
K-pop has challenged this narrative head-on by making bold moves to break down this toxic masculinity in several ways. Within its global stage, male K-pop idols have presented an alternative stance that embraces vulnerability and fluidity dismantling toxic expectations while also opening dialogues for different interpretations of what it means to be a man in the 21st century.
Soft Masculinity
At the center of this is the idea of a gender bending aesthetic which has changed the perception of the word ‘man’. This has been done through the emergence of ‘soft masculinity,’ which allows men to keep a delicate demeanor and have a beautiful skin. In South Korea terms like flowerboys or kkotminam became popular challenging the typical tough guy image of a man. K-pop greatly helped in spreading the ideas of soft masculinity as male idols are often seen wearing heavy makeup, dyeing their hair in different shades, accessorizing, and performing in outfits like crop tops, featuring floral prints or delicate fabrics. Instead of undermining their masculine appeal, these choices amplify their artistry and charisma, as observed by many of their fans
K-pop groups like BTS, SHINee, EXO, Stray Kids, Seventeen, to name a few, have normalized wearing colourful eye makeup, have flawless looking, dewy skin, and are often seen experimenting with hairstyles, proving that beauty and fashion can coexist seamlessly with a masculine identity. These aesthetics are bold and deliberate artistic statements, setting trends in both music and fashion industries.
This play with style becomes even more visible as the idols wear genderfluid pieces onstage while they celebrate freedom of expression. For instance, EXO’s Kai performing in a crop top or BTS’ Jungkook wearing a corset top is no longer viewed as weird but as cultural markers of redefined masculine expressions. SHINee’s Taemin and BTS’ Jimin are especially famous for their feminine looks and performances that are sensual yet fluid, intentionally moving away from dominance and aggression, often associated with male sexuality.
Emotional vulnerability
Equally profound is the way many male idols approach emotional openness. Many idols are frequently seen sharing their vulnerabilities with fans through emotional speeches directed towards them, or through livestreams where they openly talk about their lives or struggles. Some of them speak about their mental health, exhaustion, or feelings of loneliness through song lyrics which helps fans to connect with them better. Fans also witness idols crying on stage during award shows or preaching about self-love and acceptance. Through this, they frame vulnerability and emotional intelligence not as a weakness but as authentic expressions of a human being.
BTS, in particular, has built much of its global fan base on this foundation. Their music often portrays the struggles of young adulthood, where beauty coexists with uncertainty of life and the future can often feel uncertain and hopeless. Their lyrics revolve around strong themes surrounding mental health, self love, particularly ‘loving yourself’ and the struggles with one’s identity that accompanies transitioning into adulthood. By addressing such themes, they dismantle the stereotype of men as emotionally repressed and instead offer a vision of masculinity rooted in empathy, honesty, and resilience.
Global influence
The influence of male K-pop idols cannot be confined to South Korea alone. Through their international fandoms, these aesthetics travel across borders questioning rigid gender roles and demonstrating that there is a global demand for alternative masculinities that are more expressive.
In the fashion industry, male idols have become one of the most sought after ambassadors for luxury brands such as Gucci, Dior, and Louis Vuitton and appear on the pages of fashion magazines time and time again. They are often seen modeling collections that blur the lines of gender through skirts, corsets, fishnets, bold jewelry, and makeup. Their presence in global campaigns signals a wider cultural shift as what was once considered a ‘feminine’ attire for men can now be mainstreamed through their endorsement, demonstrating the power of celebrity culture to challenge long-standing stereotypes.
For many young people, especially queer fans who are navigating their identity and finding ways of self- expression, they also find validation in these idols as their identity dont have to fit in a box, embodying both boldness and softness in fashion. By challenging the stereotypical definitions of what men can wear, look like, or feel, male K-pop idols create a more inclusive vision of masculinity.
For fans across the globe, these idols have embodied a new model of masculinity celebrating inclusivity, love, acceptance and self-expression. Rather than diminishing what it means to be a man, K-pop offers a vision of masculinity which can be vulnerable, soft and emotional, one that resonates with the world and brings a positive influence on it.
Written by – Priyanjana Jha
About the Author –
Priyanjana is a post graduate in Global Studies, with a research background in feminism and cultural studies. Her interests lie in exploring themes related to cross-cultural relations, history and gender identities, with a particular passion for Korean culture and society. She is actively learning the Korean language and sees writing as a way to bridge cultural gaps in the world, and share her stories with others. In her free time, she loves to watch K-dramas and make K-pop dance covers.