The progression of K-Pop has been a nonstop constant in today's trends and social media. New groups are debuting by the minute and gathering the attention of millions worldwide. K-Pop fans are known as some of the world's strongest fanbases, and the music genre has seen unprecedented success like never before.

With the rise of K-Pop, a concerning topic is discussed within the community. Gender inequality is rampant between many male and female idols. In K-pop, the treatment of male and female idols regarding skin exposure often reflects broader societal norms and expectations around gender and modesty. When it comes to female and male idols, the picture-perfect ideology that is pushed onto them turns out harmful when stepping out of that comfort zone. The unfairness of these ideologies has been further perpetuated as groups continue to debut. Girl groups are supposed to be "innocent" and cute, nearly crossing the line of emulating a young girl. Boy groups are displayed as cool and masculine, showing off their boyhood and manliness in various forms.

One of the topics under the umbrella of gender inequality is skin exposure between the two genders. Female idols tend to face jarring restrictions when it comes to skin exposure. From Calvin Klein campaigns to the "MAMA Awards", the responses to opposite genders exposing their skin have been drastically different. We're going to look at cases where treatment over skin exposure was drastically different for female idols compared to their male counterparts.

A Simple Question Turned To Body Shaming And Hate

Calvin Klein is a major name in the fashion industry. They're best characterized by their famous underwear and denim items. Celebrities are common ambassadors for the company and recently, more idols have participated in their campaigns. Some notable names include BLACKPINK's Jennie and BTS's JungKook. Calvin Klein took to X to ask followers who they believed should be in a Calvin Klein campaign to the pleasure of many K-Pop fans. The two idols were top names mentioned in the comments due to their captivating physique and global status. However, people noticed when it came to Jennie there was an influx of body shaming and disparaging comments. It got so severe, Calvin Klein's X account stepped in to make a statement.

We embrace this platform as an inclusive environment for individualism and self-expression. At Calvin Klein, we tolerate everything except intolerance. Please be respectful towards each other or your comment may be removed.

— calvinklein (@CalvinKlein) January 31, 2023

It's interesting to see this as many male idols have participated in campaigns but did not receive much backlash, such as WonHo and EXO's Lay Zhang. They were often praised due to their muscular and lean frames. While JungKook was not sparred from hateful comments and faced scrutiny, Jennie was doused with an influx of hate and even in her previous works with the luxury brand, she was bashed for showing off her body. If it's sexy and desired by male K-Pop idols, why do female K-Pop idols get bombarded with hate?

Calvin Klein's Official Twitter

Same Situation, Different Headlines for "2018 MAMA Awards"

One of the most infamous cases of skin exposure is between MAMAMOO's HwaSa and WonHo. During the "2018 MAMA Awards", both idols took to the stage to give off powerful performances. HwaSa dawned a striking red leather one-piece, one that imitated a swimsuit. The singer received many mixed reactions to her choice of styling. Many netizens felt she took it a bit too far, having a good portion of her bottom half exposed.

They even went as far as to call her embarrassing because of the outfit choice. The situation grew to such a large scale that RBW Entertainment made a statement, expressing that they didn't expect the attention and the outfit matched the song. HwaSa never shies away from expressing her inner femininity and sexy confidence. She's always been known to embrace diverse styles that express what she is all about, unwavering, seductive, confidence. Unfortunately, netizens do not share the same beliefs as her.

Ironically, at the same "2018 MAMA Awards" WonHo displayed an impressive performance and showed off his muscular physique during it. The headlines and reactions were exceptionally different and it's almost ridiculous. He received many headlines stating "Masculine stage unfolded" whereas HwaSa's articles focused more on the controversy regarding her outfit.

Even with her amazing vocals and breathtaking performance, it was overshadowed due to her outfit. WonHo is prided as a masculine, sexy idol in the industry. He has numerous shoots, performances, and videos where he exposes his body. It's no coincidence that WonHo is praised for his confidence whereas HwaSa is shamed for hers, despite both idols having sexier concepts. This can be seen as blatant double standards in the idol world. The perpetual stereotypes put on female idols are why HwaSa is constantly shamed and claimed an embarrassment to the genre.

Fans' Opinions?

When asked about the difference when a male and female idol deciding to show more skin, fans expressed their disdain over the topic. They believe there is a clear line between praising and chastizing when it comes to skin exposure in K-Pop.

Most kpop fans love seeing male idols show their abs and fawn over it but if a female idol's shirt is too low cut and shows cleavage people lose their minds. The double standard doesn’t make any sense.
Alexia, USA

Fans want their girl groups to stay wholesome and cute, while their male idol counterparts get to explore risqué and dark concepts. It would be interesting to see the gender and age demographic of male and female idols. I want to see how each fanbase treats groups about what they wear, say, and do.
Landy, South Korea

It's hypocritical to shame female artists for wearing "revealing " clothing and then say nothing when male idols go on stage and walk around with no shirts on. They even encourage the male idols, asking for shirtless pics during fan calls, and talking about their bodies but then get upset if a female idol wears a short skirt or scandalous top during promotions.
LeAndre, USA

While this debate is constantly talked about, female idols still choose to break away from standard labels. Girl groups and soloists are experimenting with mature concepts and riskier outfits, pushing back against the strictness. Additionally, there are instances where male idols faced criticism for overly revealing outfits or behavior, highlighting the evolving conversations around gender and representation in K-Pop. What are your thoughts about the gender inequality in K-Pop? Do you believe there's unfairness when it comes to skin exposure? Let us know on X!

K-Pop idols change throughout the years and many fans are always shocked by the changes. From their debut until now, many idols have gone through drastic transformations. Whether physically or mentally, they have turned into the idols that we know from debut to the ones we love today!

Some idols start youthful and young then soon blossom into mature, sophisticated idols. Some of them even started as shy and then soon burst into a confident artist as the years passed. Since so many idols have changed since their debut, we picked out some that notably stood out to us from their debut journey until current activities. Here are some idols we think had a major change from their debut until now!

1. Stray Kid's ChangBin

Stray Kid's ChangBin has had a major transformation from the group's debut until now. Not only has he gained a manly, strong physique, but the rapper is very confident in his skills nowadays and he shines in every comeback. ChangBin went from our cute rapper to the mega rapper that we know today!

JYP Entertainment

2. TWICE's JiHyo

TWICE's JiHyo evolved into an award-winning, confident, soloist and leader. JiHyo had always had her cute looks when TWICE debuted. As the group progressed, she turned into more mature looks and shocked everyone with her looks as a debut soloist. While JiHyo is still the adorable leader that we know and love, she has shined so much and grown confident from her debut until now.

JYP Entertainment

3. WonHo

Probably one of the most dramatic changes, WonHo's looks from debut until now are one for the books! Starting from a boy group and now a soloist, WonHo traded his youthful charm and looks for muscles and mysterious aesthetics. WonHo has talked a lot about how much he has changed in terms of looks and his mentality. He is a strong and confident idol that we all love!

Starship Entertainment / Highline Entertainment

4. BTS's JungKook

The youngest of the group and a global superstar, BTS's JungKook looks different from his debut compared to now. It was inevitable for the idol to change. He has been in the spotlight at a young age and his interests have changed over the years. Covered with tattoos, piercings, and a radiating personality, JungKook has changed from the quiet, baby of BTS to a sensational superstar worldwide.

HYBE Labels

5. NCT's JaeMin

NCT's JaeMin is not the small, boyish idol that we once knew from 'Chewing Gum'! He has changed into a powerful, positive young man. His transformation stands out so much because his group has done many different concepts, allowing him to grow as a person and try different aesthetics that fit his looks.

SM Entertainment

6. VIVIZ's UmJi

VIVIZ's UmJi bright presence is undeniable and she has grown tremendously from her debut in her previous girl group to her current position in VIVIZ. Not only has UmJi's appearance matured, but her personality as well. Her confidence on stage catches your eye and she is still the caring girl that we have known since her debut.

HYBE Labels / BPM Entertainment

7. P1Harmony's InTak

P1Harmony's InTak feels like a fully-fledged adult nowadays compared to his debut. As an idol who was new to the K-Pop world just 4 years ago, InTak has changed appearance in just those 4 years. His appearance change is obvious in the group's latest song 'Killin It' and we love how dynamic his looks are.

FNC Entertainment

8. ATEEZ's San

ATEEZ's San hit the gyms and worked on his stage presence persistently throughout the years. Compared to their debut, San's stage performances have seen a major change and he is powerful when he hits the stage. Fans can't help but love the transformation San has gone through in the last 6 years as he is a happy, influential idol now!

KQ Entertainment

9. DREAMCATCHER's HanDong

DREAMCATCHER's HanDong appearance change is not a huge one but her personality change was a major one! Compared to her debut until now, HanDong has come out of her shell and has a breathtaking appearance and presence. She is amazing at everything she does and her appearance shines in every comeback.

Dreamcatcher Company

Tech-wear may have fallen somewhat out of style in fashion for us average people, but it never ceases to be one of the best-looking ones for K-Pop idols when they are on stage. This particular type of style aims for both functionality and aesthetics, placing a strong emphasis on minimalism, choice of materials, and the overall silhouette design.

Tech-wear uses many different clothing items and accessories to pull off the look flawlessly. Big combat boots, leather harnesses, and chain accessories, Tech-wear is an endless list of black, futuristic, and form-fitting styling choices. We think many idols can pull off the Tech-wear look and we want to point out a few that stood out to us. Here are 5 of the best Tech-wear fashion worn by K-Pop idols.

1. BTS's j-hope

No one does Tech-wear quite like BTS's j-hope! Tech-wear looks amazing on the idol and his figure helps make it look even better. Who could forget his fashion during BTS's performance of 'Outro: Tear'? His Tech-wear outfits are so iconic that fans continue to talk about them still to this day. He's also one of the best idol dancers in the industry, so Tech-wear is just perfect on j-hope.

VREALV

TWONEIGHT

2. MONSTA X

No does Tech-wear quite like MONSTA X does! The group has worn the fashion style multiple times throughout their career, but the concept photos for their EP "No Limit" were the icing on the cake for us. In the photos and teaser for the album, the members looked handsome in all the Tech-wear fashion. Some staples that we noticed them wearing were oversized jackets, buckles, belts, and more. MONSTA X are known for their hard-hitting, tough concepts and they love to include Tech-wear fashion in these comebacks!

STARSHIP Entertainment

STARSHIP Entertainment

3. aespa

When aespa's 'Black Mamba' MV reached 100 million views, the girls promised a special choreography video! Fans were asked to vote for either Tech-wear or classy suits. Fans voted more for Tech-wear and the girls delivered! Showing off flashy harnesses, chunky combat boots, and cool, leather accessories, the 4 member girl group stunned in their Tech-wear outfits for the dance video.

aespa's Official Twitter

aespa's Official Twitter

4. TXT

TXT's typical concepts are not usually hard-hitting and tough but when they do bring them, they're everything and more! In the group's Halloween special video for their song '0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)' they showed off some impressive Tech-wear! The boy group don't usually wear this kind of fashion so it was refreshing to see them in this style. Tech-wear gives them a more bad-boy vibe compared to their usual look! We hope to see them in more Tech-wear for future comebacks!

HYBE Labels

5. BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK members show how the fashion icons rep Tech-wear in their concept photos for 'Kill This Love'. In the concept photos for the comeback, the girls sported different Tech-wear outfits and accessories. Not only did the fashion style suit the comeback, but the girls pulled it off flawlessly. It was a different look from their standard concepts but we loved the outfits nonetheless!

YG Entertainment

BLACKPINK's Official Twitter

6. WonHo

WonHo's muscular figure looks good in everything but it particularly stands out to us when he's wearing Tech-wear. During his comeback stages, he is shown wearing some Tech-wear essentials such as cargo pants, and different straps and belt buckles. He shocked fans with how amazing he looks in the fashion. WonHo looks stunning in the photos and many of his music videos include him in Tech-wear as well!

Inkigayo

Inkigayo