South Korean K-pop singer Cherry, formerly known as Ryujin, has publicly come out as a transgender woman, making her one of the few openly trans idols in the competitive and often conservative world of Korean pop music.
The former member of the boy group Jwiiver shared the personal news with fans during an Instagram Live broadcast on Saturday, July 19. The candid announcement immediately drew attention and support from fans across the globe, highlighting an important and emotional moment in LGBTQ+ visibility within the K-pop industry.
“This isn’t a hobby, it’s my life. I’m trans. Because I wasn’t an ordinary person, I couldn’t reveal everything from the start. My goal was to take it slow. I’m just going with my goal.”
Cherry first gained public recognition through her appearance on the 2016 South Korean reality competition Boys24, which led to her debut in Jwiiver, a boy group under Starweave Entertainment. Even in the early years of her career, fans speculated about her gender identity and self-expression, which was often seen as fluid and bold in the traditionally rigid world of K-pop.
Although Cherry has previously addressed questions about her gender and pronouns by stating she was comfortable being referred to as “he,” “she,” or “they,” Saturday’s Instagram Live marked the first time she explicitly affirmed her identity as a transgender woman.
A Historic Moment for LGBTQ+ Representation in K-pop
Cherry’s announcement is already being celebrated as a major milestone by fans and LGBTQ+ advocates, especially within the K-pop fandom where representation remains limited and often stigmatized.
Within hours of the announcement, the hashtag #ProudOfCherry began trending across Korean and international social media platforms, with fans around the world commending her courage, authenticity, and openness.
In an industry known for its tightly controlled image standards, gender norms, and often heteronormative narratives, Cherry’s coming out not only breaks ground – it opens doors.
While South Korea has seen growing conversations about gender and sexuality, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination, societal pressure, and limited legal protections. Public figures, especially those in the entertainment industry, have historically faced backlash or career setbacks for expressing non-normative identities.
Cherry’s bold decision to speak her truth, especially in such a public and vulnerable way, adds to a growing wave of artists in the region who are beginning to live more openly.
A Growing Trend of Queer Visibility in Asian Pop Music
Cherry’s announcement is the latest in a series of public coming-outs by K-pop and Asian music idols in recent months.
In April, Bain – a member of the boy group Just B – shared that he is “proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community,” becoming one of the few openly queer male idols in the scene.
Just weeks later, Pimnara Rumruaymunkong, better known as Latin from the Thai girl group CGM48, came out via her Instagram Story, confirming that she identifies as WLW (women loving women). When asked if she was WLW or bisexual, she answered directly: “100 percent WLW,” embracing a label often used by lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual women who are attracted to other women.
The momentum didn’t stop there.
In June, Megan, a member of the global girl group Katseye – formed on the survival series The Debut: Dream Academy – revealed that she is bisexual. The announcement came shortly after fellow bandmate Lara disclosed her own queer identity in a playful post saying she was “half a fruit cake,” a tongue-in-cheek phrase she had used since coming out to her family at age 14.
These moments, while personal, are beginning to shape a broader cultural shift in K-pop and its surrounding fandoms, which are increasingly diverse, global, and LGBTQ+-affirming.
Why Cherry’s Announcement Matters
For fans, especially those who are transgender or gender nonconforming, Cherry’s visibility offers hope and validation.
In an industry that prizes perfection, often discouraging deviation from binary gender roles, Cherry’s bravery resonates deeply. She is not just reclaiming her own narrative; she’s giving voice to those who still feel unseen.
While K-pop continues to evolve with the influence of international markets and younger, more socially aware fanbases, artists like Cherry are helping to redefine what is possible – not just in music, but in society.
Her announcement also comes at a time when trans rights are under threat in many parts of the world, including the United States, where hundreds of bills targeting transgender individuals have been introduced in recent years.
In this climate, visibility isn’t just powerful – it’s political.
Cherry’s decision to live authentically, in front of millions, sends a powerful message to fans and fellow artists alike: that being true to yourself is more than enough.
As of now, Cherry has not confirmed whether she plans to continue releasing music or pursue other artistic ventures under her new identity. However, fans are already showing overwhelming support for whatever comes next.
Whether she returns to the stage or continues to build her platform online, Cherry’s journey is one that will likely inspire a new generation of K-pop fans and queer youth alike.
One thing is clear: Cherry isn’t just rewriting her own story – she’s helping reshape an industry.
