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As the season turns and festivals of expression unfold around the world, music takes a deeper purpose. It transforms from background rhythm to a powerful tool for visibility, connection and affirmation. In the ever-evolving landscape of K-Pop, a genre known for its dazzling visuals and polished sound, some songs rise above the chats not just for their melodies, but for what they represent. These tracks speak directly to themes of self-recognition, emotional honesty and the journey of becoming one’s true self.
Whether through lyrics that embrace individuality, performances that challenge societal norms or visuals that explore identity with bold imagination, these K-Pop anthems have earned a place in playlists curated for moments of celebration, healing and empowerment. They resonate with listeners who long to see themselves reflected in pop culture, not as side characters, but as central stories.
This list highlights ten tracks that do more than entertain: They open doors, spark conversations and provide comfort to anyone navigating their sense of self in a world that often demands conformity. From quiet introspection to confident declarations of freedom, these songs offer a soundtrack for authenticity for fans to resonate with music with a meaning.
1. ‘I Love My Body’ by HwaSa
HwaSa’s triumphant solo anthem celebrates self-love unabashedly.
Its lyrics: “I love my body, yes, that’s me” defy body shaming and uplift anyone who’s never struggled with acceptance. On different social media, fans have praised the empowering message that this song beholds
2. ‘Please Don’t…’ by K.Will
Probably one of the most significant tracks as it’s MV is highly popular for its narrative, performed by ballad singer K.Will and having singer and actor Seo InGuk starring as a man who is in love and has to deal with the perks of the relationship of his loved one, and as this video shows us a couple about to get marry being the main character friends… the ending breaks everyone’s heart, as InGuk wasn’t in love with the bride but had fallen for his friend, the groom.
In 2024 this song and its music video got a second part, causing stir amongst fans as it showed the character portrayed by Seo InGuk dead.
3. ‘Identity’ by SHINee
Discovering who you are might be a scary path but with this song, SHINee connects with its LGBTQ+ SHAWOLS by telling them that you don’t need to hide who you are, not caring what others have to say about you and that knowing your identity, will make you free; also, this song was released in June of 2023, just in time for Pride Month.
In social media, fans name this song as part of many K-Pop Pride and self-recognition playlists.
4. ‘Fast Forward’ by Jeon Somi
Another song that quickly became a Drag Queen favorite. Jeon Somi released this track in 2023, as part of her mini-album ‘GAME PLAN’ and rapidly got into the playlists of various LGBTQ+ figures who found the choreography perfect for performances.
The key dance moves in ‘Fast Forward’ incorporate voguing and posing, with male backup dancers highlighting the fun and liberating vibe of the track.
5. ‘Colors’ by Solar
Solar’s solo hit is a highlight for explicit LGBTQ+ celebration. The song includes vibrant references to drag and voguing and the music video features performers from queer ballroom scenes.
As its name suggests, the song invites people to show their true colors in a fearless and ferocious way, not having any apologies for being themselves while respecting each other in a world of so many different colors.
6. ‘All Night’ by Girls’ Generation
Released in 2017, ‘All Night’ showcases Girls’ Generation members dancing in a disco-themed setting alongside drag queens Bori, Cha Sevin and Anessa. Media around the world praised the video for embracing LGBTQ+ representation. This MV marked a subtle yet meaningful step for queer visibility in mainstream K-Pop.
7. ‘Animal’ by Jo Kwon
A song that caught everyone’s attention as Jo Kwon performed the full track in high heels and the song had an intricate choreography that included voguing, the track also featured j-hope, a then-future member of BTS.
The eccentricity of Jo Kwon’s performance quickly was embraced by LGBTQ+ community praising it’s inspiration on drag performances and the bound breaking image and sound that the member of 2AM had worked on the track.
8. ‘Answer: Love Myself’ by BTS
BTS’s powerful anthem reinforces that loving oneself is the first stop to loving others. The song, featured on countless Pride playlists, echoes the universal theme of self-acceptance: “I love myself and I’ll tell myself I love myself”. With worldwide recognition, it bridges cultural boundaries as an affirmation of identity.
9. ‘UP&DOWN’ by EXID
Another dance track that blew up thanks to its catchy dance and internet’s virality, EXID’s ‘UP&DOWN’; this song released in October 2014 had a poor reception, but a fancam of member Hani turned viral and by January 2015, the song was a massive hit.
And then, it became a popular song amongst K-Pop fans all over the world, especially ones from LGBTQ+ population, that quickly turned into the choreography of the song and also, drag queens added the track in their performances for it’s quirky and energetic dance.
10. ‘FACE’ by NU’EST
It was 2012 when Pledis Entertainment debuted the five-member group with a particular member: Ren (Choi MinKi) who had a genderless image that captured eyes all around the world but also, their debut track ‘FACE’ turned into a hymn about being yourself and not letting anyone walk all over you, no matter who you were.
Also, the MV featured the future members of SEVENTEEN making a pre-debut appearance as actors and dancing crew that the NU’EST members face-off.
Let us know in the comments which other songs would you add to a Pride K-Pop Playlist!
English (US) · 