KilliAN, a former JYP trainee, bravely opens up about his expulsion for a same-sex relationship, highlighting LGBTQ struggles in K-pop.
In a candid revelation that sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in Korea’s entertainment industry, former JYP trainee KilliAN, aged 32, has shared his experience of being expelled from the company due to his same-sex relationship.
KilliAN’s story began in Hong Kong, where he started as a child actor before catching the eye of JYP Entertainment at the age of 14. At that time, JYP was preparing for the debut of iconic K-pop groups, 2PM and 2AM, and KilliAN was considered a promising trainee for both groups.
However, in a revealing interview, KilliAN disclosed that he was expelled from JYP after the company discovered his same-sex relationship with another male trainee within their ranks. Ultimately, the company decided not to take the risk of having an openly homosexual idol in an industry where Korea’s views on homosexuality were still very conservative.
KilliAN, in his own words, expressed, “I am homosexual, but South Korea at that time was very conservative about homosexuality, so in the end, the company asked me to leave.”
Despite this setback, KilliAN was not deterred. JYP’s makeup artist helped him find a new opportunity in the industry. However, his journey took him through training at five different entertainment companies in South Korea before he decided to return to his hometown of Hong Kong.
Back in Hong Kong, he faced new challenges, feeling closely monitored, with company representatives following his every move. In a startling twist, his boss even demanded that he take testosterone to alter his “too feminine” voice.
Throughout his journey, KilliAN confronted numerous hardships, including missed acting opportunities due to a co-star’s scandal and experiencing harassment.
