Lionesses (band)
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Lionesses | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Labels | SB Entertainment, Earth Music |
| Members |
|
Lionesses (Korean: 라이오네시스) is a South Korean musical group that debuted in 2021. They are the first k-pop boy group where all of the members openly identify as LGBTQ+.[1] The four members—Damjun, Kanghan, FOXMAN, and Lee Malrang—wear black and white cat-like masks for appearances and performances. Aside from hiding their identities, wearing the masks acts as a symbol of solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals who are not ready to come out.[2] Their identities are a core part of their musicality, as their lyrics and music videos focus on LGBTQ+ experience and imagery.
History[edit]
Pre-debut[edit]
In 2020, group leader Bae Damjun began recruiting LGBTQ+ musicians for the group Lionesses. Lee Malrang formerly performed with Damjun in a group called 3G. Despite turning down the offer multiple times, Malrang eventually agreed to join Lionesses. Damjun met Kanghan, a classical musician, through an online community, and Han expressed interest in joining the group. FOXMAN trained as an idol at an undisclosed agency prior to joining Lionesses.[3] The group received funding from Beyond the Rainbow Foundation, which provides funding to LGBTQ+ artists.[4]
2021: Show Me Your Pride and Christmas Miracle[edit]
On November 1, 2021, Lionesses released their debut single "Show Me Your Pride". The song is an upbeat dance-pop track with lyrics about facing prejudices and coming out. Leader Bae Damjun stated that he chose to use a disco style due to the genre's history in the LGBTQ+ and minority communities.[5] The song and music video drew international attention, largely due to their status as the first LGBTQ+ kpop boy group.[1] Lionesses performed for the first time at Seoul Drag Cabaret on December 12, 2021.
On December 15, 2021, Lionesses released their second single album, "Christmas Miracle". This ballad-style song describes a world where everyone can love freely without worrying about judgement or hate crimes. This song was banned from broadcasting by the Korean network CBS due to the singers being LGBTQ+.[6]
2022-Present: Will you be my Groom?[edit]
On April 1st 2022, Lionesses released their third single, "Will you be my Groom?". This bossa nova styled track expresses the romantic fantasy of proposing to a male partner, alongside highlighting the social and legal struggles same-sex couples still face.[7] At the time of the song's release, same-sex marriage has not been legalized in South Korea.
Members[edit]
- Damjun (배담준) – leader, vocalist
- Kanghan (강한) – vocalist (countertenor)
- FOXMAN ((사막)여우) – rapper, vocalist
- Lee Malrang (이말랑) – vocalist
Discography[edit]
Single albums[edit]
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR[8] | |||
| Show Me Your Pride |
|
— | — |
| Christmas Miracle |
|
— | — |
| Will you be my Groom? |
|
— | — |
Videography[edit]
Music videos[edit]
| Year | Title | Album | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Show Me Your Pride | Show Me Your Pride | Cho Hanhee |
| 2021 | Christmas Miracle | Christmas Miracle | Cha Oreum |
| 2022 | Will you be my Groom? | Will you be my Groom? | Cho Hanhee |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "대한민국 최초 성소수자 남성그룹 '라이오네시스', 그들의 음악은 계속된다". n.news.naver.com (in 한국어). Retrieved 2022-01-15.
- ↑ Ferber 12/3/2021, Lawrence. "Queer K-Pop Group Lionesses Is Ready to Roar". LOGO News. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ↑ "[EXCLUSIVE] Interview: 20 Questions with K-Pop Group Lionesses". Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ↑ (ENG SUB) LIONESSES(라이오네시스) [Show me your pride] Making Behind-The-Scenes (Part.1), retrieved 2022-01-14
- ↑ (ENG SUB) LIONESSES(라이오네시스) [Show me your pride] Making Behind-The-Scenes (Part.1), retrieved 2022-01-14
- ↑ 미디어오늘 (2021-12-14). "성소수자그룹 신곡이 금지곡? CBS "기독교정신 위배" 논란". 미디어오늘 (in 한국어). Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ↑ "[EXCLUSIVE] Interview: 20 More Questions with Lionesses". Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ↑ "국내 대표 음악 차트 가온차트!". gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
External links[edit]
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