In July 2022, Wavve is premiering two new original series that explore the topic of LGBTQ dating: “Merry Queer” and “Love of Others”. Considering the public’s response to recent queer-friendly content in the broadcast industry, these shows are expected to receive much attention. Wavve hopes they will “raise serious social issues that can be considered and sympathized with”.((Dispatch article about Wavve’s new LGBTQ shows: https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2205029))
(While “Merry Queer” and “Love of Others” are related and important, we will focus on “Merry Queer” because of our idol’s role in that show.)
“Merry Queer” is the first real “coming-out” romance in Korea that contains the challenges of sexual minority couples in love and marriage. EXID’s Hani, Shin Dongyup (신동엽), and Hong Seokcheon (홍석턴) are the three MC’s. ((Dispatch article about Wavve’s new LGBTQ shows: https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2205029))
Hong Seokcheon is the first “coming-out celebrity” in Korea, confessing his sexual identity in 2000. His career saw a decline for years, but he began returning to television in 2007 with a “pleasant gay” concept.((Hong Seokcheon page on Namu Wiki: https://namu.wiki/w/홍석천))
Shin Dongyup appeared with Hong Seokcheon in Korea’s first transgender group talk show “She XY” in 2012. The show was canceled after the first show, but the two will have better fortune this year in “Merry Queer”.((Shin Dongyup page on Namu Wiki: https://namu.wiki/w/신동엽))
EXID’s Hani has shown support for LGBTQ in the past. While not as outspoken in her support as her groupmate ELLY, Hani does often wears pride watch bands. Both are supportive and caring idols regardless of one’s sexual identity.
The three MC’s Hani, Dongyup, and Seokcheon will make the perfect MC’s for the “Merry Queer” show. Fans are excited!