Kwak Sun Hee comes out as LGBTQ+, introduces her girlfriend: 'Stunning day by day and this is who we r'
and reality star
Kwak Sun Hee
has publicly come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, making her one of the few female celebrities in Korea to do so. On July 13, she posted a heartfelt social media carousel featuring affectionate moments with her same-sex partner — from photobooth strips and shopping trips to cozy date nights.
The post confirmed that the woman featured is her girlfriend, and Kwak also introduced their joint couple account, marking the beginning of their public 'LoveStagram' journey. While she had previously kept her personal life private, this bold move has been widely applauded for its honesty and courage.
From army leader to LGBTQ+ trailblazer
Her caption read: 'Stunning Day by Day and this is who we R.'
She added playfully: 'I, too, want to try this thing called #lovestagram… ^^7'
Kwak first rose to fame as the commanding team leader of the Army squad on Channel A's reality competition series 'The Iron Squad W' also known as 'Steel Troops W', which aired last year. Her strength, sincerity, and leadership made her a breakout favorite among viewers.
She is also a former lieutenant in the 53rd Infantry Division Reserve and has pursued modeling and marathon running since her military discharge.
Public reaction and cultural impact
Fans and other famous people overwhelmed the comments with love, pride, and support when they applauded Kwak's courage and honesty. Her claim is hailed as a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ presence and acceptance in a nation still quite constrained in their presence.
'Everyone came out like this and said hello. Thank you. Really.' Kwak Sun Hee, Instagram post, July 13
Her
coming out
arrives during a time of growing — though still cautious — LGBTQ+ visibility in Korean media. From dramas like Nevertheless and Mine to recent public figures embracing their identities, Kwak's post adds to a slow but meaningful cultural shift.
Coming out for Kwak Sun Hee is a strong show of visibility in Korean entertainment, not just a personal achievement. She has begun a new chapter for herself as well as for many fans who see their reality in hers with grace, humor, and unapologetic happiness.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
S Line review: K-Drama that's freaking viewers out with its dark take on shame and surveillance
Ever wondered what would happen if someone knew your darkest, deepest secrets, the ones you'd rather take to the grave? S Line, the K-drama streaming exclusively on Korea's OTT platform, might just be the wildest drama you've come across. It explores humanity's biggest fear: shame, and how it can push someone to the edge, mentally and emotionally. In this world, sexual connections appear as visible red lines, and someone out there has the power to see and decide your fate. It's an intense take on privacy, judgment, and how fragile society really is. The bold and provocative series stars Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Da Hee, and Arin, and if you're into Korean thrillers, this one might just be your next obsession. The one K-drama that made history at Cannes and caught global attention way before its release is freaking viewers out over how close we might be to this becoming real, especially with AI creeping into every part of our lives. In South Korea, a country where Western influence shapes fashion and food, but not how people deal with shame, social pressure, or privacy, the K-drama is a nightmare to digest. The fear of cancel culture, the thin line between online and offline lives, what starts as a fantastical premise turns into a brutal mirror reflecting today's warped reality. Adapted from a webtoon, this six-episode fantasy-thriller poses a simple but devastating 'what if': What if your entire romantic and sexual history was out there, broadcast for everyone to see? In a world where privacy is becoming a luxury, how far are we from S Line turning into our new reality? Also read: New K-Drama with dark, provocative premise becomes global sensation without big OTT backing; Lee Soo Hyuk starrer scores big at Cannes The plot revolves around a girl named Sin Hyeon Heup, played by Arin, who can see what no one else can. She has a power, or maybe a curse, that forces her to witness a brutal childhood incident, her mother killing her father and running away, because of those red lines, exposing sexual ties. She keeps to herself, until a string of mysterious deaths start happening in the neighbourhood. That's when she realises someone else has the same power. Her path crosses with Lee Soo Hyuk's character, a cop with an alarming number of red lines above his head. He's investigating the deaths. Hyeon Heup also happens to be close friends with his niece, who ends up getting hold of a glass that gives her the same power as Heup. Then there's Lee Da Hee, playing a homeroom teacher. On the surface, she's the cleanest of them all, not a single red line. But the character is wrapped in mystery. S Line isn't just a psychological thriller, it's a societal experiment playing out on screen. These lines aren't just visual gimmicks; they're psychological triggers, showing how fast relationships can crack and reputations can shatter. In the end, nothing about it is subtle, it's a raw look at the hypocrisy we live with every day. Also read: Law and The City first impression: Skip Lee Jong Suk, Moon Ga Young's K-drama if you're not into slow burns, otherwise it's slice-of-life haven The cast delivers a strong performance. Visually, it's not flashy, it carries a gloomy tone, and with only two episodes out so far, it's tough to predict the endgame. But from the get-go, it knows what it wants to say. Turning a concept like this into a crime thriller wasn't something anyone expected, but then again, director Jooyoung Ahn has a reputation for pulling such a narrative. As she puts it, 'The main theme that audiences should take away is how human society could collapse when the boundaries are stepped on.' The show digs into themes like sexual shame, tech paranoia, and societal surveillance, but Ahn's fear is about how far it can go, and the show just lays it all out. Our take For fans of Kkomabi's original webtoon, this is finally a chance to see one of the darker stories brought to the screen. The murder angle keeps things moving, so it doesn't lose pace. With just six episodes, there's no drag, you can binge without burnout. That said, the show does tread into uncomfortable territory. As the director pointed out, the East is still more sexually conservative, and the blunt way these connections are shown might feel too direct or even offensive to some. And sure, the deviation from the original plot might disappoint die-hard webtoon fans, but filmmakers often have to tweak the story to make it work for a bigger crowd. Being locked to Wavve, a Korea-only streamer, limits international reach, but for what it's worth, this one's still a must-watch, at least once. If the mystery doesn't stay sharp, some character arcs could start feeling a little too predictable.
Pink Villa
2 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Confidence Queen first look: Park Min Young turns into high-flying con artist for action K-drama, know release plans
Actress Park Min Young has given fans a fresh look at her new on-screen persona ahead of her highly anticipated drama Confidence Queen. On July 15, she shared a set of photos on her personal Instagram account. She offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her transformation for the series. In the images, Park Min Young is seen wearing a sharp navy-blue flight attendant uniform accented with bold yellow details. She beams confidently into the camera, fully immersed in character. Her short caption, 'I will serve you with all my heart,' playfully teases her character's deceptive charm. The actress also tagged the drama's official title, confirming that the photos were taken on the set of Confidence Queen. It further fuelled excitement among fans awaiting her comeback. Park Min Young teases one of many disguises for her con artist role Though the photos appear light-hearted, they offer an important clue into Park Min Young 's new role. The uniform suggests one of many disguises her character may use in the series. It's a detail that aligns perfectly with the show's premise about con artists who adopt different identities to trick their targets. Park is known for her ability to completely embody a wide range of roles, from office professionals to royal consorts. She once again draws praise for how effortlessly she blends into her new character. Fans were quick to flood the comment section with excitement. Many praise her visuals while speculating about how this particular disguise fits into the drama's storyline. Given that her character is part of a trio of con artists, it's likely viewers will see her take on multiple guises throughout the series. Confidence Queen, a remake of The Confidence Man JP Confidence Queen is the Korean remake of the 2018 Japanese drama The Confidence Man JP. It's a critically acclaimed series that combines comedy, crime, and clever storytelling. The story will be focused on three eccentric swindlers who use elaborate schemes to trick the corrupt. The Korean version promises its own flair with a cast led by Park Min Young. In this new version, Park Min Young plays Yoon Yi Rang. She's a highly intelligent con artist who boasts an IQ of 165 and belongs to the top 1% of genius minds. Yi Rang is no ordinary scammer. She uses her intellect and cold, calculated charm to manipulate even the most ruthless criminals. Confidence Queen release plans Confidence Queen, Amazon's first Korean original series, is set for a global premiere on September 6, 2025. The drama will stream on Coupang Play in Korea and on Prime Video internationally (excluding Korea). From sky-high disguises to ground-level cons, Park Min Young seems ready to steal the show; one scam at a time.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Lee Dong Wook takes on a gangster role in ‘Nice Guy'; says fantasy felt 'exhausting'
Actor Lee Dong Wook has found major fame in the industry through doing fantasy-related roles. However, he has now opted for a romantic and dramatic story to make his comeback to the small screen. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The star recently revealed all about his upcoming role, from what pulled him to it to how he prepared for it. Why Lee Dong Wook opted for 'Nice Guy' The upcoming Korean drama ' Nice Guy ' is about a gangster and his first love, a departure from the actor's past few years of work. In a report from Xports News, the 'Goblin' actor revealed that he is aware of the fact that this is a step away from the fantasy genre that has garnered him a lot of fan following. He shared that the script brought him back to 'reality'. He continued, stating that with the Korean drama's script, 'it felt like my feet were finally back on the ground. I wanted to act out something realistic'. While talking about making the decision to shift from fantasy to noir and drama as a genre, the actor revealed how exhausting the unrealistic genre felt. 'It was exhausting to constantly create a new world view, to fly through the sky on wires, or to become an uncle from another realm', his statement read. He also emphasised on the fact that this new role also allowed him to relax, as it did not feel like he had to prepare anything extra. He shared that prepping and shooting in ' Nice Guy' felt like 'everyday acting'. About 'Nice Guy' 'Nice Guy' is an upcoming drama that is set to air on July 18 this month. The drama will feature 14 episodes and will tell the story of a third-generation gangster alongside his first love, whose main goal in life is to become a singer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lee Dong Wook will be taking on the lead role in the story alongside actress Lee Sung Kyung as the female lead. Kyung has featured in a lot of major roles such as 'The Player 2: Master of Swindlers', 'Record of Youth', 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo ', and 'Cheese in the Trap'. Other cast members include, but are not limited to, Park Hoon , Ryu Hae Young, Oh Na Ra and Cheon Ho Jin.
