How Nu’est’s Ren is challenging K-pop gender norms: androgynous looks, Lady Gaga covers and playing a wannabe drag queen in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Nov 3 , 2020

K-pop star Ren from Nu’est is known to make a statement through both his looks and words alike. Photo: @glorypath/Instagram

Blunt, carefree and unafraid, the K-pop idol born Choi Min-ki made his musical theatre debut in 2020 in Asia’s first production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – sharing the lead role with 2AM’s Jo Kwon and Astro’s MJ

Through his actions and words alike, K-pop idol Ren has long since been a celebrity known for championing self-love and open-mindedness, and challenging South Korea’s gender norms. Nu’est’s unafraid maknae, or youngest member, born Choi Min-ki, rarely shies away from expressing himself and his thoughts, which only makes him more admirable to fans – and offers an inspiration to the general public in an often-conservative society.

Am I a boy or a girl? I am a man. Fashion makes a person and its impression

Ren

The carefree idol is mostly known for his blunt personality, especially when it comes to not being ashamed of his androgynous looks, from brazenly using make-up to dressing in drag for ads and live shows.

As the Busan-born singer turns 25, here are some of the moments when he broke down gender stereotypes.

Taking on the role of Jamie

Earlier this year, Ren was one of four actors – alongside fellow K-pop idols 2AM’s Jo Kwon, Astro’s MJ and actor Shin Joo-hyup – tasked with rotating the lead role in the Korean version of musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie . The story follows the 16-year-old high school protagonist who dreams of becoming a drag queen, and the challenges he endures along the way.

This was Asia’s first production of the play, and Ren’s decision to take on the role showed his bravery in portraying the unconventional character in South Korea, where some are still turning their backs on the LGBTQ+ community.

His China-based ad