Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the mailpoet domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/magnetmoore/dailyhart.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/magnetmoore/dailyhart.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the jetpack domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/magnetmoore/dailyhart.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the neve domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/magnetmoore/dailyhart.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121
Daily Helping for June 23rd, 2021 - Holland - Neverland - The Daily Hart
Skip to content
Search
Close this search box.

Daily Helping for June 23rd, 2021 – Holland – Neverland

A close up photo of K-pop singer Holland sitting on a couch, staring straight into the camera.

Today’s helping came to me through a recommendation with the message, “For Pride month.” So I listened to “Neverland” and enjoyed both the song and the video. Holland has subtly smooth vocals, and the video is absolutely adorable. However, it wasn’t until I did a little research that I understood the full context of this song.

For a country that produces as many glittery pop idols as it does, Korea is still very conservative. There is no national law in place to prevent discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation, meaning many LGBTQ Koreans stay in the closet in order to avoid social repercussions.

Holland, taking his stage name from the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, upends all that. He’s been called the first openly gay K-pop idol, however, he had to crowdfund his first album because no agency would sign him. He released “Neverland” in 2018, and the music video promptly received a 19+ rating in Korea because of the kissing scene. Which is kind of hilarious considering the many, many homoerotic overtones in the videos of nearly every other male K-pop group. But I digress.

According to Google, attitudes in Korea are slowly changing, especially with the younger generations. Holland may be the first openly gay idol, but hopefully he won’t be the only for much longer. Regardless, I’m in awe of his courage. And his audacity. I hope all his future videos are just like this one. Open and unapologetic of who he is.


Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!