[Holland YouTube channel]
SEOUL, Jan. 22 (Aju News) -- A young and handsome singer using his stage name "Holland" made his debut Monday as a self-proclaimed idol in South Korea, gaining early attention from foreign fans.
Open gay singers are rare in South Korea, which still holds a very conservative attitude towards LGBT people. Holland did not disclose his personal background, name and other details as he released his first single "Neverland" through YouTube.
The singer said in a press release that through his song, he wanted to talk about discriminations he felt as a gay. His debut failed to gain attention from domestic music fans, but tens of thousands foreign fans left comments supporting him and complementing his courage through social media.
South Korea became aware of LGBT artists in 2000, when Hong Seok-cheon, a comedian and model, came out. At first, he was denied and became a target of open mockery but now he is acknowledged as a successful entertainer and businessman.
Hong's success opened the way for more LGBT debuts, including transgender singer-actress Harisu and Jang Chae-won, another transgender entertainer who debuted in 2004. Jang committed suicide in 2008 due to depression.
