7 hours ago
K-pop Star Cherry Comes Out as Transgender
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
On July 19, 2025, Cherry, a prominent fourth-generation K-pop idol and former member of the group JWiiver, made headlines across the globe by coming out as a transgender woman during a heartfelt Instagram Live broadcast. “This isn’t a hobby, it’s my life. I’m trans,” Cherry told her viewers, sharing personal reflections on her journey and explaining why she waited to share her truth publicly: “Because I wasn’t an ordinary person, I couldn’t reveal everything from the start. My goal was to take it slow. I’m just going with my goal” .
Her candid revelation immediately resonated with fans worldwide, many of whom took to social media to express their pride and support. Comments such as “So beyond proud of her. My sweet girl,” and “I am so happy for her. I’ve been following her for a long time and I feel excited every time she expresses herself” quickly trended, underscoring Cherry’s impact not only as a performer but as a role model for LGBTQ+ youth .
Cherry, born Chae Ho Cheol in Incheon, South Korea, first gained recognition as Ryujei, a member of the boy group JWiiver under Starweave Entertainment. Throughout her career, Cherry has been celebrated for her dynamic stage presence and versatility, especially her talent for performing girl group dances—a skill that endeared her to fans early on .
Over the past year, Cherry had gradually opened up about her identity to fans. In a February 2024 livestream, she had stated that she was comfortable with any pronouns and encouraged fans to call her Cherry, suggesting an evolving journey of self-discovery and public expression . On July 18, 2025, she confirmed her identity as a transgender woman, making her one of the very few openly transgender idols in the K-pop industry .
Cherry’s announcement is unprecedented in the conservative landscape of South Korean pop culture, where public discussions of gender identity remain rare. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of encouragement and pride, with hashtags supporting Cherry quickly gaining traction. Fans highlighted the courage required to come out in such a public way, especially in a society where LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media is still emerging .
Industry observers note that Cherry’s move could pave the way for greater inclusivity in K-pop and beyond. While there have been LGBTQ+ idols who have come out as gay or bisexual in recent years, openly transgender representation remains exceptionally rare. Cherry’s visibility is being celebrated as a potential catalyst for broader conversations and acceptance within the entertainment sector .
South Korea has seen gradual progress in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, but challenges persist, particularly for transgender people, who often face significant barriers in employment, healthcare, and legal recognition. Cherry’s decision to share her truth publicly is seen as a beacon of hope for many, offering representation to young transgender people who may feel isolated or unseen.
LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations have praised Cherry’s courage. “Visibility matters, and Cherry’s story will inspire countless others to live authentically,” one advocate stated on social media following the announcement .
Cherry’s journey is also being closely watched by international fans, who see her as part of a growing movement of global K-pop stars using their platforms for social impact. As South Korea’s entertainment industry continues to expand its global reach, moments like this have the power to influence not only fans but also the broader cultural conversation around gender and identity.
Cherry continues to connect with fans through her social media accounts, including Instagram (@chaehofe / @ryujinsim) and TikTok (@chaehofe), where she shares updates about her music, daily life, and advocacy. While she has not announced any immediate changes to her career plans, supporters and LGBTQ+ advocates alike are hopeful that her story will encourage other artists to embrace their authentic selves, both on and off stage .
As Cherry’s story unfolds, her openness marks a significant step forward for transgender visibility in one of the world’s most influential music industries, and her courage is already inspiring new conversations about inclusion, acceptance, and pride.
