'It doesn't matter if you're a man, a woman, or whatever. I was born this way and I'm doing my best with what I'm given,' the former 2AM member says in response to the criticism.
- Jan 11, 2018
AceShowbiz - Jo Kwon isn't bothered by criticism surrounding his cross-dressing performances and rumors about his sexuality. The 28-year-old singer addressed this when he held a showcase for his first single album "Dawn" at the Blue Square Hall in Seoul on Wednesday, January 10.
"Honestly, I wonder why I have to purposely hide my talent. They are the talents and skills I was born with," he said about his dramatic cross-dressing performances. "I have various talents and skills so I didn't want to promote with solely ballads. I debuted and worked my best as 2AM, a ballad idol group, and I will continue to work my best.
He continued, "However, as the person Jo Kwon, there are many different parts that I'm skillful in. I wondered if it was necessary for me to throw away my talents and hide during promotions, and if that would make me happy."
Regarding rumors about his sexuality, he said, "It doesn't matter if you're a man, a woman, or whatever. I was born this way and I'm doing my best with what I'm given. I'm not too bothered by criticism and rumors. I want to become an artist who can use those factors as a great influence rather than being stressed over it. I hope there are people who gain confidence and courage by seeing me."
Jo Kwon left JYP Entertainment in September last year after joining the company since he was 12 years old. He later signed with Cube Entertainment. Speaking about his decision to leave his previous agency, he explained, "I joined JYP for 16 years after an audition program. Many people saw myself as a symbol of JYP. I feel like I've buried my bones at JYP and I am friendly with some of the directors there too. However, the easiest way to explain what I was thinking is the thought, 'I stayed as much as I could.' I thought I had done everything I could do while at JYP. Until now, it was such a thankful time but I also needed a turning point. After I got into my 30s, I wanted a new start."
Continuing his career under the new agency, Jo Kwon has just released a music video for his new song "Lonely". The clip stars his new labelmate Yu Seon Ho, who expresses frustration about a lost love while Jo Kwon sings and plays the piano. The ballad song is about leaving someone behind despite missing them.
