Harisu Recounts Shocking Past as Transgender Celebrity: Demands for Sex, Humiliation
Singer and actress Harisu has revealed the distressing experiences she faced as a transgender celebrity, sharing shocking details in a recent appearance on the YouTube channel 'This is the Real Final.'
Addressing the question of concerns before her debut, Harisu stated, "I first entered the entertainment industry as a male student in '91, starting as an extra. Back then, my family registry was also male, and I had to disclose my gender identity during contract negotiations, which led me to give up many opportunities."
She further shared the immense hardship after coming out, recounting, "People would demand sexual intercourse, asking if I was truly a woman, or tell me to take off my clothes. I endured many such humiliating incidents."
Harisu also spoke about the duality of public perception, saying, "Even when I was receiving love from the public, people were kind to my face but spoke differently behind my back." She expressed frustration over constant intrusive questions about her using the women's restroom, questioning why it was a point of curiosity.
"I underwent sex reassignment surgery because I wanted to live as a woman, and I thought I had achieved everything. However, that period was actually the starting point of my struggles. In the eyes of society, I was still just a transgender person," she added, highlighting the persistent societal gaze.
Meanwhile, Harisu is recognized as a pioneering transgender entertainer in South Korea, debuting as a cosmetic model in 2001 and continuing an active career as a singer and actress.
Harisu debuted as a model for the cosmetic brand 'DoDo Cosmetics' in 2001, quickly making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Since then, she has actively pursued careers as both a singer and an actress, inspiring many as Korea's first openly transgender celebrity. Her candid and confident demeanor has been instrumental in challenging societal prejudices and advocating for positive change.