The 'Drag Artist' More Takes First Step in the National Assembly, Until a World Where No One Faces Discrimination Comes

Film More Depicting LGBTQ+ Lives Screened at National Assembly
Hosted by Justice Party Lawmaker Jang Hye-young, Audience Dialogue Held

[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] "I am not a special person."

A person dressed in dazzling clothes and accessories adorned with sequins dances through the streets. Despite the pouring discriminatory words and gazes, his movements become bolder and reach the realm of beauty. More, Mo Jimin (44), a transgender and 20-year drag artist, says, "I am forever a kki-sooni," meaning "I am proud as my true self, and what I do is right and beautiful."

On the 16th, a screening of the film 'More,' which depicts Mo's life and art, was held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building's main conference room. The event was hosted by Representative Jang Hye-young's office, and after the screening, the protagonist Mo, indie singer Lee Rang who participated as the music director, and Representative Jang held a Q&A session with the audience.

'Drag' refers to a culture that breaks away from the binary gender framework and freely expresses oneself through costumes and makeup. Mo wanted to live the life of a ballerina, not a ballerino, but choosing this in Korean society was not easy. To dance freely as he wished, Mo chose the genre of drag.

Living as a sexual minority, he endured a difficult childhood due to bullying and discriminatory gazes from those around him. Mo called himself a "hairy fish," meaning someone who belongs nowhere in the world. However, what helped him overcome these trials and grow into a dancer, model, and drag artist was the love from his family, partner, and friends. The film captures his sweat and tears in pursuit of dance along with stories of ordinary life with those around him.

This screening was the second audience talk after the film's release and the first event held at the National Assembly. Representative Jang said, "I pushed for the National Assembly screening hoping that all 299 members of the National Assembly would see More's story," adding, "Although some who wanted to watch the film could not attend, it is meaningful that Mo came to a place like the National Assembly."

The three also reached a consensus on the necessity of enacting an anti-discrimination law. Representative Jang emphasized, "When the state does not protect individuals and individuals want to fight against unfair discrimination, the tools they have are very weak," and added, "We will continue efforts to protect everyone without exception from unfair discrimination." The anti-discrimination law has been discussed in the National Assembly for 20 years but has made little progress amid social criticism.

Finally, Mo left a message he wants to leave in the legislative body, the National Assembly: "How long will you deny my existence? I am not a strange, weird, or scary being. I am just the person living next door to you, living each day diligently."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.