Harisu, the first transgender celebrity in South Korea, has revealed her experiences of sexual harassment.
On October 10, Harisu appeared on the YouTube channel 'This Is the Final' during a segment called 'Pajama Party.'
During the show, Harisu shared, "I started in the entertainment industry as a supporting actor in 1991. At that time, my legal gender was still male, and I lost many opportunities due to my gender identity."
She also recounted an incident where she was threatened after declining a movie role. Harisu explained, "I was offered a role in a film where a transgender person transforms into a man by engaging in sexual relations. I didn't want to be part of such a narrative and declined the offer. The production company then threatened to expose my transgender identity. For about eight months, I contemplated leaving the entertainment industry."
Harisu further disclosed, "After coming out as transgender, I often faced demands to prove my gender by engaging in sexual acts or undressing. This led to many lost roles and contracts."
Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia, one@tenasia.co.kr