Transgender Pioneer Harisu Opens Up About Harassment in the Entertainment Industry

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