As Kpop reigns supreme as a top music genre in the world and makes fans groove to its beats, there is a question among fans that often makes them wonder: Can Muslim be a Kpop idol? If this question also lingers in your mind, then you are at the right place.
Just a heads up: There are Muslim K-pop idols too and to know about them, all you need to do is scroll down.
Can Muslim be a Kpop idol?
Certainly! It is not mentioned anywhere that Muslims cannot be a Kpop idol. Did you know there are about 2,00,000 Muslims living in South Korea? Even though Islam is a minor religion in South Korea, it is not that they are not allowed to be a K-pop idol.
Below mentioned are the Muslim Kpop idols who have impressed people with their talent.
#1. Manny from Varsity
Manny from the Kpop group Varsity is the first ever Muslim idol. Manny has been in the entertainment industry as a child actor and later joined Varsity. Varsity made its debut on January 5, 2017 with twelve members, however, it disbanded in April 2020.
There is no clarification as such on Manny’s religion, however, a few occurrences have made people believe that he is Muslim. Manny spoke about his religion in an interview with Music Bank on their Spotted At Music Bank segment.
During one of the interviews, Manny said that once he was going for breakfast with other group members and crew, while all the members ordered kimchi stew, which usually contains pork, Manny refused to eat it. Manny said there was pig in the plate and he couldn’t eat it because he is a Muslim.
#2. Daud Kim
Daud Kim, formally known as Jay Kim, converted to Islam in 2019, which he announced on his YouTube channel. When asked about his reason for converting to Islam, he revealed that his visit to Indonesia a few years ago had sparked his curiosity to learn about Islam when he met kind-hearted Muslims and veiled Muslim women who helped shatter the stereotype of oppression attached to Hijab.
The South Korean pop singer has posted a few pictures of himself in Muslim attire as well as from the holy place of Muslims.
Daud shared pictures of him from the Two Grand Mosques in Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan. One of the photos showed him standing in front of the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Kim was seen wearing a ihram, which is a garment worn by Muslim men while performing Umrah.
While sharing his pictures from Makkah and Madinah, he said he is the luckiest person because Allah has chosen him and Allah has brought him to the holy place. He thanked God for giving him the chance to come to the Holiest city in the world.
The YouTube star has also posted pictures of his from Madinah on Instagram and wished his followers “Ramadan Mubarak”.
Daud has also posted several photos and videos of him on Instagram breaking fast with locals in Jeddah. He called it the best iftar of his life and said he loved the act of breaking fast together as “one family”.
Can a Muslim girl be a Kpop idol in Korea?
There are no restrictions in becoming a Kpop idol, however, it is a bit difficult for Muslim girls to become an idol due to Muslim principles and values. Becoming a K-pop idol is difficult for people who are not natives of Korea due to its lifestyle.
During one of the interviews, a British actor and an ex Kpop idol once revealed that everyone was required to be no heavier than 47kg (7st 6lb or 104lb) regardless of their age or height. And if you were over the designated weight, then the management agencies would take away entire meals and would be just given water.
From an early age, Korean girls are often told to stay fit and lead a healthy lifestyle. This, however, can pose additional obstacles for Muslim girls as well as girls from other backgrounds, stressing cultural and societal expectations that may be peculiar to Korean standards.
It’s not impossible to be a Kpop idol for Muslim girls but it can be a little difficult for them because of restrictions on clothing, opposite gender, behaviour, or filming any particular scene.
The Muslim religion is considered conservative, so if your family allows you to wear certain clothes or does not restrict you from performing in the glamorous world, then nothing can stop you from becoming a Kpop idol.
Is being a Kpop idol haram for Muslims?
According to reports, it is not haram to be a Kpop idol for Muslims, however, there are a few restrictions for Muslim girls. Being in the glitzy world of entertainment, you are required to do whatever is being told to you.
For Muslim girls, it will be difficult for them to do an intimate scene with her co-star in the film. How will the Muslim girls be able to perform sensuous and erotic dance moves?
The Muslim religion does not allow women to even talk to their opposite gender, so how will they even collaborate with a male co-star? Or touched up by a male hair/makeup artist?
And most importantly, what about male managers? How will they deal with all this? All these things are normal for Korean actors but too odd for outsiders who are not familiar with the religion.
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FAQs: Can Muslim be a Kpop idol?
Here are a few frequently asked questions related to Muslim Kpop idols.
#1. Can an Arab be a Kpop idol?
Yes, an Arab person can become a K-pop idol if he has all the characteristics and qualifications to become a K-pop idol.
#2. Has there ever been a Pakistani Kpop idol?
Sophia Mujahid, who hails from Islamabad, is the first Pakistani K-pop professional dancer and is considered an icon amongst Pakistani teens.
Conclusion: Can Muslim be a Kpop idol?
In conclusion, even though there are obstacles in the way, anyone can aspire to be a Kpop idol, regardless of their cultural or religious background. What matters the most is your exceptional skills and the talent to connect with your fans through your unique presence.
Although there is currently no Muslim girl as a Kpop idol, the time is not far when talent will rise above religion to give both Muslim girls and boys a fair chance.