Drag has always broken the traditional norms in society, emerging as a powerful and vibrant art form and a long-standing pillar of LGBTQIA+ culture. Recently, shows like Rupaul’s Drag Race and Dragula have brought drag into the mainstream, having a positive influence and encouraging a wider acceptance. Leading the way in this art form is NANA Youngrong Kim, a drag artist based in Seoul, South Korea. With over 18 years of experience, NANA has made a name for herself, performing at Trance, Itaewon’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ club.
Since NANA started her journey in drag, platforms like social media and television have brought drag artists into the homes of millions around the world. In Seoul, NANA has seen the drag scene expand, with a new generation of young queens emerging. While drag has always been part of the culture, it’s only in the last 5–6 years that it has truly gained visibility.
NANA lives on her own terms, refusing to be confined by expectations. At this point, there’s nothing she can’t achieve, embracing a bold, proud approach to everything she does. She’s graced the stages in Tokyo, appeared in Netflix Korea’s Celebrity, featured in K-pop music videos for idols like Holland, and headlined numerous fashion campaigns, including Milan Loves Seoul. Just this month she took to the runway at C.at Work Festa. I had the pleasure of speaking with her about the Seoul drag scene, how she draws inspiration from friends, and her advice for living your true authentic life.
Kirsty Bright: What naturally drew you to the art of drag while growing up in South Korea?
NANA: To be honest, I don’t even remember my first performance. I think it was more like a talent show, not something I would even call a real performance. There was no particular reason for starting—I just began because it looked fun. I never had a mindset like, “I want to become a superstar drag queen!” I simply enjoyed dressing up and spending time with people.
KB:I heard you perform regularly at Trance, one of Seoul’s longstanding LGBTQIA+ nightclubs. Are people surprised to hear this historic venue has been around for so long? When was your first performance there?
NANA: Now, I’ve been a drag queen at Trance Club, which is nearly 30 years old, for almost a decade. I started as the youngest, and now I’m among the senior queens, which feels amazing. Initially, I was a drag queen performing at other events and parties, but then I got cast by the drag queens at Trance. Working together instead of performing alone helped me experience a lot of warmth and comfort.
KB: After more than 18 years in the drag scene, do people find that surprising? Is drag seen as more of a modern trend?
NANA: It’s only been about 5-6 years since drag queens started receiving more visibility. Drag has always existed as a culture, but it hasn’t been in the spotlight for very long. Many people think that most drag queens have only been performing for a few years. So, yes, some are surprised when they hear about my experience or age. Since drag expresses itself in many ways, I think it’s a highly trendy category.
KB: How has the drag scene in Seoul changed over the past 10 years? Have you noticed any progress?
NANA: There’s definitely been a lot of growth. Ten years ago, I was the youngest, with only senior queens above me and none below me. Now there are only two seniors above me, and there are countless queens below me. This shows the increased interest and participation in drag.
KB: You’re regarded as an important figure in the drag scene. What advice would you offer those who admire you on living authentically in drag and in life?
NANA: Just love yourself. That’s it.
KB: As time has passed, how has performing as NANA influenced your understanding of gender identity and self-expression? Do you feel that drag has helped break down barriers in expressing gender?
NANA: For me, there were never any barriers. I accepted my sexuality early on and didn’t go through a painful, conflicted adolescence like others might have. I was a kid who naturally embraced being both gay and a drag queen, and I think my 20s and 30s have been filled with nothing but joy.
KB: Considering the popularity of social media, what are your thoughts on its importance for drag queens? Do you feel it’s an effective tool for sharing your art, or do you feel pressured to keep creating content?
NANA: I think what’s most important is quality. There are now many ways to encounter drag queens—on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and even mainstream media. So, I think drag queens in the scene should focus more on quality. It’s time to move beyond amateurish performances, messy makeup, and poorly styled wigs and truly show something impressive.
KB: Your style is like a colourful crayon box, unbound by a single colour or item. Who inspired you to explore various styles growing up?
NANA: I draw inspiration from everyone around me—friends I work out with, friends I work with, and fellow drag queens. I often take whatever my friends are currently into or enjoy and translate it into my own drag style.
KB: You attended the C.at work Festa this month. What excites you most about going to events like this?
NANA: The chance to meet new people.
KB: Being around so many creative people at C.at Work Festa, do you gain fresh inspiration for your next creative steps?
NANA: Events like C.at Work Festa, where people from different fields gather in one place, always feel refreshing. They give me a sense of excitement and make me think about how I’ll approach things in a fun, new way next time.
KB: Where can our readers expect to see you next? And where would your dream performance location be?
NANA: I’m always around you, so feel free to come see me wherever I am. I don’t have a dream venue—being around people is my dream stage.
Be sure to follow NANA Youngrong Kim on:
Instagram: @nana_youngrongkim
Youtube: @nana_youngrongkim
Translation kindly provided by Maggie Gogler of View of The Arts // Instagram: @view_of_the_arts
