Inna Christine Cabel is a digital editor at The Korea Times. Prior to moving to Korea, she worked as an editorial assistant and writer in the Philippines. She occasionally writes about trends, pop culture and music. Reach her at innacabel@koreatimes.co.kr.
Seoul Drag Parade returns with bigger, bolder festivities
Drag queens Ali Vera, front left, and Hurricane Kimchi lead Seoul Drag Parade through the central Haebangchon neighborhood, Oct. 3, 2024. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
By Inna Christine Cabel
In 2018, drag queens Hurricane Kimchi and Ali Vera shared a common goal: to show the world the vibrant community and culture of Seoul’s drag queens.
While drag queens have become mainstays around the world, representation and mainstream visibility in Korea remain elusive. And as the two drag artists sought to create a diverse, inclusive space for queer individuals and expression, Seoul Drag Parade was born.
“Growing up as a queer person in Korea and living my entire life in Korea, I always felt Korea lacks understanding, support and protection for LGBTQ+ people, other minorities and people who are different in general,” Seoul Drag Parade co-founder Hurricane Kimchi told The Korea Times.
For seven years, the two have assembled a diverse mix of allies and members of Seoul’s queer community, growing the festival into a two-week celebration in the heart of Seoul.
Seoul Drag Parade, Korea’s largest drag event, will kick off this year on Oct. 3 across central Seoul's diverse Haebangchon and Itaewon neighborhoods in Yongsan District. It also doubles as an LGBTQ+ cultural and human rights festival, featuring various events and performances with queer media and artists at the forefront.
“Starting with the National Foundation Day parade, this two-week festival will showcase the creativity and diversity of drag artists while also promoting visibility for LGBTQ+ culture,” Hurricane Kimchi said.
Seoul Drag Parade marches from Haebangchon to Itaewon, Oct. 3, 2024. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
This year, Seoul Drag Parade is dripping in gold, as the duo takes inspiration from the Netflix smash hit, “KPop Demon Hunters.” In an interview with The Korea Times, London-based Seoul Drag Parade co-founder Ali Zahoor highlights the lyrics from the film’s soundtrack, “Golden,” which has topped music charts all over the world.
“It’s a fantastic track to perform in drag, and the lyrics resonate deeply: ‘No more hiding, I’ll be shining like I’m born to be,’” Zahoor, whose drag name is Ali Vera, told The Korea Times.
The parade runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., starting in Haebangchon and continuing through the street of Itaewon before returning to the starting point.
A new generation of drag performers and trans artists will also step into the spotlight at the parade and after-party. “We wanted to be more inclusive, instead of only showcasing more established and experienced drag performers,” Hurricane Kimchi said.
“We want everyone who joins us, whether they’re in drag, out of drag, queer, ally or just curious, to feel that golden glow and leave the parade knowing they are worthy, radiant and powerful,” Zahoor added.
Zahoor highlighted the participation of a mix of experienced and rookie drag artists.
“I’m excited for newer performers like Victoria Celestials and Lady Spice, who started drag recently by performing at our shows, and artists we’ve been working with for years like Saffron Reign, Anessa and Moon,” Zahoor said.
On Oct. 11, Seoul Drag Parade will focus on queer cinema with film screenings at Uplift Seoul in Gyeongnidan. The event will include Korean queer short films, drag performances and a panel discussion with filmmakers. English subtitles will be available.
Haebangchon’s Rabbithole Arcade Pub, home to many of Seoul’s LGBTQ+ artists, will feature a daytime drag show on Oct. 12, showcasing a Halloween theme.
The festivities are set to wrap up with a Halloween Edition Drag Show on Oct. 17 at Queen Dumb club located in the hip and cultural Hongdae neighborhood of Mapo District.
Seoul Drag Parade participants march through Itaewon, Oct. 3, 2024. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
“We add new events, features and themes to every iteration of Seoul Drag Parade every year to keep it exciting, fresh and dynamic, but ultimately we want to create visibility, claim space and insist that drag — and more broadly, queer expression — belongs everywhere in Seoul,” Zahoor said.
For more information about Seoul Drag Parade 2025, such as seller information and event times, visit @seouldragparade on Instagram.