K-pop idol Holland, who’s a known member of the LGBTQ+ community, expressed his disappointment about MNet’s 18+ rating for its first gay dating program Provocative Dating Z.
On Wednesday, September 2, Holland, who also stars in the show, criticized the television network. In his series of social media posts, the openly gay singer deemed the age restriction was unnecessary. Since there was no provocative or explicit content, the idol shared that the rating shows Mnet’s unwillingness to allow more access to the program.
“The Mnet dating program ‘Provocative Dating Z’ in which I appeared, has been changed to an age restriction of 18+. I have doubts about it being classified as age-restricted content when it’s a pure same-sex dating program without any provocative scenes,” he said.
The Mnet dating program 'Provocative Dating Z,' in which I appeared, has been changed to an age restriction of 18+.
I have doubts about it being classified as age-restricted content when it's a pure same-sex dating program without any provocative scenes. pic.twitter.com/deSWEyiBoE
— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) September 20, 2023
Additionally, he wrote: “It deeply saddens me that in Korea, the love of gay individuals is considered unfit for minors to watch.”
It deeply saddens me that in Korea, the love of gay individuals is considered unfit for minors to watch.
— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) September 20, 2023
Hosted by comedian Lee Eun Ji, the dating program released its first episode on September 6. Said show featured six queer contestants, including Holland, and their journey in the game of romance.
![[아찔한 소GAY팅] 뒤집어지는 남자들의 러브 서바이벌 “내일 봬요 누ㄴ ... 아니 형⭐” | #엠넷리부트 EP.8 (ENG)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xMzPsTR1E4c/hqdefault.jpg)
Netizens react, lobby for Holland and LGBTQ+ representation
Upon Holland’s statement, netizens shared their opinions and thanked the idol for speaking up on the matter.
“Thank you for always speaking up about this. Visibility matters and I’m glad you’re in this space to remind others we are enough as we are. Sending love and strength your way,” one wrote.
Thank you, thank you for always speaking up about this. Visibility matters and I'm glad you're in this space to remind others we are enough as we are. Sending love and strength your way.
— Moon (@moonandenhypen) September 21, 2023
This is so disappointing but you are making an impact and your willingness to be visible matters. Sending you so much love.🩷
— L⁷⁼¹ 사람 💜 사랑 (@HeliotropeNamgi) September 20, 2023
Representation matters! It's sad we're still having this conversation. 🙄It's never occurred to me to find homosexuality "wrong." Probably bc I had some exposure to it through books, & eventually friends. Queer kids NEED representation & normalization.
— misfitdruid.bsky.social (@MisfitDruid81) September 20, 2023
It's so disappointing, love is love. The shameless homophobia is crazy
— 𝙉𝙤𝙖𝙝⁷🤍☄️🌙~ (@godtaemxn) September 20, 2023
gay love is just love it's nothing provocative and minors should be able to see a gay show, since a lot of minors are gay too and representation in tv is really important
— maria⁷ 🦊🍅 (@jiniesuga) September 20, 2023
Known as the first openly gay idol in K-pop, Holland has long been advocating for LGBTQ+ representation and equality. In one of his previous tweets, the idol even mentioned his desire to give dreams and hope to young LGBTQ+ kids.
how is everyone doing these days? i’ve been missing you all so much lately. i wanted to give dreams and hope to young LGBTQ kids, but it feels like i'm the one who gets strength from u guys
— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) September 12, 2023
For his part, Holland has exhibited pride in promoting queerness as a celebrity. Using his platform, he has presented ideas such as genderless dressing in his artistic endeavors, fulfilling his dreams for the LGBTQ+ community little by little.
Unfortunately, his journey hasn’t been easy. Since coming out, Holland has shared several accounts where he was met with backlash and discrimination.
Featured image: Holland attends a fashion event of Louis Vuitton in Seoul. Credit: Instagram/Holland