The First Openly-Gay K-Pop Singer – Holland

There is a first for everything and this time making the mark is solo artist Holland who has come out to become the first openly gay K-Pop singer with his debut song Neverland.

Holland released his first single Neverland on 22nd January (I know my article is coming six months late but I only found out about him now) as an independent artist. The song spoke of his decision to express openly his sexual preference. In the K-pop universe, the matter of LGBT is rarely heard of but his MV received a reception of over 7,00,000 views within the first 24 hours. His twin singles I’m Not Afraid and I’m So Afraid have also received a warm welcome from the audience.

Holland in an interview mentioned that the lyrics to his songs were written by him based on his life experiences. He also mentioned that he had confided that he was gay to one of his close friends. But his friend revealed it to other students at school which led to the singer getting bullied to the extent that he was dragged around the school playground with a rope around his neck.  
The singer further added that some of the kids who bullied him are now being promoted as actors and singers in Korea. During his school days, he even tried to commit suicide but survived and was supported by another friend. Being a victim of homophobic bullying, Holland still suffers from PTSD and depression.

According to Holland, the message he wants to send out to all the LGBT community through his music is ‘You have nothing to be ashamed of. You have the right to live your life normally as anyone else. You can share your own stories.’ He added that he wanted to give them hope.

Holland had to write and record his songs on his own as no Entertainment Company wanted to promote a gay singer. Following the release, the singer was a recipient of both hate and love but he thanked his fans for expressing their support to his music.

On a personal note, I have heard the songs and they are absolutely beautiful. I hope that Holland will keep on making more music with such beautiful messages and that he receives a lot of support from his colleagues in entertainment industry. Hwaiting!

(To Readers: If any of my readers are anti-LGBT, please silently move over this article. Any defamatory or derogatory comments will be removed. The owner of this blog does not support any discrimination based on gender or sexual preference of any individual)

The Goat and The CR7 Were Defeated on the Same Evening in World Cup 2018

 

A night that witnessed a total of 10 goals in the match between France v Argentina (7) and Portugal v Uruguay (3) in the Round of 16, also bid goodbye to the gods of the game with the exit of Argentina and Portugal.

When France v Argentina match was announced, it was expected to be a tough collision with Messi’s retirement rumours.  The evening took a turn for the worst for Argentina camp after Griezmann scored the first goal in just 13 minutes into the game. Argentina enjoyed the possession and had most of the passes done accurately but they had to wait till the 41st minute for the equaliser from Di Maria. A beautiful shot from a distance.

Just 3 minutes in to the second half, Mecardo gave Argentina hope with a lead at 48th minute. But It didn’t last long as Pavard earned a goal for France at the 57th minute. Argentina while trying to get ahead, committed errors that costed them with two consecutive goals from Mbappe at 64th and 68th minute. With a two score lead, the game went to full time but a grace time of 6 minutes was awarded. Messi’s men charged and Ageuro gave a beautiful header that lead to 3 goals in Argentina bag.

The goal was followed by heated arguments between the two teams on field and the referee settled the scene with a booking for Otamendi and Giroud. The final whistle was blow at 90+6 minute, with any hope of Argentina going forward to the Quarter-finals blown away. The players and the fans were devastated.

Now the attention was diverted to the second game of the evening, Portugal v Uruguay. With the reigning champions out in the group stage and Messi’s magic faded in the Round of 16, football fans expected that Rocket Ronaldo will make it through.

Instead, the night had a story of its own to say as Cavani gave the lead to Uruguay by scoring at the 7th minute. Uruguay’s defence was top-notch with the lead going un-challenged throughout the first half.  Portugal has as many as 20 shots in the full game time but only one shot succeed at the 55th minute. A header by Pepe in response to the corner kick. It was an unexpected goal.

Cavani did not spare much time with a beautiful assist from Suarez, he scored a lead at 62nd minute. The match saw desperate attempts by Portugal side and a missed free kick from Ronaldo. The game night ended with 7 minutes of added time, during which a yellow card was awarded to Ronaldo who lost his cool.

As the game night ended, the football fraternity was taken by shock as the gods of the game had fallen on the same night. The next day, saw the exit of the 2010 World Cup champions as Spain was defeated by Russia in penalty shootout with 3-4 score.

What is to see is if Brazil, who is considered to be the most promising team in World Cup 2018, makes it to the Quarter-finals or will it be defeated like the other big teams previously.