The Lionesses originally debuted as a four-member group, consisting of Damjun, Foxman, Kanghan and Lee Malrang. the youngest member. The history of the group’s formation is as significant as their identity—met through LGBTQ+ friendly spaces in South Korea and gradually linked by a common passion for music and performance.
From the beginning the members made this clear their mission went beyond entertainment. They aimed to create music that speaks directly to the LGBTQ+ community and inspire young artists who may feel discouraged. As they once shared, their goal was to become a “lighthouse” for aspiring musicians who fear being open about their identity.
The group’s name, Lionesses, has symbolic weight. It reflects the strength and leadership inspired by real-life lionesses, who, despite common perception, they are actually the ones who lead the hunt and support the pride. This metaphor is in line with the group’s message:challenge assumptions and redefine norms.
Through their music, Lionesses have consistently highlighted themes of self-acceptance and queer pride. While recognizing that South Korea has made gradual progress regarding LGBTQ+ visibilitymembers have too spoke openly about the conservative nature of society and the long road ahead for wider acceptance.
While there have been LGBTQ+ idols in K-pop before, the Lionesses stood out as first group in which all members were openly part of the LGBTQ+ community at the time of their debut. They officially burst onto the scene in October 2021 with their debut single “Show me your pride.”
Since then, the group has remained active, particularly on YouTube and social media, where they have a presence continue to interact with fans and share content. However, their training has changed over time. Foxman eventually left the group for health reasons, reducing Lioness to three members.
In June 2024, Lioness returned to the spotlight with the single “How Christina Taught Me” marking their continued presence in the industry despite limited mainstream exposure.
Following this release, members began to focus more on individual activities. Malrang, for example, released a single titled “I’ll take you to that moon.” However, the song was criticized by listeners regarding its production qualityleading to its eventual removal from social platforms.
Despite the ups and downs, the Lionesses celebrated their fourth anniversary in November 2025, demonstrating their resilience in an industry known for its intense competition and short shelf life.
Meanwhile, member Damjun took a important step forward releasing his first solo album in December 2025, signaling a new chapter for both him and the group.
Even if lionesses may not dominate mainstream headlines, their legacy as pioneers of LGBTQ+ representation in K-pop remains significant, and their journey is still ongoing.
Sources: Koreaboo
