Holland (@holland_vvv) has taken an unconventional path and fiercely independent approach to his music career from the start. The first openly gay K-pop idol, Holland manages his own image and crowdfunds his music to maintain artistic control.⁣ ⁣ The video for Holland’s 2018 debut release “Neverland” featured the singer’s same-sex kiss. It gained a million online views overnight and grew his global audience. “I make music with the inspiration and life lessons I have gained in mind. That’s how I grew on my own and forged my bond with my fans. My work itself is an embodiment of Holland. K-pop, or music these days in general, blends sound, melody, lyrics, photos, videos and even fashion. As such, it lets me heal my wounds and helps me enrich myself culturally. I can’t live without music now.”⁣ ⁣ Holland came out in middle school and takes his name from the country which was the first to legalize same-sex marriage. “The people who were the greatest source of strength for me when I was getting bullied at school were pop artists that openly supported the LGBTQ community,” he says. “I resolved to become the kind of person with social influence who could be a source of strength for the little Hollands later on.” #ThisWeekOnInstagram⁣ ⁣ Photo by @holland_vvv

“My paintings can be called visual music,” says painter and educator Kildren (@kildren), who creates both digital and analog pieces inspired by music and the people who make it. “All my paintings coexist with realistic parts and abstract elements,” he explains. “Balance is as important as composition.” But above all else, Kildren’s art, including this portrait of Korean-American rapper Jay Park (@jparkitrighthere), is made as a fan of the musicians he respects. #ThisWeekOnInstagram Illustration by @kildren

Lia Kim (@liakimhappy) took her first dance class at 15 and hasn’t stopped moving since. “My dance style is a combination of popping, hip-hop, waacking, vogueing and contemporary,” says the choreographer, who first gained recognition by participating in street dance battles.⁣ ⁣ Lia is responsible for some of K-pop’s most iconic dance routines and co-founded the 1MILLION Dance Studio (@1milliondance) — which extends from its physical location in Seoul, South Korea, to a massive global audience online. “In Korea, there weren’t many opportunities given to dancers or choreographers. I felt it was incredibly important for the dancers to be able to have a place where they can truly be the artists, rather than being seen as backup dancers for singers and the support for other artists,” she explains.⁣ ⁣ “It’s an amazing feeling to see that people are watching my dances and feeling inspired to cover my choreography and upload their videos.” #ThisWeekOnInstagram⁣ ⁣ Photo by @liakimhappy