Hong Seok Cheon and Kim Ban Seok are breaking Korea’s conservative views on gender and sexuality by openly exploring the LGBTQ+ scene abroad.
On July 20, content creator Kim Ban Seok shared a video of his night out with co-host Hong Seok Cheon from the show Jewel Box. They explored Singapore’s nightlife, including Tanjong Pagar, known locally as “gay street.”
The duo hit a gay club just before closing, where alcohol sales stopped after midnight but the vibe stayed hot. Fans recognized them quickly, showing Jewel Box’s global reach.
At another gay bar, Ban Seok spotted a handsome man while hyping Seok Cheon’s celebrity status. The hosts were recognized again by fans and club staff, proving their influence extends worldwide.
Ban Seok even “lost” Seok Cheon briefly, who was found chatting with guys outside.
The bold outing highlights Jewel Box’s growing impact on challenging taboos across borders. The video’s circulation gained traction for its candid portrayal of LGBTQ+ visibility by top Korean stars.
"Tanjong Pagar, which they said was known as ‘gay street.’” – Kim Ban Seok
"He got recognized by the man at the door and also by another fan of Jewel Box as soon as they entered." – Scene description
This global push from Hong Seok Cheon and Kim Ban Seok marks a visible shift in Korea’s ongoing conversation about sexuality.