Being a Male Nail Artist in South Korea | EVERYDAY BOSSES #49

Kim Je Gon is a male nail artist in Korea, a country whose beauty industry is mostly women-dominated. We talked to Kim to see what made him choose this unique career and what he hopes to achieve through his work.

If you enjoyed Je Gon’s story, download our free community app MOGAO and discover untold stories from Asia and all over the world. Being the most diverse and global online community in the world, we can start a movement to get local insight into the latest current events and social issues from every corner of the world to the forefront and bridge cultural and social gaps. Join the MOGAO community now and be a part of the global movement: 

[RS-kmrm]

We Asians still have a long ways to go with the concept of acceptance and “letting people pursue whatever they want to pursue.”

[sasmalprasanjit]

I respect him for his Professionalism and admiration for his Work.

[randomshuffle]

He is very good. I like the fact that he is doing what he likes. Society should mind their own business and let people be happy.

[sandramelissa]

Do you know Lee Hong Gi? Well, he is a Korean singer and actor and one of his hobbies is nail art and decoration, he even has his own book on nail art, he himself said that he wants to break with that stereotype that men cannot paint their nails or paint them.
Admiration for him and for his work, as nail art is hard work and requires a lot of practice. Everyone can be whatever they want to be. <3

[calico]

He's so brave, Asia has such traditional views on what male and female roles are supposed to be. He's great at what he does

[kiki]

We have thousands of korean male Nail techs in the United States. They are gery common and cery accepted. They are generally the better techs when you go to a nail salon. And most are straight. I career doesn't have to defin your sexual preference.

[SeabassFishbrains]

I'm a male nail tech in the US and this guy's story is so similar to mine! I also switched from being in an athletic career (though I was an acrobat) to being a nail tech after a knee injury that left me with permanent effects, and I also tend to wear nails on one hand only when I wear them at all. I get a lot of discrimination and homophobia (since I am gay) from clients and I get mistaken for a women a lot. I've lost count of the number of times that some lady has called me "nail girl" even though I'm a grown man, the correct term is "nail technician" since we are all licensed professionals, and it's incredibly rude to not bother to remember the name of someone you see every 2 weeks for your goshdarn pedicure, Karen. Because of all this, I really feel the need to be the best nail tech they've ever had in order to prove that I've earned my spot in this industry.

[noneedtoknowme]

Painting your nails is an expression of yourself, not a description of your sexuality. It’s also a form of beautiful art. Be yo self yall. 👊🏻

[TIFFandDRETV]

Fascinating. Don’t hide your hands. You’re a pioneer. Continue to open the doors for young male artist that want to create and express their artistic talent with the world. The same is true for females breaking ground in traditional male jobs. It takes time and you are at peace because you do what you were called to do. I’m inspired just watching you do this. I completely understand the small steps you must take to make giant leaps later. The women that are happy with your quality will spread the word. Start a school also. There are plenty of so-called professional that need quality training. I would take your class. I applaud you. Glad i found this video.

[Dxaf]

yo....dude you're the real definition of an *alpha male* ....true to yourself and never ask for validation....keep it up with you dream and passion

[FehrGormenghastTodd]

Great artist. Do what you really love in life. You're never going to please everybody, nor should you aspire to do so. So screw it. Keep up the good work.

[lunarsky]

Korea is a very conservative country, so doing little things like this takes a lot of confidence to do. I'm glad that no matter what people say about him he still keeps on doing what he wants to do!

[pinkpeach]

I admire him for knowing what he wanted to do and pursuing it despite everyone around him frowning on his decision. I checked his ig and indeed, he makes intricate nail designs. I hope he doesn't give up on his passion.

[stefanaurora]

What a sweet man and so sincere. Bless his heart. He made my day! I wish him all the best and I'd love to have my nails done at his salon!

[o.lyandzberg]

Let's just talk about his nails tho... FABULOUS!

[crystalmaeaurelio]

Honestly all of the male nail artists that have done my nails were all FANTASTIC. I even had one guy do my nails while watching a basketball game in the shop! LOL It was a great set and I was sold from then on.

[TeshniKiKwang]

I want to visit him when I am getting my nails done in Korea now! The fact that he pays attention to small details is what I love when it comes to nails.

[bernadineliu]

I like how the comment section here is so positive! Greetings from Indonesia! 💛✨

[Gus.Galvao]

I am happy seeing a gorgeous young man fighting the society and showing that there's no more room for this sort of prejudice. We can do whatever we are good at despite the gender rule which we have been imposed to. congrats mate on your amazing job!

[ranchannelo]

His design is really superb! He has a vast knowledge, too. Damn!