Drag is a form of play to express oneself, says Nana Youngrong Kim

Drag artist Nana Youngrong Kim shares her insights into the essence of drag culture and her flamboyant makeup techniques.

In a pre-release clip for the Mnet Plus original series , Nana Youngrong Kim shared her perspective on drag culture. Appearing alongside MC Kim So-mee, Kim demonstrated drag makeup techniques while explaining that drag represents much more than simple cross-dressing.

"An act of exaggerating the image one wants to express"

During the video, Kim defined drag culture as "a form of play." She explained that while drag originated from men cross-dressing, it has evolved over time into "an act of expressing the image one wants to express in an exaggerated and flamboyant way." She added that the culture allows individuals to transform into who they wish to be, performing and dancing joyfully with audiences on stage. She cited the unconditional use of flamboyance and exaggeration as a defining characteristic of drag.

Kim introduced herself by noting her previous work, including her appearances with the Dress Latin group in the Spaghetti Mibi performance and various year-end collaboration shows. MC Kim So-mee welcomed her, revealing that she had personally requested the production team to invite a drag artist. Arriving in sunglasses and gloves to hide her bare face, Kim then began the process of helping Kim "Queen Up."

Teasing Las Vegas Open Drag Show style makeup

The theme for the session was the "Mnet Las Vegas Open Drag Show" style. Kim noted that this session would serve as a showcase for her signature style. The video also highlighted that this specific makeup style has previously been utilized as a test style by the Korea Makeup Art Association. Expressing her ambition to turn the session into a "Nana-Som-mi Exhibition," Kim began the full makeup transformation.

The full episode, EP.10, is scheduled to be released on Mnet Plus on September 28 at 5 PM. Mnet broadcasts are scheduled for every Thursday at 7:50 PM.