Hent is not only being Thailand’s newest music group, it is also its first-ever LGBTQ group.
It is no coincidence then, that their debut took place on 2 June, during the weekend of Bangkok Pride, as the city celebrates its LGBTQ community.
The group comprises members Fluke, Joong, Myke, Sugus and Tonglee, all of whom were trainees under Survival Entertainment.
Following a series of auditions, the five were chosen to form Hent. The aim, they say, was to promote and raise awareness about gender diversity and embrace and accept diversity more fully.
“We are like 5 different gemstones that shine brightly when brought together, to bring happiness to everyone,” the group says in an exclusive email interview with ChaPop.
Since their formation, the members of Hent have worked hard towards their debut, and the release of their debut single Spotlights.
According to Joong, one highlight has been the initial phase of forming the group.
“The company allowed us to brainstorm the direction and concept of the group, which was a lot of fun because everyone had amazing ideas. It was a truly enjoyable process, and I am proud that we all had a part in this creation,” the 23-year-old tells ChaPop.
This meant being involved in all aspects of work, says Joong, which brought itself challenges.
“However, we believe that these experiences will help us grow from beginners to professionals in the future,” he says.
Even before the group officially debuts, it has already attracted attention – including from international fans. Hent says it is “very grateful for this positive reception”.
“We are very grateful for this positive reception. “Currently, we are working on creating content that includes foreign languages to help international fans understand our content. In the future, we might have the opportunity to perform abroad, participate in various activities, or even produce songs in foreign languages,” the group adds.
Indeed, Hent gained the attention of Brazilian fans after they posted a TikTok video of them dancing to Follow The Bass by Dan Salles.
As the country’s first LGBTQ pop group, Hent believes they can be a voice “that encourages the world to embrace diversity” not just in gender, but also in religion, skin colour and so on.
“Everyone has inherent worth, and diversity should be seen as normal, with nothing wrong or strange about it,” says Hent.
Joong adds that there are “more positive signs” in the LGBTQ movement in Thailand, with wider acceptance and “more people understanding the normality of diversity, which is great to see”.
The historic passing of the marriage equality bill in Thailand’s parliament is a positive first step, and Joong is hopeful it eventually gets enshrined into law.
“I hope Thailand continues progressing towards even greater equality, not just in terms of gender but across all types of diversity,” he says.
Listen to Hent’s debut single, Spotlights, now out on most streaming platforms.
