As gender equality and women's autonomy gain increasing attention, women's clothing choices often remain a focal point of public discussion. This is particularly true in South Korea, where female celebrities opting for a "no-bra" style have repeatedly sparked both support and criticism, turning the question of whether women can freely choose their attire into a recurring debate.
Hwa Sa (화사), a member of K-pop girl group MAMAMOO, and the late artist Sulli (설리) previously garnered attention for their "no-bra" looks. Sulli, in particular, shared related photos and videos on her personal Instagram, drawing criticism from some netizens and a barrage of negative comments about her attire. At the time, she publicly explained that not wearing a bra was primarily due to personal habit and comfort, but the controversy persisted.
Now, Korean singer-songwriter Jang Jae-in (장재인) is once again making headlines for her past "no-bra outfits." Recently, while watching a YouTube video, she unexpectedly saw herself noted for "liking no-bra fashion," initially showing an awkward expression and laughing, "Do they write about this kind of thing too?" However, in the next moment, she openly expressed her thoughts: "Can't women live a bit more freely?" Her straightforward attitude has sparked discussion.
On the 23rd, Jang Jae-in released a video on her personal YouTube channel, documenting her visit to Hongdae (홍대) to promote her upcoming performance. The video was titled "If Jang Jae-in hands out flyers in Hongdae, how many people will come?" To build anticipation for her show, she personally created promotional posters and distributed flyers on the street.
During the process, Jang Jae-in laughed and said, "Since it's Monday, I wonder if there will be anyone on the street, and I'm also curious if young people still recognize me." To find suitable material for her posters, she also looked through her past records and even checked her Korean online encyclopedia page.
Unexpectedly, she saw the phrase "likes no-bra fashion" in her personal profile, which initially surprised her. She then laughed and asked, "Do they write about this kind of thing too?" However, Jang Jae-in did not shy away from the topic. Instead, she directly addressed the public's scrutiny of her fashion choices: "Can't women, after being born, live a bit more freely? Just live boldly, what's wrong with that?" She displayed her usual straightforward attitude, seemingly unconcerned with external opinions.
In fact, Jang Jae-in has previously shared "no-bra" style outfits multiple times through her social media. In 2024, she also released photos with similar styling while promoting a new song, which sparked considerable discussion at the time.
Recently, Jang Jae-in has frequently appeared in bold outfits. For her new album promotion, she posed for concept photos draped in a white fur coat, and the album cover features her in a camisole and shorts, showcasing a relaxed and confident side. Her styling has repeatedly become a talking point.
Jang Jae-in gained recognition in 2010 through Mnet's audition program Super Star K2. She was loved by the public for her unique voice and distinct musical style, becoming a standout contestant alongside Heo Gak (허각), John Park (존박), and Kang Seung-yoon (강승윤). After the show, she continued to work as a singer-songwriter, releasing works such as "Under the Shade Tree," "Step," "Seoul Noir," and "Tell Me It's Okay," gradually establishing her unique musical identity.
Regarding her personal life, Jang Jae-in publicly dated former WINNER member Nam Tae-hyun (남태현) in 2019, a relationship that drew significant public attention. However, she later revealed alleged conversations on her personal account suggesting Nam Tae-hyun was simultaneously dating other women, leading to their breakup. Nam Tae-hyun publicly apologized and admitted his mistakes at the time, bringing the incident to a close.
Following the relationship turmoil, Jang Jae-in has focused more on her music creation in recent years and continues to operate with a distinct personal style. Whether in her musical works or fashion choices, she has become more courageous in expressing herself. Her recent remarks about "no-bra" fashion once again highlight her consistent straightforwardness in the face of controversy, refusing to easily conform to others' expectations.
