If there’s one thing that South Korean idol Hwasa radiates, it’s confidence. One-fourth of the girl group Mamamoo, Hwasa isn’t afraid to go against the grain when it comes to the strict image standards of the K-pop industry. One to play by her own rules, the singer is known for her bold sense of style and her willingness to take fashion risks.

The singer has also spoken up about a body-shaming experience she encountered during one of her auditions pre-debut, where the instructor noted that she was “unique and sang very well but [she] was fat and not pretty at all”. Hwasa noted that the instructor’s harsh comments served as motivation: “Soon, I found myself promising this: If I don’t fit into this generation’s beauty standards, I’ll have to become a different standard.”

When music executives demanded for Yuna to conform to their stereotype image of a successful label artist, the Malaysian singer-songwriter refused. Determined to carve out a space for herself, she decided to start her own independent record label Yuna Room Records with her manager, Wawa. “We learned how to start a label together after labels refused to sign me unless I took off my [head] scarf and sang Malay songs only,” the songbird wrote in her Instagram stories.

Yuna has never shied away from her religion. In an interview with Billboard, she noted that when she debuted in the US market, many commented on her signature modest style and decision to continue wearing her hijab. “People say, ‘You should let your hair out; you shouldn’t be oppressed – you’re not in Malaysia any more. You should show your curves and be proud of it. But I am proud – it’s my choice to cover up my body. I’m not oppressed, I’m free.”

One of the most in-demand actresses in Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor Khan is known for her confidence both on- and off-screen. The 42-year-old often refrains from rehearsing for a project, and instead relies on her instincts and spontaneity as an actor.

The versatile actress is also known for her authentic self that’s outspoken and assertive. The star made sure that she continued to work throughout her first and second pregnancy, combatting stereotypes that women are unable to work while they are pregnant – especially in an industry that is still very much about looks.

With more than 100 million followers on Weibo, Yang Mi is undoubtedly one of the most popular celebrities in China today. When asked for her life mantra, the actress, singer and film producer often quotes the Chinese saying “极度的坦诚就是无坚不摧” (extreme honesty is unbeatable), noting that one should only present their authentic self with honesty and integrity.

When the star was announced as lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret’s newest Asian spokesperson, she noted that to her, “a sexy and charming woman is someone who is independent and confident…not bowing to pressure is sexiness.”

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh is known for her iconic roles in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and the action movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, as well as recent hits Shang-Chi and The Legend Of The Ten Rings and Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Known for her strong and confident performances, the Ipoh-born actress is a trailblazer in the industry. The Crazy Rich Asians star has long called for better Asian representation in Hollywood, and has spoken out countless times on the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry

Filipino actress Kathryn Bernardo has noted that her morena skin – a term used to describe a person with brown skin in the Philippines – used to be the cause of her insecurities and her lack of confidence. Even though she has been acting from a young age, there were many days where she would doubt herself and her worth.

“It took a while before I learned to accept my skin colour and embrace all of my insecurities. Now, I feel so much better,” she revealed in a previous interview. “I’ve learned to embrace my complexion. Fair skin shouldn’t be a symbol of beauty. I want to do my part and empower others to love themselves and accept themselves. And let’s not compare ourselves to each other. Empower one another, not bring each other down.”

Growing up in Indonesia, Jakarta-born singer-songwriter Niki thought that having a music career in the United States was impossible as there were few female Asian celebrities in the industry. She was determined to change that perception when she found success with record label 88rising, and continues to advocate for female Asian representation in the industry in order to inspire hope.

In 2019, when she first performed at music festival Head In The Clouds, she took a moment to address the 10,000-plus crowd: ““I just want to say, as an Asian female, I do not take this day and this stage for granted. My hope is that above everything else today, that you feel heard, you feel understood, but most of all that you feel represented.” Niki is also the first Indonesian female to ever perform at Coachella.

Indian actress Deepika Padukone has been vocal about equal rights for women, especially in the entertainment industry in India, and is an advocate for wage equality for actresses. In an unprecedented move, the celebrity has also opened up about her mental health – a topic that’s very much still taboo in many facets of Indian society – and candidly revealed that she struggles with depression and anxiety.

Padukone, who made her Hollywood debut in the Vin Diesel-led action film XXX: Return of Xander Cage, has also called for more diversity of actors in Hollywood, noting that the current conversation is on a ‘surface-level’.

South Korean actress Han So-hee has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including popular drama The World of the Married, as well as multiple Netflix hit series like Nevertheless and My Name.

Noted for her versatility and nuanced performances, Han has taken on an array of roles in her career and has spoken out about the importance of challenging herself as an actress by taking on diverse and complex roles.

Before she debuted as an actress, she had multiple tattoos down her arms that she removed in order to prevent being denied certain types of roles or getting type-casted into others. The actress gained attention for her response when past photos of her with tattoos and smoking a cigarette – considered controversial in South Korea as celebrities are expected to uphold a pristine image – emerged. When asked if she was shocked by the photos being released and the criticism, she coolly responded “no”. “Who I was back then is still who I am now,” she added.

Turkish actress Hande Erçel shot to international fame when she played the lead role in the Turkish rom-com television series Sen Çal Kapimi as Eda Yildiz. With more than 29 million Instagram followers, she’s the most followed Turkish actress on the platform.

The actress often keeps it real on her social media with glimpses of her normal everyday existence (going on hikes, painting, and hanging out with her dog). “There’s a very organic relationship between me and social media,” she noted in a previous interview. “I portray myself on social media just like how I am in my daily life.”

Text: Cheryl Lai-Lim/HerWorld

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