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It’s Ren’s 22nd Birthday today! So I thought I’d write this to let people know how unique Ren is as an idol. Theres many reasons why a fan might stan an idol, but it warms my heart seeing the warm and genuine Love given to Ren today! People have been inspired by everything he stands for and confidence in fighting for what he believes in since day 1.

- Despite being only 16 when he debuted as NU’EST maknae in 2012, he has always challenged gender stereotypes

Ren is basically obsessed with Lady Gaga, and wants to be his fans strength like her. Even in 2012, his debut teaser is obviously inspired by Gaga. Although in the beginning, he said, he did like stuff like long hair and nail art, Pledis kinda OTT ‘girly’ image was forced on him and caused him a lot of trouble, constant misgendering and harassment. But eventually he did grow confident and even had his long blond hair for over 2 years. 

-He challenged Gender Norms yet Again in 2016 in a viral Chinese CF, where he both wore “Men’s” and ‘Women’s” clothing

His Instagram caption said “Am I a Man or Women? I am a Man😂, Fashion Makes a Person and Their Impression” he said people can wear whatever they want to, it doesn’t matter what gender you are. He yet again showed he was a role model to fans who struggled to be accepted. 

-When told he was “Like a girl” by an MC, he replied with “Thank You” He doesn’t consider being called a girl an insult.

In fact I could tell Mingi was pretty angry on the inside, but he remained polite as always, and confidently answered that it made him happy, what a legend!

-The same MC pushed him further trying to insult him by saying he likes to wear Women’s cloths- he calmly replied “I like it,”

Seriously how many idols do you know who’d react like Ren did?! Most male idols masculinity is so fragile they’d try to refuse it imediently; but like I said Ren is one in a million. I love him so much for never taking shit from anyone, and always pushing for equality when it came to fashion/clothing. Its kinda sad most kpop fans don’t know all the times Ren has shut haters and misogynists down! 

-He stands for the causes he believes in, such as wearing the Sewol Ferry Disaster bracelet every single day

-He owns and wears many items that are for Charity, such as MaryMond

He told a fan he feels its meaningful to help people, which really shows how pretty his heart is. The thing is he did all of these things secretly, even before NU’EST became famous this year. He’s always been like this.

-He has always posted about Human Tragedies and natural disasters on his social media to raise awareness

-He constantly tell’s his fans they are perfect the way they are don’t need to change and a pretty heart is the thing that makes you beautiful

Personally, when I saw he said this years ago, i really fell for him. Whenever I hate myself or my appearance, I always remember Ren said this, and feel better … cos honestly it’s true. Even thought he himself is not always confident, he tries to make loves confident, and showers us with love daily irl or in the fancafe. In a country and industry obsessed with physical appearance, for him to say this is pretty progressive and a big deal!

-He’s done countless other amazing things like cheer the Produce 101 trainees up when everyone was depressed, even though he was hurting himself and is always the life and soul of NU’EST, he always protects and cheers up his members.

In conclusion Choi Mingi aka Ren of NU’EST has been mercilessly tearing down Gender and societal norms, while standing up for what he believes him with a confidence few idols have, since he was 16 years old.

Stan a Man who is beautiful inside and out, a total diva, no.1 Gaga fan, powerful maknae and absolute LEGEND REN!!