Crossdress to Impress: Ing’s Hopes for the future of the Cosplay Community
- Kuhaku Media
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
Updated: 8:00pm (GMT+8) November 13, 2025
Ever thought of turning your delusions into reality or had thoughts of stepping into crossdressing? South Korean cosplayer, ING returned to the Philippines for the second time as a guest for this year’s CosMeet in Okada Manila to meet with their fans and promote the idea of crossdressing in cosplay.
Kuhaku Media received an exclusive interview with Ing which they responded to on October 30, where it contained questions on their experience as a cosplayer visiting other countries, their aim on crossdressing, and what they want to leave as a legacy for fellow crossdressers and cosplayers.
From your experience attending conventions abroad, how do events in Southeast Asia differ from those in South Korea?
For ING they see cosplay conventions from other countries similar to each other with cultural differences treated on them. Like how cosplaying is limited to the venue in South Korea, compared to countries like The Philippines.
“There are many similarities, but one big difference is that in Korea, cosplayers aren’t allowed to wear costumes outside the venue. In other countries, people travel in cosplay on public transport or even on motorbikes—which I find both adorable and admirable. Also, in Korea, there are still relatively few cosplay booths, though the community is growing. I hope more people will sell cosplay-related goods in the future.”
ING also noticed that the South Korean cosplay community has been expanding, and they hope to see more guests and cosplayer merchandise available in their home country soon.
Why do you think crossdressing in cosplay is important for people to try?
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ING Cosplaying as Himmel from Freiren Kaito Kuroba , Jinu from K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Kaito Kuroba from Magic Kaito (Photo Courtesy of ING Coser - Instagram)
Cross-dressing or the act of wearing the clothes that’s from another gender has been a common type of cosplays that ING does wherein they have done cosplays of Kaito Kuroba from Magic Kaito, Jinu from K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Himmel from Freiren.
“I believe anyone should cosplay any character they want, regardless of gender. As long as you love the character, you can do it—nothing should limit you.”
ING isn’t just known for their male cosplays as they also cosplayed characters such as Arlecchino from Genshin Impact and Kang Yu-na from Bad Thinking Diary.
What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of cosplayers?
With 10 years of Cosplay experience, ING has faced the shift of the once niche hobby into a multi-million industry that made cosplaying and attending cosplay events more commercialized, more profitable and easier to enter. They shared their hopes on what legacy they can provide which they stated that;
“I want to help prove that cosplay can be a real profession. More and more people are becoming full-time cosplayers, but it’s still not officially recognized as a job title in many places. My hope is that one day, people can proudly say, “Cosplayer” as their occupation—and have it be accepted as such."
ING hopes that their continuous appearances as a guest cosplayer and travelling to other countries to spread their passion about the hobby allows people from other countries to consider cosplaying as a profession, as an actual work title, and something that they can call as a Job.
A battle against those that speak negatively
Cosplaying has always been a way for people into the industry to escape reality and act like their characters through roleplay. Negativity towards cosplayers has been present since its beginning.
During ING’s stage segment on the first day of CosMeet, they shared some thoughts regarding negativity and how one should learn to love themselves despite the hate against them.
What kind of advice would you give to Cosplayers young and old who still feel insecure to cosplay as their favorite character?
“I want to say to them (that), do what you do cause our life is so short. We need to do what we like and hoping to do Cosplay(ing) too. Cause I know that cosplay is a good. - Snippet of Ing's Message during their stage appearance on October 25 during the 2025 CosMeet.
ING’s life without CosplayING
ING also gave their thoughts that if they weren't able to get into the industry that is cosplaying they would become a broadcaster or a cabin crew for an airline. They explained that they’re a talkative type of person who interacts with people even if there’s difficulty or barriers between them.
For a short weekend, Heartings, which is the name for ING’s fans got to meet with the South Korean-based cosplayer for a chance to talk, give gifts, or conduct fan-service activities that made a fullfillING experience for their fans.
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