Bain becomes first K-pop star to come out as gay
A member of the K-pop boy band, Just B, publicly came out as gay during a concert in Los Angeles this week, a rare step in the highly competitive Korean music industry, where artists are often extremely private about their personal lives.
Bain, a 23-year-old member of the K-pop boy band Just B, publicly came out as gay during a solo performance at the group’s Los Angeles concert on Tuesday. “I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, as a gay person,” he declared, drawing loud cheers from the audience, as seen in videos shared on social media.
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He dedicated his message to LGBTQ+ individuals and those still discovering themselves, saying, “You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way,” referencing Lady Gaga’s iconic anthem. Bain, who referred to Gaga as “my queen,” then performed the song while waving a rainbow pride flag.
Coming out publicly is rare among active K-pop idols, whose personal lives are often tightly managed by labels and heavily scrutinized by fans. According to Korean media outlet News1, Bain is the first male K-pop idol to openly come out.
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REACTIONS FROM COLLEAGUES AND FANS
Following the performance, his bandmate Siwoo shared a heartfelt message on a fan platform, revealing he cried backstage, knowing the challenges Bain faced. Fans also flooded Bain’s Instagram with messages of love and support, with one top comment reading, “I’m so proud of you, kiddo. Always love yourself because WE LOVE YOU!!!!”
Just B, a six-member group, has released five EPs and several singles since their 2021 debut.
Previously, Jiae of the now-disbanded group Wassup came out as bisexual in 2020, and last month, Lara from U.S.-based girl group Katseye came out as queer. In South Korea, where same-sex marriage is still not legally recognized, LGBTQ+ discrimination remains widespread, according to a 2023 Human Rights Watch report.
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