Bain’s heartfelt declaration of pride resonates within the tightly controlled K-pop realm, marking a rare step toward increased visibility for LGBT artists in South Korea.
Bain from Just B Proudly Comes Out as LGBT at Concert in Los Angeles
Bain from Just B Proudly Comes Out as LGBT at Concert in Los Angeles
The K-pop star's announcement is a significant moment in a traditionally conservative industry.
K-pop group Just B's member Bain has made headlines by publicly declaring his pride in being part of the LGBT community during a concert in Los Angeles. At just 23 years old, Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, has stepped into a spotlight that few K-pop artists have ventured into – that of openly discussing their sexuality in an industry often characterized by strict control over artists' personal lives and a cultural stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
The moment unfolded during a solo performance, where Bain expressed his message of acceptance and love to the audience. He addressed those in the LGBT community and others grappling with their identities, stating, "You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way," a sentiment he reinforced by performing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," referring to her as "my queen." His heartfelt words were met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, indicative of the support he received.
Bain’s bandmates were equally supportive, with member Siwoo visibly emotional, reflecting on the struggles Bain may have faced in making such a personal announcement. "I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more," he shared with Korean media.
Fan reactions on social media have overwhelmingly expressed pride and support for Bain's courage. Comments on his Instagram showcased the heartfelt response from his followers, with messages such as, "We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself," highlighting the positive reception from the K-pop community.
Despite this progressive moment, coming out remains a rarity in South Korea’s entertainment landscape. While homosexuality is legal, it is often met with societal disapproval, and issues surrounding LGBT rights are contentious, as highlighted by a 2022 report by Human Rights Watch that detailed ongoing discrimination against the LGBT community.
Interestingly, Bain is not alone in his journey. Just last month, Lara, an Indian-American member of Katseye, also made headlines by coming out as queer. Previous instances include Jiae from the now-disbanded girl group Wassup, who shared her bisexuality in 2020. Each of these steps signifies a gradual, albeit cautious, movement towards greater acceptance and visibility for LGBT artists within the realm of K-pop.
The moment unfolded during a solo performance, where Bain expressed his message of acceptance and love to the audience. He addressed those in the LGBT community and others grappling with their identities, stating, "You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way," a sentiment he reinforced by performing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," referring to her as "my queen." His heartfelt words were met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, indicative of the support he received.
Bain’s bandmates were equally supportive, with member Siwoo visibly emotional, reflecting on the struggles Bain may have faced in making such a personal announcement. "I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more," he shared with Korean media.
Fan reactions on social media have overwhelmingly expressed pride and support for Bain's courage. Comments on his Instagram showcased the heartfelt response from his followers, with messages such as, "We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself," highlighting the positive reception from the K-pop community.
Despite this progressive moment, coming out remains a rarity in South Korea’s entertainment landscape. While homosexuality is legal, it is often met with societal disapproval, and issues surrounding LGBT rights are contentious, as highlighted by a 2022 report by Human Rights Watch that detailed ongoing discrimination against the LGBT community.
Interestingly, Bain is not alone in his journey. Just last month, Lara, an Indian-American member of Katseye, also made headlines by coming out as queer. Previous instances include Jiae from the now-disbanded girl group Wassup, who shared her bisexuality in 2020. Each of these steps signifies a gradual, albeit cautious, movement towards greater acceptance and visibility for LGBT artists within the realm of K-pop.
