Importance Score: 62 / 100 🔴
In a noteworthy moment, Bain, a member of the popular K-pop group Just B, publicly announced to fans that he is “proud to be part of the LGBT community.” This declaration is a significant step in an industry known for its stringent management of artists and where celebrities typically maintain a high level of privacy regarding their personal lives, particularly romantic relationships.
Just B’s Bain Publicly Identifies as LGBT
The 23-year-old performer now joins a small number of K-pop artists who have openly come out.
Announcement at Los Angeles Concert
Bain made the announcement while giving a solo performance at a Los Angeles concert on Tuesday night.
Social media videos show the crowd greeting the declaration with enthusiastic cheers.
Bain’s Message of Support
“To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBT community, or still figuring it out – this is for you guys,” Bain, whose legal name is Song Byeong-hee, stated in a video shared on his social media platforms after the concert.
- “You are seen,
- you are loved, and
- you were born this way,” he continued, before launching into a rendition of “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, whom he called “my queen.”
Bandmates Show Support
His fellow band members have expressed their support for the announcement. Just B’s Siwoo admitted that he cried while watching Bain’s performance. “I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more,” he reportedly told the Korean media outlet News1.
Fanbase Reacts Positively
Just B’s followers have also demonstrated their backing. “We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself,” reads a highly-liked comment on his Instagram post.
“You are so loved. So proud to be your fan. Be proud of who you are,” another admirer commented.
Background of Just B and LGBT Issues in South Korea
Just B, a six-member group formed in 2021, has launched five EPs and several singles.
LGBT Acceptance in South Korea
Coming out remains exceptionally uncommon in South Korea’s high-pressure entertainment sector. While homosexuality is not against the law, it remains a taboo subject, and same-sex unions are not acknowledged by law.
A 2022 Human Rights Watch study depicted “widespread” discrimination against LGBT individuals in South Korea.
Other K-Pop Artists
Bain is not the first K-pop artist to come out. Last month, Lara, an Indian-American member of the girl group Katseye, revealed she was queer on a K-pop fan forum. In 2020, Jiae, from the now-defunct girl group Wassup, stated on Instagram that she was bisexual.