K-pop Star Bain of Just B Publicly Comes Out as LGBT During US Concert
K-pop singer Bain, a member of the group Just B, has publicly announced that he is “proud to be part of the LGBT community” during a concert in Los Angeles — a rare moment in South Korea’s highly controlled entertainment industry.
Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, made the heartfelt statement during his solo performance on Tuesday night, receiving overwhelming cheers from fans. In a video later posted on social media, Bain expressed his support for others navigating their identity, saying, “You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way,” before performing Lady Gaga’s anthem Born This Way.
His bandmates showed emotional support. Fellow Just B member Siwoo shared that he cried during Bain’s performance, knowing how difficult the journey had been for him.
Fans have also flooded Bain’s Instagram and other platforms with messages of pride and encouragement: “We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself,” one top comment read.
Formed in 2021, Just B is a six-member K-pop group known for releasing five EPs and numerous singles. Bain’s coming out marks a powerful moment in K-pop, where artists typically face immense pressure to maintain a polished and private public image, particularly concerning their personal lives.
While homosexuality is legal in South Korea, it remains socially stigmatized, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. Discrimination against LGBT individuals remains widespread, as highlighted by a 2022 Human Rights Watch report.
Bain joins a small but growing list of K-pop artists who have publicly come out. Last month, Lara of Katseye came out as queer, and in 2020, Jiae from the now-disbanded girl group Wassup revealed she is bisexual.
Bain’s courageous announcement has added a fresh wave of hope and representation to the K-pop industry, inspiring fans across the world.
