A member of the K-pop group Just B came out as gay during a concert in Los Angeles this week — a rare and powerful moment in an industry known for its strict image control and intense privacy.
Bain, a 23-year-old vocalist in Just B, shared his truth during a solo performance at the group’s Tuesday night show in L.A., telling the audience, “I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community — as a gay person.” The crowd erupted in cheers, as seen in videos widely circulated on social media.
He continued with a heartfelt message: “To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community, or still figuring it out — this is for you. You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way.” The statement was a nod to Lady Gaga’s LGBTQ+ anthem, which he performed next while waving a rainbow pride flag and calling Gaga “my queen.”
Coming out while actively promoting in the K-pop industry is exceedingly uncommon, largely due to tight control from management agencies and conservative expectations from fans. As reported by Korean outlet News1, Bain is the first male K-pop idol to publicly come out as gay while still active in the industry.
Following the performance, Bain received public support from his bandmate Siwoo, who wrote a heartfelt message on a fan platform, according to South Korean media.
“I was watching from backstage and couldn’t help but cry,” Siwoo shared. “I cried even harder because I know how difficult this was for him.”
Fans have also flooded Bain’s social media with support. One of the top comments on his Instagram read, “I’m so proud of you, kiddo. Always love yourself because WE LOVE YOU!!!!”
Just B, a six-member boy band, debuted in 2021 and has since released five EPs and multiple singles.
Prior to Bain’s announcement, only a few K-pop idols had come out publicly. In 2020, Jiae from the now-disbanded girl group Wassup shared that she is bisexual. More recently, Lara, an Indian-American singer from the U.S.-based group Katseye, came out as queer on a fan platform last month.
Despite some progress, homosexuality remains a delicate topic in South Korea, where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. According to a 2023 report from Human Rights Watch, discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in the country “remains pervasive.”
