In a groundbreaking moment for the K-pop industry, Bain, a member of the boy group Just B, has publicly come out as a proud member of the LGBT community.
The 23-year-old artist, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, made the announcement during a solo performance at the group’s concert in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
His declaration marks a rare moment of personal openness in a tightly regulated industry where idols are often expected to keep their private lives, especially anything related to their romantic or sexual identity, under wraps.
Videos from the concert circulating on social media captured the emotional moment as Bain addressed the audience before launching into a heartfelt rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”
In the footage, the crowd erupted in cheers when he spoke directly to fans who might be facing similar struggles with identity. “To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBT community, or still figuring it out – this is for you guys,” Bain said.
“You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way.” Referring to Lady Gaga as “my queen,” he paid tribute to her legacy as a voice for queer empowerment.
The significance of Bain’s announcement was not lost on his bandmates or fans. Siwoo, a fellow member of Just B, shared how emotional he felt watching the moment unfold.
“I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more,” he said, according to Korean media outlet News1.
His comment shed light on the emotional toll that hiding one’s true self can take, especially in an environment where conformity and image control are often paramount.
Support for Bain quickly flooded social media, with thousands of fans expressing pride and admiration. One popular comment under his Instagram post read, “We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself.”
Another user added, “You are so loved. So proud to be your fan. Be proud of who you are.” The outpouring of affection highlighted a growing openness among global K-pop fans toward diversity and authenticity.
Just B, the group Bain debuted with in 2021, consists of six members and has steadily gained popularity with five EPs and several singles. While the group is still relatively new, Bain’s bold step may very well pave the way for broader conversations about inclusivity in the K-pop scene, which continues to expand its global reach.
The industry’s rigid standards for behavior and image have often silenced artists when it comes to matters of identity, especially anything outside the mainstream norm.
In South Korea, discussions around LGBT rights remain fraught. Although homosexuality is not criminalized, societal stigma persists, and same-sex marriage is not legally recognized.
A 2022 Human Rights Watch report described discrimination against LGBT individuals in the country as “pervasive,” underscoring the courage it takes for any public figure—let alone a K-pop idol—to come out.
Bain now joins a small but growing list of K-pop artists who have come out publicly. Just last month, Lara, an Indian-American member of the multinational girl group Katseye, shared her queer identity on a fan community platform.
In 2020, Jiae from the now-disbanded girl group Wassup announced she was bisexual via Instagram. These revelations mark a slow but meaningful shift in an industry long known for its silence on issues of identity and representation.
As Bain’s words continue to ripple across the fan community, many hope his honesty will inspire not just other idols but also fans who may be struggling with acceptance.
His message was clear and powerful: “You are not alone. And being yourself is something to be proud of.”
