JUST B’s Bain Becomes First Active K-POP Male Idol to Come Out as Gay

Bain, 23, a member of the K-POP boy group JUST B, publicly came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community, marking him as the first active male idol to do so. On April 22 (local time), during the final show of his world tour “Just Odd World” at the Vermont Hollywood Hall in Los Angeles, USA, Bain revealed his sexual orientation during a solo performance by stating, “I am proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.” Fans present responded with enthusiastic cheers, and footage showed them waving rainbow flags. Bain added, “If anyone belongs to the LGBTQ+ community or is exploring their identity, this is for you. You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way,” referencing lyrics from Lady Gaga’s song “Born This Way.” He described Gaga as a “queen who showed me that being different is beautiful.” It is extremely rare for K-POP idols to disclose their sexual orientation. South Korea’s music industry maintains strict control over idols’ personal lives, and a conservative culture prevails among fans who expect morally pure images. Prior to Bain’s declaration, no active male K-POP idol had publicly acknowledged being gay. SIU, another JUST B member, left a supportive message on the official fan platform, writing, “I watched from behind the stage and I cried too. I cried even more because I know how difficult it must have been for him.” Fans also sent messages of encouragement saying, “We hope you love yourself. We love you.” Homosexuality remains a sensitive topic in South Korea. Human Rights Watch noted in a 2023 report that “South Korea broadly respects civil rights but has serious human rights concerns regarding the LGBTQ+ population.” Bain’s courageous decision appears to have inspired older figures in South Korea’s entertainment industry. This is approximately 25 years after Hong Seok-cheon became the first person in South Korea’s entertainment world to come out as a sexual minority in 1998. Since then, Jiae from WA$$UP revealed she is bisexual in 2020, and Holland, who debuted in 2018, gained attention for a music video featuring a same-sex kiss.