JUST B’s Bain Becomes First Korean Male Idol to Come Out, Saying “I’m Proud to Be LGBTQ+”

Bain, a 23-year-old member of the K-POP group JUST B (real name Song Byung-hee), became the first Korean male idol to publicly come out as gay. On the 22nd (local time), Bain took to the stage during JUST B’s “JUST ODD” world tour concert at the Vermont Hollywood Hall in Los Angeles, USA, and revealed his sexuality to fans by saying, “I’m proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.” He went on to explicitly state, “I’m very proud to be gay.” Bain then thanked Lady Gaga, saying, “The queen showed us that being different is beautiful,” before performing her iconic song “Born This Way” on stage. Rainbow flags symbolizing the LGBTQ+ community were displayed onstage, and the audience cheered in support of him. In a video posted on Instagram after the concert, Bain said, “I want to say this to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, whether you already belong there or are still exploring who you are—you are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way.” Bain’s courageous decision is extremely rare in South Korea’s entertainment industry. Even though homosexuality is not illegal in the country, it remains a socially sensitive topic, and the K-POP industry is particularly known for its strict control over idols’ behavior. According to a 2023 Human Rights Watch report, discrimination against LGBTQ+ people exists “widespread” in South Korea, and same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. Public coming-outs of LGBTQ+ identities are very uncommon in the K-POP industry. Before Bain, Jiae from WJSN revealed she was bisexual on social media in 2020, and recently Lara, the Indian-American member of the K-POP girl group KATSEYE, confessed to being gay. However, Bain is practically the first male idol group member to come out publicly. His fellow members also offered their support. SIU, a JUST B member, wrote in a fan communication forum, “Byung-hee was amazing; I applaud his courage,” adding, “I cried while watching from behind the stage. It made me cry even more because I know it must have been very difficult for him.” Fans likewise supported Bain actively. The comment “You are deeply loved. I hope you’re proud of who you are” received the most agreement, while other fans wrote, “Your courage will change many people’s lives. We love you so much.” JUST B is a six-member boy group that debuted in 2021 and has released five mini-albums and several singles to date. The agency has not issued an official statement regarding Bain’s coming out but indirectly expressed support by sharing his coming-out video on their official Instagram account.