K-pop idol Bain comes out as gay: 'I'm proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community'
Bain of K-pop boy group Just B became the first Korean nationality to come out as gay during a concert.
“I want to share something with you guys. I’m f*cking proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community as a gay person,” the 23-year-old K-pop idol told his fans during their Just Odd concert in Los Angeles, which was met with loud cheers.
He also gave a special shoutout to pop star Lady Gaga, whom he called his "queen" who showed him that “being different is beautiful.”
“To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community, or still figuring it out—this is for you,” he added, before performing Gaga’s hit song, Born This Way. “You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way.”
The group’s agency, BLUEDOT Entertainment, shared a brief comment on Bain’s coming out.
“Since this pertains to Bain’s personal life and sexual identity, it is difficult for us to provide a separate statement,” the agency said, per K-media outlet Soompi.
Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, debuted in the industry in 2021 under a six-member group Just B with Geonu, Sangwoo, Siwoo, Lim Jimin, and DY.
Their songs include Damage, Tick Tock, Medusa, and Re=Load, to name a few.
Homosexuality is a socially conservative topic in South Korea. According to a Human Rights Watch report in 2023, discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community remains prevalent in the country. Same-sex marriage is likewise not recognized under South Korean law.
