The K-pop star Bain from the group Just B publicly expressed pride in being part of the LGBT community during a concert in Los Angeles, a rare act in the often conservative South Korean entertainment industry. This heartfelt moment was met with overwhelming support from both fans and bandmates, contributing to a slow yet significant shift towards acceptance in a traditionally stigmatized environment.
K-Pop Artist Bain Courageously Comes Out as Part of the LGBT Community
K-Pop Artist Bain Courageously Comes Out as Part of the LGBT Community
Just B's Bain makes a groundbreaking announcement during a US concert, embracing his identity and inspiring fans worldwide.
Bain, a member of the K-pop group Just B, publicly declared his pride in being part of the LGBT community during a concert in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment in an industry where artists often maintain strict personal boundaries, especially regarding matters of identity and relationships. At just 23 years old, Bain stands alongside a rare cohort of K-pop stars who have bravely come out.
His announcement, delivered during a solo performance, was met with passionate cheers from the audience, igniting a wave of support that has subsequently spread across social media platforms. "To anyone out there who's part of the LGBT community, or still figuring it out - this is for you guys," Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, shared in a heartfelt video posted post-concert. He further emphasized acceptance with a performance of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," referring to the pop icon as "my queen."
Bain's bandmates reacted positively to his revelation, with Siwoo expressing his emotional response: "I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more." Fans also rallied behind the artist, leaving comments infused with pride and encouragement on Bain's social media profiles. Messages of solidarity such as "We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself" resonated with many.
Although homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, embracing one's sexual identity remains a significant challenge due to societal taboos, and same-sex marriage has yet to be recognized legally. A report from Human Rights Watch in 2022 illustrated the pervasive discrimination faced by LGBT individuals in South Korea, making Bain's revelation all the more poignant.
Bain is not alone in this uphill battle. His courage follows the recent coming out of Lara, a member of Katseye, and the 2020 announcement by Jiae, formerly of Wassup, both adding to the slowly growing visibility of LGBT identities within the K-pop scene. As Just B continues to make waves with their music, Bain’s journey towards authenticity is not just personal but also a beacon of hope for many seeking acceptance in a traditionally restrictive environment.
