In brief
Just B's Bain declares his proud membership in the LGBT community during a concert, making waves in the often conservative landscape of K-pop while receiving overwhelming support from fans and peers.
K-pop group Just B’s member, Bain, made headlines during a recent concert in Los Angeles, where he boldly declared he is "proud to be part of the LGBT community." This announcement marks a significant moment in an industry notorious for enforcing strict controls over artists’ personal lives, especially regarding their relationships. At just 23 years old, Bain joins the ranks of a limited number of K-pop artists who have publicly come out, creating ripples of support and encouragement throughout the fan community.The revelation occurred as Bain performed a solo set, which was met with ecstatic applause from the audience. “To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBT community, or still figuring it out - this is for you guys,” said Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, in a heartfelt message shared on social media following the concert. He assured listeners, “You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way,” before thrilling fans with a rendition of Lady Gaga’s empowering anthem "Born This Way," referring to her as “my queen.”Support for Bain has blossomed, not just from his fans but also from his bandmates. Just B member Siwoo expressed his emotional response, saying he was moved to tears while watching Bain's courageous performance. Fans have flooded social media with messages of pride and affirmation for Bain’s authenticity: “We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself,” one popular comment stated.Since its formation in 2021, Just B has seen success, releasing five EPs and numerous singles. However, Bain’s coming out is especially poignant in the context of South Korea’s entertainment industry, where talking about one’s sexuality remains a delicate and often avoided topic. Although homosexuality is not legally prohibited in the country, societal stigma persists, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. A report by Human Rights Watch has highlighted that discrimination against LGBT individuals in South Korea continues to be widespread.While Bain is not the first K-pop artist to come out, his announcement adds to a growing narrative of visibility within the genre. Just last month, Lara, an Indian-American singer from the girl group Katseye, publicly identified as queer, and in 2020, Jiae from the disbanded group Wassup announced she was bisexual through social media. Bain’s courageous move is likely to inspire further conversations and openness within the K-pop community and beyond.
