“Proud to be gay”: K‑Pop Star Bain Comes Out to the World
At a landmark moment for queer representation in K-Pop, Bain (real name Song Byeong‑hee), a 23-year-old vocalist from the six-member group Just B, publicly came out as gay during the final show of their “JUST ODD” world tour in Los Angeles on April 22, 2025.
During his solo stage at Vermont Hollywood Hall, Bain paused and addressed the crowd:
“I’m f***ing proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community - as a gay person.”
The declaration was met with resounding cheers and visual support, with fans waving rainbow flags as he delivered the message. Bain paid tribute to Lady Gaga, calling her his “queen”, and dedicated the moment to everyone navigating their identity:
“…this is for you guys… You’re seen, you’re loved, and you are born this way.”
He then performed a powerful rendition of Gaga’s anthem “Born This Way,” turning the stage into a celebration of authenticity.
A Supportive Response
Following the announcement, Bain’s bandmates and fans responded with heartfelt admiration. Siwoo, one member of Just B, shared he was moved to tears, acknowledging how “hard it was” for Bain to speak openly. In an Instagram post, Bain echoed his on-stage remarks:
“To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community, or still figuring it out, this is for you. You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way. 🏳️🌈”
Post-concert, he returned to the stage to thank fans and close the night with an empowering message:
“Today, it means a lot to me, I’m so happy that I can be myself. … Stay bold, stay fierce, and always, always be your true self.”
Breaking Barriers in a Conservative Industry
In South Korea, a country where homosexuality is legal but same-sex marriage remains unrecognised and queer rights face widespread societal resistance, Bain’s public coming-out represents a seismic shift in a notoriously image-controlled industry.
He joins the ranks of a small but growing number of openly queer K-Pop artists, including Holland (2018) and Mrshll, who previously came out under less mainstream circumstances.
A Momentous Turning Point
In interviews, Bain reflected that his announcement was spontaneous but meaningful. He expressed a desire to end the tour with honesty, having come out privately to his label and bandmates years earlier. Many see this as a crucial moment of visibility in K‑Pop, paving the way for greater inclusivity.
An NBC News–cited Human Rights Watch report from 2023 emphasises that LGBTQ+ folks in South Korea continue to face pervasive discrimination. Against this backdrop, Bain’s bold declaration is not just personal, it’s emblematic of a broader cultural shift.
In summary, Bain’s move to come out on a global stage marks a historic milestone. In an industry that traditionally curbs personal expression, his unapologetic pride and heartfelt message created a powerful moment of visibility, not just for his fans, but for queer youth across Asia and beyond.
Let me know if you’d like deeper insights on LGBTQ+ representation in K-Pop or interviews with artists like Holland and Mrshll.
