In a powerful moment of courage and pride, BAIN, a member of K-pop boy group JUST B, has made history by becoming the first male Korean idol to publicly come out as a member of the LGBTQ community.
The groundbreaking announcement took place on April 22 (local time) during JUST B’s JUST ODD world tour concert in Los Angeles. Standing before fans, BAIN declared, “I’m proud to be part of the LGBTQ community,” waving a rainbow flag and performing Lady Gaga’s iconic LGBTQ anthem “Born This Way.”
The rainbow flag, globally recognized as a symbol of LGBTQ pride, served as a bold and visual affirmation of BAIN’s message.
Fellow JUST B member Siwoo later shared an emotional post on the fan communication platform, praising BAIN’s bravery, “What Byeonghee (BAIN’s real name) did today was amazing. I was moved to tears watching from backstage because I know how hard and painful it’s been for him.”
While other K-pop idols have previously come out – such as Ji-ae of WA$$UP, who identified as bisexual in 2020, and Katseye’s Lara, who recently came out as a lesbian – BAIN is the first male idol from a K-pop boy group to do so.
JUST B debuted in 2021 and is composed of six members: Lim Ji-min, Lee Geon-woo, BAIN, JM, Jeon Do-yeom, and Kim Sang-woo. As of now, the group’s agency has not released an official statement regarding BAIN’s coming out.
Fans and advocates across social media have been quick to show support, calling BAIN’s action a “historic moment for K-pop” and a “much-needed representation” in an industry often known for its conservative norms.