In a groundbreaking moment for K-pop, Bain, a member of the six-member boy band JUST B, came out as gay during a powerful solo performance on the group’s JUST ODD World Tour. The revelation took place at the Vermont Hollywood in Los Angeles, where he followed the announcement with a stirring rendition of Lady Gaga’s queer anthem “Born This Way”.
Wearing statement sunglasses, a long fur coat, and a black sequin shirt, Bain paused before introducing the song. “Before I start the next song, tonight I want to share something with you guys,” he said. Then, without hesitation, he declared, “I’m f**king proud to be part of the LGBT community.” The audience erupted in cheers.
“I’m a gay person,” he added, before acknowledging a front-row fan waving a rainbow flag. “Shout-out to my queen Lady Gaga for showing me that being yourself is beautiful.”
In an emotional message directed to fans of all identities, Bain said, “To everyone out there who’s part of the LGBTQ+ or still figuring it out, this is for you guys. And also, this is for everyone. You’re seen, you’re loved, and you are born this way.”
He then performed the 2011 hit, embracing its message of queer pride.
As the concert wrapped, Bain addressed the crowd once more: “L.A., thank you so much. Today, it means a lot to me — I’m so happy that I can be myself.” His bandmates shared the sentiment, with one declaring, “We are happy too,” and another chiming in with an enthusiastic, “Yeah!”
To close the night, Bain stepped into the spotlight with encouragement from his fellow members, saying: “Until next time: stay bold, stay fierce, and lastly, always, always be your true self.”
As noted by Billboard, public coming-outs by K-pop boy band members are rare. While individual Korean artists have come out in the past, the industry often responds with homophobia, both from insiders and online audiences.
Although South Korea does not criminalise consensual same-sex relationships, LGBTQ+ rights remain limited. Military members are banned from same-sex activity, and the country lacks marriage equality, adoption rights for same-sex couples, and comprehensive anti-discrimination protections. Transgender individuals must undergo medical transition before their gender can be legally recognised.
A 2023 Pew Research Centre poll found that 56% of South Koreans opposed marriage equality, reflecting ongoing challenges in LGBTQ+ acceptance.
JUST B, managed by BLUEDOT Entertainment, debuted on 30 June 2021. Their music has resonated globally, racking up over 6 million streams in the U.S. and 22.6 million worldwide, according to streaming data from Luminate.
