Bain of Just B Comes Out as LGBTQ On Stage A K-pop First

Under the electric buzz of stage lights and the roar of fans in Los Angeles, something revolutionary happened in the world of K-pop. Amid the glitz, choreography, and global adoration, 23-year-old Bain—member of rising boy band Just B—stepped into his truth. In a move that’s as bold as it is heartfelt, Bain publicly came out as a member of the LGBT community, sending shockwaves of love, support, and hope across fandoms worldwide.

The moment arrived not with a press release or social media teaser but live and unfiltered, during a solo segment of the group’s US concert. Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, stood before his fans and shared the words that would instantly become a landmark in K-pop history.

“To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBT community or still figuring it out—this is for you guys,” he said, his voice steady and sincere. “You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way.”

Then, with the crowd already roaring in affirmation, he launched into an emotionally charged rendition of Lady Gaga’s LGBTQ anthem Born This Way. “My queen,” he affectionately called Gaga, adding another layer of resonance to the already powerful moment.

A Defining Act in a Restrained Industry

In a global music industry celebrated for boundary-pushing visuals and fierce individuality, K-pop has traditionally drawn a line at personal disclosures. Most artists maintain tightly managed images, with details about their love lives or sexual identities carefully guarded by management companies. In that context, Bain’s announcement was not just heartfelt—it was radical.

While South Korea has made strides in discussions around identity and representation, the entertainment world still reflects deeply rooted cultural taboos. Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but societal acceptance remains limited, and same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. Many public figures, particularly in the entertainment sector, avoid discussing their sexuality altogether.

A 2022 Human Rights Watch report highlighted the “pervasive” discrimination that LGBTQ individuals face in the country, adding weight to Bain’s choice to be visible and vocal.

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A Moment of Vulnerability and Power

The impact of Bain’s declaration wasn’t lost on those closest to him. Fellow Just B member Siwoo admitted he cried during the performance. “I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more,” he told Korean media outlet News1. His words speak to the internal battles that so many queer individuals fight—especially in environments where silence is often mistaken for safety.

Their fans, affectionately called “Only Bs,” flooded social media with messages of love and gratitude.

“You are so loved. So proud to be your fan,” one fan wrote.

“We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself,” read another comment, quickly becoming one of the most liked on Bain’s Instagram post.

What makes Bain’s coming out especially meaningful is how it reaches across boundaries. K-pop fandoms are famously global and deeply loyal. With fans in countries where being LGBTQ is still dangerous or marginalized, Bain’s words ripple far beyond the venue he spoke in.

Representation Is a Revolution

Bain joins a very short list of K-pop idols who’ve publicly come out. In 2020, Jiae from the now-disbanded girl group Wassup announced she was bisexual. More recently, Lara, an Indian-American member of the girl group Katseye, shared her queer identity on a fan platform. Each of these moments has chipped away at the wall of silence surrounding sexuality in the K-pop industry.

But Bain’s moment—made during a live concert, in one of the world’s most influential cities, in front of thousands of fans—feels different. It wasn’t rehearsed. It wasn’t hidden in subtext. It was proudly and lovingly declared for all to hear.

By choosing to come out on stage, Bain didn’t just speak for himself. He spoke for every young fan who’s ever felt like they had to hide a part of themselves. He spoke for other idols watching quietly, wondering if they’ll ever be able to do the same.

A Step Toward Something Bigger

For now, Bain’s announcement is a celebration—a moment of courage met with an outpouring of love. But its implications could be far-reaching. K-pop, like any art form, evolves. With each voice that dares to break away from the script, the industry shifts.

There’s no telling what the future holds for Bain or for LGBTQ representation in K-pop. But one thing is clear: a barrier has been broken, and a light has been lit. And if Bain’s bravery encourages even one more person to step into the light, then he’s already changed the world—one note, one lyric, one truth at a time.