Bain, a member of the K-pop boy band JUST B, made headlines on April 22, 2025, when he publicly came out as gay during the group’s concert at the Vermont Hollywood Hall in Los Angeles.
The announcement occurred during the U.S. leg of their “JUST ODD” world tour, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the K-pop industry.
Before performing a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” Bain addressed the audience, stating, “I’m f***ing proud to be part of the LGBTQ community.”
He continued by expressing gratitude to Lady Gaga for inspiring him to embrace his identity, saying, “Shoutout to my queen Lady Gaga for showing me that being yourself is beautiful.”
The crowd responded with overwhelming support, cheering and applauding his heartfelt declaration.
Following the performance, Bain took to Instagram to share a video of the moment, reiterating his pride in being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
He wrote, “And my queen Lady Gaga showed me that being different is beautiful. 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.”
Bandmate Siwoo expressed his support on the fan communication platform Fromm, stating, “Byeong Hee was amazing. Applause for his courage. I was watching backstage, and I teared up. Knowing how hard and painful this must’ve been, it hit me even harder. I already gave him a big hug – it’s been such a happy tour.”
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Bain’s coming out is particularly significant given the conservative attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues in South Korea.
While same-sex relationships are not criminalized, societal stigma and discrimination persist, making it challenging for public figures to openly discuss their sexual orientation.
Bain joins a small but growing list of K-pop artists who have come out, including Holland, MRSHLL, and Lara Raj of KATSEYE.
Fans worldwide have flooded social media with messages of support and admiration for Bain’s courage. One fan commented on his Instagram post, “You are an inspiration for so many people, Bain. You are seen and loved beyond words! I’m so proud of you and wish nothing but the best for you. Never stop being you.”
Bain’s public declaration serves as a beacon of hope and representation for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly within the K-pop industry.
His openness and authenticity pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusivity in a genre that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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