K-Pop Idol Comes Out During US Concert, First Boyband Member To Do So

While most K-pop idols are notoriously private about their personal lives, Bain of K-pop boyband Just B chose to come out during a concert in Los Angeles on Tuesday (Apr 22).

In a video posted to his Instagram, the 24-year-old, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, took a moment from his performance to say, “Before I start the next song, tonight I want to share something with you guys… I’m ****ing proud to be part of the LGBT community.”

The crowd can be heard erupting in cheers as Bain walked the stage and motioned for the audience to quiet down before continuing.

Bain, dressed in an oversized fur coat, went on to say, “To anyone out there who's part of the LGBT community, or still figuring it out... this is for you guys, and this for everyone.”

“You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way," he added,

He went on to perform Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ and referred to her as “my queen”

Hmmm… is there a chance we will also see Bain make a surprise appearance at her Singapore shows in May?

During Just B’s American shows, Bain also performed hits such as Britney Spears ‘Toxic', Destiny’s Child’s 'Survivor', and Pussycat Dolls' ‘Buttons’.

In his closing address shared via fan footage, Bain is seen saying, “Today, it means a lot to me — I’m so happy that I can be myself” before his bandmates pushed him to the center-stage spotlight.

Just B’s agency, BLUEDOT Entertainment issued a brief and cautious-sounding statement to the media saying, “Since this pertains to Bain’s personal life and sexual identity, it is difficult for us to provide a separate statement”.

Though homosexuality isn’t illegal in Korea, coming out is extremely rare in the showbiz industry, with Bain being the first idol to disclose his sexuality on a world tour.

Most recently, Lara, an Indian-American member of girl group Katseye came out as queer on Weverse, a K-pop fan community platform.

Just B was formed in 2021 with six members, and they have released five EPs. Their latest single ‘Chest’ was released in March this year.

Fans flocked to Instagram to show their support, with a top-liked comment reading, “We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself.”

Another wrote, “You are so loved. So proud to be your fan. Be proud of who you are”.

Photos: 67a1n/IG, Sinchew