With his coming out, JUST B's Bain makes K-pop history
"I hope that my story can remind you that it’s okay to be exactly who you are."
(Photo credit: Blue Dot Entertainment)
Donning a black fur coat and a pair of sunglasses, Bain strutted on stage during his band JUST B’s concert in Los Angeles on April 22.
With confidence and sass, he performed an electric cover of Lady Gaga’s queer anthem “Born This Way.” And moments later, he made an announcement: “I’m fucking proud to be part of the LGBTQ community as a gay person!”
It did not take long for the crowd to erupt in cheers.
Bain’s coming out is groundbreaking in the world of K-pop. While being gay is not illegal in South Korea, it is still highly stigmatized due to the country’s conservative upbringing. And while Bain is not the first Korean artist to open up about his sexuality, his coming out undoubtedly opens doors for others.
Since his announcement, Bain has been the subject of many international headlines, from BBC, NBC, Forbes to Dazed.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect my coming out to get this much attention, but with all the support, I’m even more motivated to show more of myself moving forward,” Bain tells me days later.
Below, the JUST B member shares more about why he decided to open up about his sexuality on stage, what Lady Gaga represents to him and how he hopes to be a positive example for others in the future.
Your announcement has been making waves across the K-pop world. How are you doing, after coming out to the public?
I’m doing well. It was a huge moment for me, and while I was nervous, I also felt relieved. The support from my members, my company, and especially the fans has been overwhelming and so heartwarming. I’m really thankful for all the love, and I feel lighter. Living authentically has always been important to me, and now I feel much freer and at peace.
You chose Lady Gaga's “Born This Way” to perform as your solo stage. And you have called Lady Gaga a queen. What is the message from her and this song that speaks to you?
Lady Gaga has always been an icon for self-expression and acceptance for me. “Born This Way” has such a powerful message about embracing who you are, no matter what anyone else says. It speaks to the importance of self-love and being unapologetically yourself.
For me, Lady Gaga is a queen because she not only preaches this message but also lives it out loud. This song gave me the strength to fully embrace my identity and own my truth, and performing it felt like a celebration of everything I stand for. It reminds me that we are all perfect as we are, and we don’t need to hide who we are to be loved.
Have you always been open with your members and company about your sexuality? How did they respond when you told them?
Yes, I’ve always been open with my members and the company about my sexuality. I came out to them two years ago. They were understanding, and their response was warm when I told them. Thanks to that, I was able to express myself as I am without fear. With their support, I’ve grown and found more authenticity in myself, and I’m truly grateful that they’ve always stood by my side.
South Korea historically does not have a lot of LGBTQ+ representation. Why did you feel that it was time to share your story during your concert?
As the tour went on, I felt myself changing little by little. Each stage helped me grow braver and more honest—not just as an artist, but as a person. By the time we reached LA, the final stop of the tour, I knew I didn’t want to keep a part of myself hidden anymore.
That night felt special, like a moment where I could finally say everything I had held in for so long. I wanted to end the tour with honesty and love, and to share my truth with the people who had stood by me. It wasn’t a planned moment, but it felt like the right one. And it became one of the most meaningful nights of my life.
What do you hope your story can do for LGBTQ+ representation in K-pop and the South Korean entertainment industry?
I hope that by sharing my story, I can help create a space where future artists don’t feel like they have to hide who they are. If even one person feels a little less alone or a little more seen because of what I shared, that means everything to me. I want to show that it’s possible to be open and still thrive—to stand on stage as your full self and shine. If my journey can make things even a little easier for the next generation, then it’s more than worth it.
Is there a message you would like to share with your fans, since sharing your story?
To my dear fans, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and support have made me feel stronger and braver than I ever thought possible. I hope that my story can remind you that it’s okay to be exactly who you are. You don’t need to hide or be anyone else to be loved and accepted. Keep shining as your true self, because you are already perfect just as you are. I’ll always be here, proud to share this journey with you.
Follow JUST B and Bain on Instagram.
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