Latest news with #JUSTB
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
What in the World K-pop gets its first gay male idol
The K-pop industry is known for being super strict and encouraging idols not to share details about their private lives, especially their relationships. For LGBTQ idols, there's an added layer of pressure, where they can't reveal or talk about their sexuality at all, due to the stigma associated with homosexuality in South Korea. The country is deeply divided over LGBTQ acceptance. So what happens if you do mention your sexuality as a K-pop idol? BBC Korean's Juna Moon has been talking to Bain from the boyband JUST B, who came out as gay on stage during a show in Los Angeles earlier this year. We hear some of her interview with Bain, who talks about his fans' reactions. And Juna explains why it's so unusual for K-pop idols to disclose their sexual identity. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@ WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia-Ross Roy and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde
Hype Malaysia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From JUST B's Bain To Holland: 5 K-pop Idols Who Identify As Part Of The LGBTQ+ Community
June is recognised as Pride Month — a time when members of the LGBTQ+ community celebrate their identities openly, without shame or fear. It is also a time to educate the wider public about Pride and the values it represents: inclusion, equality, and love. Although South Korea remains a largely conservative society, that hasn't stopped some K-pop idols from coming out. Despite facing criticism and potential backlash, these artists have chosen to live as their authentic selves rather than hide in the shadows. Here are some K-pop idols who proudly wave the rainbow flag in recent years: 1. Bain – JUST B Earlier this year, JUST B member Bain (배인) unexpectedly — and bravely — came out as gay on stage during his group's [JUST ODD] tour in Los Angeles. The K-pop idol received an outpouring of support from fans, fellow group members, and other queer Korean stars, who praised him for his courage to live as his authentic self. He later opened up in an interview about his coming-out journey and how warmly his bandmates accepted him for who he is. 2. Jiae – Former WA$$UP member Back in 2020, former WA$$UP member Jiae (지애) surprised fans by coming out as bisexual. The singer-turned-vlogger took to Instagram to share that she was attracted to both men and women and is in a romantic relationship with a woman. In a later interview, she opened up about the challenges she faced after coming out, including feelings of isolation, even within the LGBTQ+ community. Today, the singer is still together with her girlfriend. 3. Holland No conversation about queer K-pop idols would be complete without mentioning Holland (홀랜드). Go Tae-seob (고태섭), better known by his stage name Holland, made history when he debuted with his openly gay single and music video 'Neverland' in 2019, followed by 'I'm Not Afraid' and 'Nar_C'. Unlike others on this list, Holland never had a formal coming-out moment as he made his debut as K-pop's first openly gay artist. 4. Aquinas Rapper Kang Min Soo (강민수), known by his stage name Aquinas, came out as gay on Instagram in April 2024. The former 'High School Rapper 3 (고등래퍼3)' contestant had previously come out as bisexual in 2021. Following his most recent post, fans, particularly international ones, flooded the comments section with messages of support. Although both coming-out posts have since been deleted, many still remember how his openness offered comfort and inspiration to those struggling with their own identities. 5. Jo Kwon – 2AM Back in 2020, 2AM member Jo Kwon (조권) confirmed in an interview with Newsis that he identifies as genderless or gender non-conforming. 'Being genderless is my weapon. In the past, I was afraid of having a neutral image. If people said I looked like a girl, I would pretend that wasn't true. But now, I'm okay with it. I've come to accept who I am. I have a weapon that will help me keep on going for a long time, ahead of the genderless era,' he said. Honourable Mention MAMAN (Formerly Magoply) While Holland is recognised as the first openly gay K-pop idol to come out before his debut, the first to do so after debuting was soloist MAMAN (마망) back in 2007. Formerly signed to Jerry Entertainment with the stage name Magolpy, she came out as a lesbian during an episode of 'Kim Hong Joong's Music Date'. Her agency initially tried to dismiss the confession as a joke, but she refused to go along with it, leading to her removal from the company. After leaving the agency, she signed with a new label and re-debuted as MAMAN with the single 'Obvious Story' in 2015, accompanied by a music video that portrays a romantic relationship between two women, which ends in heartbreak. These days, she has expressed no desire to return to the spotlight. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Hype Malaysia
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
JUST B's Bain Opens Up About Coming Out To His Group Mates Before LA Concert
Last week, JUST B (저스트비) member Bain (배인) bravely came out as a gay man on stage during his group's '[JUST ODD]' tour in Los Angeles. The K-pop idol received overwhelming support from fans, his fellow members, and other queer Korean stars who praised him for his courage to live as his authentic self. Since that powerful moment, however, many have been curious about what inspired him to come out. How long have the other JUST B members known, and how did the discussion unfold with his bandmates and company? The singer finally answered those questions in a recent interview. In an interview with DAZED that was published yesterday (Monday, 28th April), Bain opened up about his struggles of hiding his sexuality from everyone and how fears he had about JUST B's career if he were to choose to come out. He came out to his members and company about 2 years ago, with Geonu (건우) being the first member to know his secret. 'Later, there was a moment when all the members were together talking, and Jimin (임지민) – a friend of mine for 9 years – suddenly asked me, 'Bain, are you gay?' He added that if I were, he hoped I wouldn't feel the need to hide it and could speak freely and comfortably with them,' said the singer. The 23-year-old reportedly had no intention of coming out that day, but his friend's words gave him the encouragement to finally do so. Thankfully, his members responded with calmness and warmth. The now openly gay artist later came out to his CEO, who was also incredibly supportive. As for what led him to finally come out to fans, Bain said that performing Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way', a song very personal to him, throughout the tour inspired him to be his authentic self with the world. '[The 'JUST ODD'] album reflected our honest and bold sides, a message we carried over into the tour. As the tour went on, I received so much love from fans, and that encouragement gave me the strength to share more of my true self,' said the vocalist. Bain also revealed that he had been worried about JUST B suffering backlash if he were to come out. Fortunately, he had discussed his concerns with his fellow members and the company before coming out during the LA concert, and they all supported his decision. He clarified that his coming out was not intended to have an impact on the K-pop industry, which still lacks LGBTQ+ representation. However, he said he would feel fulfilled if his story inspired his peers to be their true selves with fans. We're glad to hear that all worked out in the end, and we're sure fans are looking forward to discovering more of this side of Bain now that he's growing more comfortable living his truth. Source: DAZED
News18
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Bain Of K-Pop Group JUST B Comes Out As Gay During LA Concert: ‘F***ing Proud'
Last Updated: K-pop idol Bain came out as gay during a sold-out concert in Los Angeles, receiving cheers from thousands of fans. In a moment that's got everyone talking, Bain, the 23-year-old member of K-pop group JUST B, came out as gay during the group's final show of their U.S. tour in Los Angeles. The heartfelt announcement took place at the Vermont Hollywood venue, and it was a powerful, personal moment for Bain. 'Before I start the next song, tonight I want to share something with you guys," Bain told the audience, his voice calm but steady as the energy in the room shifted. 'I'm f***ing proud to be part of the LGBT community." The crowd immediately erupted in cheers. He paused for a moment, taking in the love before continuing, 'Shout-out to my queen Lady Gaga for showing me that being yourself is beautiful. 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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by BAIN (@6a1n__) After his heartfelt declaration, Bain paid tribute to Lady Gaga with a powerful performance of her iconic anthem Born This Way. The track, remixed and reimagined in Bain's bold style, was the perfect way to close the concert and mark the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Later, he shared clips and quotes from the night on Instagram. JUST B, the K-pop group made up of Bain, Geonu, Lim Jimin, Siwoo, DY, and Sangwoo, kicked off the U.S. leg of their world tour earlier this month, following their March launch in Tokyo. Over the course of 10 American cities, the group wowed audiences with electrifying performances of hits like Medusa, TICK TOCK, and Damage. Each member also had their moment to shine with solo performances. Bain, in particular, took the stage to pay homage to early 2000s pop legends, delivering fierce covers of Britney Spears' Toxic, Destiny's Child's Survivor, and Lady Gaga's Judas. In a heartfelt final moment with the LA crowd, Bain soaked in the love and support from the audience and his bandmates, who stood by him with visible pride. 'L.A., thank you so much," he said, his voice filled with emotion. 'Today, it means a lot to me. I'm so happy that I can be myself." The crowd erupted in cheers once more, and Bain ended the night with a powerful message that felt bigger than just the concert: 'Until next time: stay bold, stay fierce, and lastly, always, always be your true self." First Published:
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
K-pop idol Bain comes out as gay at JUST B's LA concert: ‘f—ing proud to be part of the LGBT community'
In a moment that's making waves on the internet, Bain, a member of the South Korean boy group JUST B, came out as gay during the final stop of the group's U.S. tour in Los Angeles. The announcement, made at the Vermont Hollywood venue, marked a significant and deeply personal moment for the 23-year-old artist, and one that could ripple far beyond the stage lights. It is well known that the K-pop industry is known for its discipline, precision, and polished perfection, from razor-sharp choreography to the near-mythical expectations placed on idols. But beneath the glossy surface, the cost of conformity has long weighed heavily on many performers. While recent years have seen cracks in the industry's strict exterior, like BTS' RM's strong opinions on the compulsory military service or NJZ's public fight for their music rights, Bain's declaration felt like a move to reclaim an artist's autonomy in an industry rife with unattainable standards. 'Before I start the next song, tonight I want to share something with you guys,' Bain told the crowd, pausing as the energy in the room shifted. 'I'm f—ing proud to be part of the LGBT community.' The crowd erupted into cheers as he took a moment to breathe in their support. He continued, 'Shout-out to my queen Lady Gaga for showing me that being yourself is beautiful. 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.' A post shared by BAIN (@6a1n__) The declaration was followed by a tribute performance to Gaga's anthemic Born This Way, remixed and reimagined in Bain's own bold style, a moment that not only closed the concert but opened a new chapter in his life. He later shared clips and quotes from the night on Instagram, receiving an outpouring of love from fans and fellow artists alike. JUST B, comprised of Bain, Geonu, Lim Jimin, Siwoo, DY, and Sangwoo, had launched the U.S. leg of their world tour earlier this month, following a March kickoff in Tokyo. Over the course of 10 American cities, the group delivered high-energy performances of hits like Medusa, TICK TOCK, and Damage, while also giving each member a solo spotlight. Bain used his time on stage to honour early 2000s pop icons, delivering fierce covers of Britney Spears' Toxic, Destiny's Child's Survivor, and Lady Gaga's Judas — a clear nod to the divas who shaped his musical expression and, perhaps, his sense of self. In a heartfelt final address to the LA crowd, Bain further basked in the warmth of the audience and his bandmates, who rallied around him with visible pride. 'L.A., thank you so much,' he said. 'Today, it means a lot to me — I'm so happy that I can be myself.' As the crowd roared one last time, Bain closed with a message that seemed to echo far beyond the walls of the venue: 'Until next time: stay bold, stay fierce, and lastly, always, always be your true self.' Although artists like Holland and MRSHLL have been vocal about their LGBTQ+ identities since the beginning of their musical journeys — and former idols such as Magolpy and Jiae from WA$$UP shared their truths early in their careers — Bain's on-stage coming out during a major world tour signifies a new and powerful chapter for queer representation in K-pop. Additionally, while BLUEDOT Entertainment, JUST B's management, has not yet issued a formal comment, the group's official Instagram shared Bain's post with the hashtag #ProudOfBain — a small but powerful affirmation that moments of truth, even in the rigid world of K-pop, can still find their stage.
