JUST B's Bain Makes History: First K-pop Boy Group Member to Come Out as LGBTQ During World Tour
A Historic Moment for K-pop: JUST B's Bain Comes Out as LGBTQ
In a groundbreaking moment for K-pop, Bain, the main vocalist of boy group JUST B, has made history by becoming the first male member of a Korean boy group to come out as part of the LGBTQ community. The momentous announcement took place during JUST B's 'JUST ODD' world tour concert in Los Angeles, where Bain proudly declared, "I'm proud to be part of the LGBTQ community."
This declaration has sent ripples through the K-pop industry and fan communities worldwide, as such public announcements regarding sexuality remain relatively rare in the conservative Korean entertainment industry. Videos of the moment quickly spread across various online communities on April 23, 2025, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.
The Significance of Bain's Coming Out in K-pop
Bain's announcement marks a significant milestone in K-pop history. While the industry has seen female idols come out in the past—such as Jiae from Wassup who identified as bisexual and Lara from CATS EYE who came out as gay—Bain is the first male idol from a boy group to publicly embrace his LGBTQ identity.
This revelation holds particular weight in an industry where male idols are often marketed with carefully crafted images that rarely address personal aspects like sexuality. The Korean entertainment industry has traditionally been cautious about idols' public personas, making Bain's decision to come out during a high-profile international concert all the more significant.
Fan communities have shown mixed reactions. On platforms like TheQoo and Instiz, supportive comments praise Bain's courage, while others express concern about potential career implications in the Korean market. International fans have been overwhelmingly supportive, celebrating this step toward greater diversity and authenticity in K-pop.
Who is Bain and JUST B?
For those unfamiliar with the group, JUST B debuted in June 2021 under Bluedot Entertainment. The six-member group consists of Lim Jimin, Lee Geonu, Bain, Siwoo, JM, and Kim Sangwoo. Bain has established himself as the main vocalist of the group, known for his powerful vocal performances and stage presence.
JUST B has been steadily building their career since debut, and 2025 marks a significant year for them as they undergo a rebranding effort. According to their agency, the members are increasingly participating in the creative process, adding more depth to their musical identity.
Their latest album 'JUST ODD,' released in March 2025, showcases their evolution with diverse genres and unpredictable new styles. The North American tour of the same name represents their expanding global activities and growing international fanbase.
The Context of LGBTQ Representation in K-pop
Bain's coming out must be understood within the broader context of LGBTQ representation in K-pop and South Korean society. While South Korea has made progress in LGBTQ acceptance in recent years, the entertainment industry has traditionally been conservative regarding such matters.
Previous instances of K-pop idols coming out include Holland, who debuted as an openly gay solo artist, though he did so independently rather than through a major entertainment company. Among female idols, CATS EYE's Lara made headlines when she came out in March 2025, stating, "Coming out can be scary. I was afraid because I'm a foreigner and faced barriers, but I'm proud of myself."
What makes Bain's case particularly noteworthy is that he is an active member of a boy group under a Korean entertainment company. This represents a potential shift in how the industry approaches diversity and authenticity among its artists, especially as K-pop continues to globalize and engage with international audiences who increasingly value representation and inclusivity.
Fan and Public Reactions
The response to Bain's announcement has varied across different communities. International fans have largely celebrated his courage, with supportive messages flooding social media platforms. Many have expressed how meaningful it is to see representation in an industry that has historically lacked LGBTQ visibility.
Korean online communities show a more mixed response. On platforms like TheQoo and DC Inside, some commenters express concern about how this might affect the group's domestic promotions, while others applaud Bain for his honesty. One popular comment on TheQoo reads: "Whether you support him or not, you have to admire his courage to be true to himself."
Industry experts are watching closely to see how this announcement might impact JUST B's career trajectory in Korea. While international markets may embrace this development, questions remain about how Korean broadcast stations and variety shows will respond when the group returns for domestic promotions.
The Changing Landscape of K-pop
Bain's coming out reflects broader changes occurring within the K-pop industry. As K-pop continues to gain global prominence, there's increasing pressure for the industry to align with international values regarding diversity and inclusion.
Several factors contribute to this evolution. First, international fans now constitute a significant portion of K-pop's audience and revenue streams. These fans often come from countries with more progressive attitudes toward LGBTQ issues. Second, younger generations of Korean fans are generally more accepting of diversity than previous generations.
JUST B's agency has not officially commented on Bain's announcement, with a representative declining to confirm or deny the reports. This silence is telling—neither embracing nor rejecting the announcement, perhaps indicating the industry's uncertainty about how to navigate such territory.
What's clear is that Bain's decision to come out during an international tour rather than during Korean promotions was likely strategic, allowing him to gauge reaction in potentially more accepting markets first. This approach might become a template for other K-pop idols who wish to be more open about their identities.
What This Means for the Future of K-pop
Bain's historic announcement could potentially pave the way for greater authenticity and diversity within the K-pop industry. As the first male idol from a boy group to come out, he has broken a significant barrier that might make it easier for others to follow.
The timing coincides with JUST B's rebranding efforts and their focus on global activities. Their latest album 'JUST ODD' emphasizes unpredictability and diverse styles, perhaps signaling the group's intention to break from conventional K-pop formulas in more ways than one.
For the industry as a whole, this moment represents a test case for how K-pop can balance traditional expectations with evolving global values. If JUST B continues to thrive following this announcement, it could encourage entertainment companies to be more supportive of artists' authentic self-expression.
Ultimately, Bain's courage in sharing his identity publicly marks a significant moment not just for him personally, but potentially for the future direction of K-pop as a global cultural force that increasingly reflects and embraces the diversity of its worldwide audience.