Bain, a member of the K-pop boy band Just B, publicly came out as gay during a concert in Los Angeles, making a rare and historic move in the tightly controlled K-pop industry.
According to a report by NBC, Bain made the revelation while performing a solo at the band’s L.A. show.
“I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community — as a gay person. 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,” he said, referencing Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” which he performed in epic style.
It seems that Bain picked the right moment to come out as the LA crowd cheered amid his heartfelt message.
In K-pop, where artists’ private lives are often tightly managed by agencies and scrutinized by fans, it is rare for idols to openly discuss their sexuality for fear of the stigma. Bain is the first male K-pop star to publicly come out as gay.
“I was watching from backstage and I cried too. I cried even more because I knew how hard it was for him,” said Siwoo, a fellow Just B member.
