Latest news with #JustOddWorldTour
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
K-Pop Artist Bain Felt Like He Could Breathe Again After Coming Out
Just B's Bain K-pop artist Bain of Just B is ready to live his true and authentic self. During a concert with his group last week in Los Angeles, Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, came out to his fans. 'Tonight, I want to share something with you,' he said before his solo performance of Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way.' 'I'm fucking proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, as a gay person. Shout out to my queen Lady Gaga, who showed me that being different is beautiful. To everyone out there who's part of 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.' The crowd erupted in cheers in full support of the 23-year-old singer after his announcement. He didn't plan to come out during the North American leg of their Just Odd World Tour. However, it happened as he started receiving support and love from the fans throughout their tour. 'When we arrived in LA, it just felt natural – like it was the right time to share my true self with them,' Bain said in an email. 'Their love gave me the courage to take that step.' Immediately following his performance, news of his coming out went viral, with support from fans worldwide. Many sent him words of encouragement and congratulations on social media, some creating videos to express how much it meant to see an active artist living their truth. Bain is honored and touched by all the love he's received from the fans. He says he can't fully put into words how much he appreciates the kindness people have shown him, feeling a 'strong sense of responsibility to continue living honestly.' 'Seeing so many people resonate with my story has been incredibly moving, and it's something I carry close to my heart every day,' says Bain. 'It's made me realize that sharing who I am can be a source of comfort, not just for myself, but for others too.' For the artist, who began his musical journey as a contestant of 2018's K-pop reality survival show, Under Nineteen, competing against 56 other contestants for a spot in a new K-pop idol group. While he did not make it into the final group, many entertainment companies noticed his talent and recruited him as a member of Bluedot Entertainment's group, Just B. They debuted in 2021 with the release of their first mini-album, Just Burn. Throughout that time, Bain never revealed his sexuality, which he found difficult and almost suffocating. There were times when he questioned his self-worth. 'Pretending to be someone I wasn't, day after day, felt like I was slowly fading away,' he admits. 'I convinced myself it was necessary — that hiding a part of myself was the price I had to pay to protect my dreams, my career, and the people I care about. But in the end, it left deep scars.' Bain had only told his fellow members – Geonu, Lim Jimin, Siwoo, DY, and Sangwoo – the truth only two years ago, and received immediate acceptance and support from them. Yet, in an industry like K-pop, Bain had many doubts about coming out, fearing the group would lose fans and opportunities, as well as his career. It wasn't until his team and company encouraged him to be genuine with himself after they'd seen him suffer in silence for many years. 'Before the announcement, I had already discussed it with them and with our company,' he reveals. 'I asked them for their advice and thoughts, and everyone was incredibly supportive. Having their understanding and encouragement made it possible for me to take this step with confidence. In the end, I realized that being true to myself was the most important thing – not just for me, but for the authenticity of our team as well.' On their official fan forum, Siwoo, knowing the hardship and pain Bain had faced holding this secret, expressed his love and support for his teammate, telling the fans, 'Byeong-hee was amazing today. I applaud his courage. I was watching backstage, and it brought me to tears.' Just B's Bain Bain's performance of Lady Gaga's 2011 gay anthem 'Born This Way' was very freeing for him, as the song and artist had made a significant impact on his life. Through Gaga's words, he felt inspired to embrace his real self, even in the face of pressure or expectation. 'She's shown me that vulnerability is strength, and that art is about being real, even when it's difficult,' he says. 'I am deeply grateful to her for inspiring me to be unapologetically myself and for showing me the power of authenticity.' His message to the crowd was intended for everyone, including future artists who may struggle with their identity, and that they should not have to hide who they are to succeed. 'I will show that being true to yourself is not a barrier to success but rather a way to create art that's authentic and meaningful,' he explains. 'I hope that by sharing my story, other artists will feel empowered to do the same, knowing that they are not alone and that their unique qualities have the power to make a real impact on the world.' While homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, there is still a prejudice against those in the LGBTQ+ community due to the country's conservative upbringing. Though times have changed, it's still very rare for public figures in Korea, especially active K-pop idols, to be openly gay. Korean broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon faced discrimination when he first came out 25 years ago, losing friends and his career. After being forced out of the entertainment industry, he found success as a restaurateur and in several businesses. As the industry and audience became more open and accepting, he began acting again and hosting several talk shows, including his popular show, Jewel Box. In an interview with Korean media, Hong celebrated Bain's coming out and sent an open invitation for the singer to come on Jewel Box. 'First of all, it's something to celebrate. I've never met [Bain], but I sympathized with what worries and thoughts I came out with and how hard it must have been to make that decision. It takes courage to come out, but in fact, it takes more courage to endure it." Although Bain has received a lot of love, he has also encountered some negative comments, leaving him a sense of guilt and sadness. But he doesn't let that get him down. He is thankful for his fans as they've been his driving force behind everything he does. And, as an artist, he's 'committed to continuing to create great music and present the best version of myself.' 'Coming out wasn't about being brave — it was about survival,' Bain says. 'I just needed to breathe again. And thankfully, that moment finally came. Now, without carrying that weight, I can live lighter, stronger, and truer to myself. For the first time, I feel truly alive.'
International Business Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
K-Pop Band Just B Member Bain Comes Out as Gay as He Makes Announcement During Group World Tour
Bain, a 23-year-old member of the K-pop group Just B, publicly came out as gay during a concert in Los Angeles this week. Bain was performing solo when he made the shocking announcement during the final stop of Just B's Just Odd World Tour at the Vermont Hollywood Hall. "Tonight, I'm gonna share something with you guys," he is seen saying in a video clip that soon went viral on Instagram. "I'm f***ing proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+, as a gay person. And shout out to my queen Lady Gaga, showing me that being different is beautiful," the singer added as the entire crowd listen to him. Bold Announcement Bain, whose birth name is Song Byeong-hee, shared a heartfelt message, saying, " Anyone out there who is 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." He then performed Lady Gaga's 2012 hit "Born This Way", a song that quickly became a celebrated anthem for the LGBTQ+ community during the national conversation about same-sex marriage in the United States. Bain's revelation was met with cheers and applause from the crowd, along with heartfelt support from his fellow band members. Siwoo, one of the six members of Just B, shared with South Korean outlet News1 that he was brought to tears during Bain's performance. "I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more," he said. Just B was formed by Bluedot Entertainment in 2021. In just four years it has released five EPs and 11 singles, including three stand-alone tracks. While homosexuality is legal in South Korea, same-sex relations between military personnel is banned, and the government does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. Although societal attitudes toward homosexuality have gradually improved, it remains a social taboo among the older generations. According to a Pew Research Center study, 44 percent of South Koreans believed society should accept homosexuality in 2019, up from just 25 percent in 2002. Coming Out in the Open In the K-pop industry, personal relationships of artists are typically kept private, regardless of their sexuality. In the past, it was even reported that some talent contracts included "no dating" clauses. However, more K-pop idols have been coming out in recent years, such as Lara Raj of Katseye, who publicly came out just last month. "I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like eight, so I really was wanting everybody," said Raj, an Indian American. "Honestly probably before eight. Isn't half a fruitcake such a good way to explain it without saying it?" In 2020, K-pop singer Jiae announced she was bisexual and in a relationship with a woman, a year after her former girl group WA$$UP disbanded, where she first shot to fame. The artist often labeled "the first openly gay K-pop idol" is Holland, who chose his stage name as a tribute to the Netherlands — the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Holland shot to fame in 2018 with the release of his self-funded debut single, "Neverland", which featured a music video that soon went viral for showing him sharing a kiss with another man.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bain, member of K-pop group Just B, comes out as gay on final stop of band's world tour
Bain, a 23-year-old member of the K-pop boy band Just B, came out as gay onstage during a Los Angeles concert this week. He was performing solo when he made the announcement, during the final stop of Just B's Just Odd World Tour at the Vermont Hollywood Hall. 'Tonight, I'm gonna share something with you guys,' he said, as seen in footage that circulated on Instagram in the hours after the show. 'I'm f***ing proud to be a part of the LGBTQ +, as a gay person. And shout out to my queen Lady Gaga, showing me that being different is beautiful.' Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, added a message for 'anyone out there who is 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.' He then regaled the crowd with a rendition of Lady Gaga's 2012 single Born This Way, which became an instant gay anthem upon its release amid the public debate over same-sex marriage in the United States. Bain's announcement elicited rapturous cheers and applause from the audience, as well as a warm reaction from within his boy band. Siwoo, one of the six members of Just B, told the South Korean outlet News1 that he was in tears during Bain's performance. 'I know how hard it was for him, and that made me want to cry more,' he added. Just B was formed by Bluedot Entertainment in 2021, and in a few short years has released five EPs and 11 singles, three of them non-album. Homosexuality is legal in South Korea, but gay sex is outlawed between military men and the country does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions. There remains a social taboo around homosexuality amongst older generations in the country, although public attitudes have softened over time. A study by the Pew Research Center found that the proportion of South Koreans who believe society should accept homosexuality reached 44 percent in 2019, a significant increase from 25 percent in 2002. Within the K-pop industry, the artists' love lives are generally kept private regardless of sexual orientation, to the point that in years past there have been reports of 'no dating' clauses being included in talent contracts. However K-pop stars have come out of the closet in more recent times, including Katseye member Lara Raj only last month. 'I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like eight, so I really was wanting everybody,' said Raj, an Indian American. 'Honestly probably before eight. Isn't half a fruitcake such a good way to explain it without saying it?' K-pop songstress Jiae declared she was bisexual and dating a woman in 2020, the year after the breakup of the girl group WA$$UP in which she initially became a star. The man credited as 'the first openly gay K-pop idol' is the singer Holland, who adopted his stage name in honor of the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Holland shot to fame in 2018 with the release of his self-funded debut single Neverland, along with its instantly viral music video that showed him kissing a man. In 2022 he tweeted photos of himself with a cut on his face, saying he had been attacked because of his sexual orientation during a night out in Seoul. 'Last night, I was walking around Itaewon with my manager and a friend,' he wrote. 'Suddenly, a stranger man approached me and hit me on the face twice, calling me "a dirty gay". Now I have a scar on my face and I'm going to the hospital soon.' When Lara Raj came out of the closet this March, an official from a major K-pop powerhouse gave a nuanced view of the context to the Korea Herald. 'Public perception on sexual minorities in Korea has improved a lot, as you can see many TV shows starring them these days,' the official remarked. 'But looking at it from the perspective of the overall culture, it's still a big change. Reactions will likely differ by country. I'm worried because there could be backlash. I don't know what kind of reaction will come, from where, or how.'
