“I’m so happy that I can be myself”: JUST B’s Bain comes out as gay

K-pop star Bain has publicly announced that he is gay.

The member of JUST B shared the exciting news on April 22, during the band's Los Angeles stop for their Just Odd world tour.

In the middle of the concert, the popular singer, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, told the audience he had an announcement to make.

As ‘Gay Times’ reports, after a brief pause, Bain declared he was “fucking proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community,” leading to overwhelming applause from the crowd.

The 23-year-old performer then delivered a rendition of Lady Gaga’s iconic LGBTQ+ anthem, ‘Born This Way,’ while energetically waving a rainbow flag.

As the concert drew to a close, Bain expressed gratitude to fans for their support, saying: “I’m so happy that I can be myself. I just wanna say until next time: Stay bold, stay fierce, and lastly, always, always be your true selves.”

On April 23, Bain used Instagram to reflect on his coming out experience and offer advice to those who may be struggling with their own sexuality.

“I want to share something real with you. I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community — as a gay person,” he wrote.

“And my queen Lady Gaga showed me that being different is beautiful. 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.”

Since his revelation, Bain has received an outpouring of support from K-pop fans, with many posting congratulatory messages on social media.

One fan on X/Twitter wrote: “STFUUUUU, I’ve supported Bain since Under Nineteen, and him taking this huge step makes me so fucking proud of him!!!”

Another fan of JUST B and Bain on Bluesky commented: “BAIN IS THE COOLEST HES A TRUE ICON I cried I love him so much I’m so proud of him and I love how supportive the members are too that’s family fr I love just b so much.”

A third fan on Reddit shared: “I’m so proud of him for being himself. It must have taken so much courage just to do the medley he’s been performing on tour so seeing him come out on top of it… It’s incredibly brave and I’m so happy for him.”

Bain has joined the ranks of other K-pop artists who have recently come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

In March, KATSEYE’s Lara Raj announced on Weverse, an app focused on interactions between fans and their favourite music idols, that she was queer.

“I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like eight. So I really was wanting everybody,” Lara explained. “Honestly, before eight. Isn’t fruitcake such a good way to explain it without saying it?”

Lara also talked about her apprehensions about coming out, fearing it might affect her journey on Netflix’s The Dream Academy – the competition series that formed KATSEYE.

“You know, in Dream Academy, when it came out, I was really, really scared tbh. I didn’t know if people would accept me, and I really thought it would ruin my chances of getting in [the group],” she said.

“And then you all were so so nice about it and gave me so much love and support, and it made me feel so confident in who I am, so I love you for that.”