“Lastly, I can discuss this,” says Korean pop star Bain.
The blue-haired 24-year-old, talking with The Hollywood Reporter on a Zoom from Seoul, is exhaling eventually. A member of boy group Simply B — a six-person boy group that has discovered respectable success in Korea and globally — Bain made Okay-pop historical past on the group’s latest Los Angeles present by turning into the primary energetic boy group member to declare he’s homosexual.
It was a spur-of-the-moment factor. “I had a solo efficiency throughout this U.S. tour [to] Woman Gaga’s ‘Born This Method,’ and in a method, I didn’t truly imply to return out,” he says, including that whereas he was performing the track, he felt compelled to make the revelation then and there. “I really feel like I’d lose my probability if I didn’t take it now, so it nearly felt like an indication from above. I simply took the possibility after I had it.”
Throughout that L.A. present, earlier than leaping into his cowl, Bain advised the gang on the Vermont in Hollywood that he had one thing to share. “I’m fucking proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ [community] — as a homosexual particular person,” the singer, wearing an extended fur coat and sun shades, advised the gang. He was met with rapid cheers, then thanked Gaga for displaying him that “being totally different is gorgeous.”
“To anybody on the market who’s a part of the LGBTQ+ [community] or nonetheless figuring it out; that is for you guys,” he added. “You might be seen, you might be cherished and also you have been ‘Born This Method.’”
Bain’s determination is unprecedented on the planet of Okay-pop, as groundbreaking in that sector as Ellen DeGeneres’ popping out was in mainstream ’90s TV. Whereas LGBTQIA rights in South Korea are slowly displaying indicators of progress — the nation’s supreme courtroom issued a landmark ruling in 2024 that same-sex companions qualify as dependents for nationwide medical health insurance protection — it’s nonetheless uncommon for entertainers to publicly determine as homosexual. Bain joins a small group of open homosexual entertainers within the nation.
The singer says he had spoken about his determination along with his label, Bluedot Leisure, and his fellow group members, to whom he’d come out privately two years earlier: “There have been sure considerations of public acceptance and the way the general public would possibly react to this, however I imagine total they actually needed me to completely present and categorical myself onstage.”
Sizzling-button matters aren’t typically mentioned in Okay-pop circles, however Bain says this was one situation he was uncomfortable maintaining quiet about. “I need to have the ability to discuss actual issues,” the singer says. “I don’t know if I ought to say this. I simply don’t prefer to pursue something boring. Possibly I similar to to pursue dopamine. … I similar to doing iconic issues.”
Bain’s determination has distinctly created a earlier than and after level in his life. He agrees that referring to popping out as a journey implies that it’s an finish level, regardless of it not being the case for him or others. “It’s truly a brand new begin for me,” he says.
“I really feel like this new begin can be opening my thoughts, it’s broadening my horizons, if you’ll,” the 24-year-old says, explaining that popping out as homosexual has allowed him to “dream greater.” He notes that he’s thought of probably wanting act within the U.S.
“I might like to play the a part of a homosexual buddy in a teen drama,” he says. “I’m even contemplating some solo work the place I can truthfully inform my tales.”
Total, Bain says he now feels free and hopes different queer Okay-pop artists is likely to be emboldened by his selection. But he admits it was onerous at first to see so many strangers weighing in on his private life. “The primary few weeks, it was a bit tough. I noticed a great quantity of adverse feedback. I [also] noticed some nice supportive feedback,” Bain explains.
“I wouldn’t say [I’m] blocking [the comments] out, I’m having fun with it,” he continues. “If you wish to discuss me, please discuss away. Good or unhealthy. I welcome it.”
This story appeared within the June 11 situation of The Hollywood Reporter journal. Click here to subscribe.