The Ok-pop star who got here out to the world on stage

[ad_1] Watch: The BBC speaks to Ok-pop idol Bain of Simply B about popping out

Bain was midway by way of his band's Los Angeles live performance on a crisp April night time when the music stopped.

In an outsized fur coat and black sun shades, the 24-year-old Ok-pop star advised 1000's of followers: "Earlier than I begin the following tune - I wish to share one thing with you guys."

A quick pause after which: "I am [expletive] proud to be a part of the LGBTQ group!"

The group erupted in applause and screams as Bain broke into Woman Gaga's pleasure anthem: "Simply put your paws up, 'Trigger you have been born this fashion, child".

In that second, as he got here out to the world, he was not nervous, he tells the BBC in an interview at his studio in Seoul - moderately, he had been making an attempt to "sound cool".

A handful of Ok-pop artists have come out as homosexual in recent times - however none as publicly as Bain.

Even in 2025, that could be a daring transfer in South Korea's leisure business, the place stars are held to unattainable requirements. Admitting to even a heterosexual relationship is scandalous.

"There have been some individuals within the business who knew [I was thinking of coming out] and warned me in opposition to it, saying it will be a danger," Bain says. "And naturally I assumed concerning the danger - that we would lose followers.

"However then I assumed, society is altering… I'd achieve greater than I'd lose."

That is the massive query: has he thrown open the door to alter in an business that has develop into world however stays deeply rooted in a conservative South Korea?

'I assumed I may simply fake'

Bain, whose actual identify is Music Byeonghee, says he was in secondary faculty, about 12 years previous, when he realised he was homosexual.

Shortly afterwards, he determined to develop into a Ok-pop trainee however he saved his sexuality a secret - he felt like being homosexual was "not allowed".

"It wasn't one thing I questioned… I simply thought I had no selection," he says. "There was no-one else [around me that was gay]. I assumed I may simply fake and hold going."

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/e5c4/live/11861900-532d-11f0-8cae-7f10ddfa8129.jpg.webp" loading="eager" alt="BBC Korean/Jungmin Choi Bain dressed in a long sleeved blue shirt carrying a black backpack, poses for a photo with trees in the background" class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC Korean/Jungmin Choi Bain says he was about 12 when he realised he was homosexual

Rich, trendy South Korea continues to be conventional in some ways. Highly effective but conservative church buildings usually see homosexuality as a incapacity or sin. And same-sex marriage isn't legally recognised.

In 2021, Bain made his debut as a part of a six-member boyband, Simply B. They've launched a number of albums and have taken half in actuality exhibits, incomes a devoted viewers.

However by way of all of it, the years of hiding part of himself took a toll on Bain.

"I used to be so overwhelmed, I assumed possibly I can not be an idol in any respect. I felt I might been hiding a lot. I made a decision to speak to Mother."

That was about three years in the past. His mom was the primary particular person in his household to seek out out: "We talked for an hour, and I lastly stated, 'I like males greater than girls.' That is when she knew."

Her response was troublesome for him. "Truthfully, she did not prefer it - not at first. She stated she thought I may overcome it, that possibly I might sometime like girls. She felt unhappy... that I might now face dangerous reactions from others. However [she] stated, 'You are my son, so I like you, I help you, I like you.' It was combined. I used to be unhappy, however in the long run grateful she stated she loves me."

Then his staff members and firm started encouraging him to take the leap - and inform the world.

Earlier this 12 months the band started a world tour, and on the final cease of their US tour, Bain determined to return out on stage.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/95a1/live/7fbd1520-5307-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images (From left) Geonu, Bain, DY of JUST B attend the release showcase event for their first single album 'JUST BEAT' at Yes24 Live Hall on 27 October, 2021 in Seoul" class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> Getty Photographs Bain (centre) made his debut in 2021 as a part of a six-member boyband, Simply B

Since then, the band has been thrust into the highlight - with Bain giving numerous interviews as he rapidly turned the brand new face of the Korean LGBTQ group.

"I really feel like I've modified rather a lot since popping out. I really feel extra assured. After I meet somebody new, I present who I'm instantly," he says. "However I additionally really feel unhappy that my identification is such a giant deal now."

Over time, he hopes, individuals will cease saying "oh, he is homosexual, however moderately, oh, that is simply who he's".

The taboos in Ok-pop

When South Korean actor Hong Seok-Cheon got here out as homosexual in 2000, LGBTQ illustration really entered the nation's mainstream.

He was the primary Korean movie star to open up about his sexuality - and it got here at a price. He was dropped from TV exhibits and commercials.

Attitudes have definitely modified since then. A Pew survey from 2019 confirmed that the quantity of people that accepted homosexuality has risen to 44% from 25% in 2002.

And but, solely a handful of different celebrities have come out. In 2018, Holland turned the nation's first overtly homosexual Ok-pop artist and, in 2020, Jiae, a former member of lady group Wassup, got here out as bisexual. Each have stated they discovered it laborious to signal with a document label in consequence.

Bain's announcement, nevertheless, has been celebrated by each followers and South Korea's LGBTQ group.

"When somebody like an idol comes out, it offers individuals like me a way that we're not alone," says a 26-year-old Korean transgender girl, who doesn't wish to be named.

"It brings consolation…makes me assume, possibly I am okay the way in which I'm."

On-line too, a majority of the feedback have been optimistic. One homosexual fan in a YouTube remark wrote how he was inspired by Bain, after feeling "a lot despair" over "the hateful feedback" and discrimination.

"However due to Bain, I've discovered the braveness to maintain going."

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/3b9d/live/1b9fb2e0-5308-11f0-95d9-afa9bf14cbf5.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images LGBTQ supporters parade a rainbow flag during the Seoul Queer Culture Festival on 14 June, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea" class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> Getty Photographs Acceptance of the LGBTQ group is rising in South Korea - however same-sex marriage not recognised

Worldwide followers have particularly cheered him on: "After the preliminary shock, I began to cry," stated Lia, a Ok-pop fan from the US who identifies as lesbian.

"Figuring out that Korea nonetheless has some repression in opposition to LGBTQ individuals, the bravery and braveness he displayed by popping out…[was] admirable."

South Korea's cultural footprint has been rising globally, and that has introduced followers from in every single place, with their very own views and beliefs. They might effectively reshape the Ok-pop business.

However that may take time. And that's evident within the vary of feedback in response to Bain's announcement - disapproval to apathy.

For one, the nation has seen an increase in right-wing, usually avowed anti-feminist beliefs in younger males, who appear to oppose any problem to conventional gender roles.

And people roles stay sturdy in South Korea. The federal government and the church champion typical household values, encouraging younger individuals to marry and have kids to allow them to increase start charges, at the moment the bottom on the planet.

Given all that, it is probably not a shock that homosexuality continues to be a taboo, even in a world business like Ok-pop.

This can be a world the place even straight {couples} do not discuss their personal lives, says critic Lim Hee-yun.

"Ok-pop has spent practically 25 years avoiding the subject of sexuality [altogether]. Even heterosexual relationships are hidden to guard fan fantasies."

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/55c4/live/51a5cee0-532d-11f0-a2ff-17a82c2e8bc4.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="BBC Korean/Jungmin Choi Bain, in a white jacket, during an interview with BBC Korean" class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC Korean/Jungmin Choi "As a result of I got here out, others felt protected to take action too," Bain says

Bain, he provides, has "challenged that silence in a symbolic and highly effective method. I imagine it marks a significant second".

However he believes followers might have reacted very in another way - "it may need been explosive" - if a member of a world boyband had come out as homosexual.

"Bain's case was important, however his group is not as well-known [so] it did not trigger as a lot stir domestically," Mr Lim says.

Bain has definitely helped increase consciousness, he agrees. "It is a gradual course of however we're seeing extra public figures talking up or content material being created round these LGBTQ points."

However any rapid change in Ok-pop or the leisure business is unlikely, in keeping with him.

"It isn't only a social concern - it is a market concern. Male idols often have a a lot bigger feminine fanbase… [and] in the event you discover out your favorite male idol is homosexual, that may shatter the phantasm that you can sooner or later be the thing of his affection," he says.

"So in the event that they do [come out] they danger shaking the inspiration their fandom is constructed on."

Bain, nevertheless, says his choice could be value it if even "one particular person in Ok-pop positive factors energy or curiosity" from it.

"I've spent so lengthy pretending… I realised that as a result of I got here out, others felt protected to take action too."

The day he got here out, he remembers, a number of followers approached him, saying they have been homosexual or lesbian, speaking about their very own identification.