DAVIDE K-POP

Bain, a member of the rising boy group JUST B, recently took a courageous and significant step that resonated deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. During JUST B’s show in Los Angeles as part of their JUSTB Odd World Tour, Bain bravely came out as a gay man, making history and breaking boundaries within the K-pop industry.

The viral video of this powerful moment reached millions, including countless LGBTQ+ individuals like myself. Watching the video and seeing Bain’s emotional pause before sharing his truth brought tears to my eyes. This act marks a significant milestone for the queer community, particularly in Korea, and hopefully paves the way for greater visibility and acceptance for all.

You can only imagine my excitement when my interview with Bain was approved. As a queer person myself, I felt a profound sense of responsibility and privilege to share Bain’s story on my platform. My aim was to create a safe and comfortable space for him to speak openly, and in doing so, hopefully offer solace and understanding to anyone who needs it – whether they are navigating their own identity or seeking to better understand the LGBTQ+ experience.

Now, let’s delve into the interview. Here’s a brief greeting and the video version!

Davide: Hello Bain! I’m Davide. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. First of all, a massive congratulations on your recent coming out during your US concert. It was such a powerful and brave moment to witness. Welcome to the LGBTQ+ family! Can you describe what that experience was like for you on stage? How do you feel now?
Bain: Hi, Davide! So nice to meet you—and thank you for the kind words.
Coming out on stage that night was one of the most emotional moments of my life. I was nervous, of course, but more than anything, I felt free. And when I saw the way the fans looked at me—with so much love and support—it really hit me that I wasn’t alone.
Since then, I’ve felt lighter. Like I can finally just be myself, both on stage and off. I’m really thankful to everyone who stood with me in that moment.

Davide: Speaking personally, Bain, watching your video, when you made the big announcement, was incredibly moving for me. I came out when I was 27, and seeing your courage on stage really resonated deeply. Some people might not fully grasp just how challenging and difficult coming out can be. You should be so incredibly proud of yourself for taking that step. What gave you the strength to share such a personal part of yourself in that moment?
Bain: Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Davide. It really means a lot, especially hearing about your own experience coming out. Honestly, what gave me the strength was the people around me—my team, my company, and especially the fans. I knew I wasn’t standing there alone. And a big part of it was also thinking about the future. I wanted to show that you don’t have to hide who you are to chase your dreams. If even one person felt a little less alone because of what I shared, then it was all worth it.

Davide: You mentioned Lady Gaga as someone who helped you see your own beauty. That really struck a chord with me because, for me, it was Christina Aguilera who played a similar role in my own coming-out journey and understanding who I truly was. Was there a specific song or moment with Lady Gaga’s work that was particularly impactful for you?
Bain: Lady Gaga has been a big inspiration for me since I was young. “Born This Way” really impacted me, especially with its message of accepting yourself and being proud of who you are. What I’ve learned from her is that staying true to yourself, even when things get tough. and real beauty comes from accepting all parts of ourselves. I’m thankful to her for showing me the power of being real.

Davide: Now that you’ve publicly shared this significant part of your identity, how do you anticipate it might influence your artistic expression moving forward? Do you foresee any changes in your music, performances, or the themes you explore together with JUST B?
Bain: As a “queer artist,” my identity will naturally influence my music and performances. What matters most is staying authentic and sharing my story with my fans. If my story can empower others, that’s everything to me.
As JUST B, I want to create even better music and performances, reaching and inspiring more people. I hope my work promotes diversity and respect, and I’ll continue growing and showing my development as an artist.

Davide: The K-pop industry is navigating its relationship with LGBTQ+ identities, hopefully in a more accepting way soon. What were some of your considerations or concerns leading up to your coming out? Are you hoping to lead the way for more artists to be able to express themselves freely?
Bain: The K-pop industry has always been a bit conservative, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ identities, but I believe things are slowly changing. Leading up to my coming out, I definitely had concerns—about how it might affect my career, the reactions from fans, and the industry’s expectations. But the support I received from my team, company, and fans helped me realize that being true to myself was more important than any fear I had.
I do hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire other artists to express themselves freely and openly. I want to be a part of the movement that shows future generations that it’s okay to be who you are, and It’s important that we create a space where everyone can be themselves without fear or judgment.

Davide: Do you see this as a step towards greater LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance within the K-pop industry and Korean society in general?
Bain: Honestly, I didn’t come out with the intention of changing the K-pop industry. I just wanted to share my story—my true self—with the fans who have supported me. It was about being honest and living without hiding.
But if that honesty leads to even a little more visibility or acceptance for LGBTQ+ people in K-pop or Korean society, then I’m grateful. If my story gives someone the courage to embrace themselves, or helps them feel seen, that means everything to me. I may not be trying to lead a movement, but I do hope to be a small part of a bigger change where everyone feels safe being who they are.

Davide: How has the reaction been from your fellow JUST B members, and your family and friends?
Bain: After coming out, my family’s reactions were warm. My mom sent me a message saying, “I love you, my son,” and although my dad didn’t directly comment on my coming out, we’ve continued to stay in touch and message regularly. With my brother, we don’t talk much anyway, so there wasn’t much change, but there’s definitely no bad blood between us! (laughs)
Some of my fellow artists and friends have supported me, and they’ve all accepted me for who I am. My group members already knew I was going to come out, and they hugged me on stage, showing me a lot of support. That gave me a great sense of courage and peace.

Davide: What message do you have for your fans who might be going through similar journeys of self-discovery and coming to terms with their own identities?
Bain: To my fans who are going through similar journeys of self-discovery, I want to say that you are not alone. It’s okay to take your time and embrace who you are, no matter what others might say or think. Your identity is valid, and you deserve to live authentically and proudly. Remember, your journey is beautiful, and it’s okay to take it at your own pace. Surround yourself with people who love and support you, and never forget that being true to yourself is the most powerful thing you can do. I’m here with you, and I believe in your strength.

Davide: What are you most excited about for your personal and professional journey moving forward?
Bain: Coming out has helped me fully embrace who I am, and I believe it will bring even more positive changes in my life. Now that I can be true to myself, I’m excited to see how it will reflect in my music and performances. If my story can inspire others, that would mean everything to me. I hope this journey helps me grow even more and strengthens my bond with my fans.

Davide: Bain, thank you so much for sharing your story and your thoughts with me. It has been an absolute pleasure to share your story on my platform! This is a safe space and I will be here if you ever need anything. If you ever stop by London, I can give you some good recommendations for some LGBTQ+ places to visit and discover!
For now, stay safe and keep well! I cannot wait to see what you and JUST B will bring in your next comeback!
Bain: Thank you so much for your kind words and for creating such a safe and supportive space, Davide. It truly means a lot to me. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I’m excited to continue this journey with all of you. If I ever visit London, I hope I get the chance to meet you in person, and I’d be so thankful if you could recommend some LGBTQ+ spots! I’ll definitely check them out! Once again, thank you for your support, and I’m looking forward to sharing more with everyone soon. Stay safe and take care!

A massive thanks to Bain for this interview, and to Bluedot Entertainment team.
Cover Image credits Bluedot Entertainment.