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JUSTB on the Importance of Supporting Bain’s Coming Out and Being an Ally in the K-Pop Industry

During the K-pop boy band's JUST ODD World Tour, JUSTB reflect on supporting Bain coming out as K-pop's first active star despite industry stigma.

When K- pop star Bain took the courageous — and mostly unheard of — move of coming out in the midst of his boy band’s Los Angeles concert, the 24-year-old was not only cheered by the hundreds of fans in attendance but also supported by his JUSTB bandmates, their record label Bluedot Entertainment, U.S. touring partner The K-STAGE and, within 24 hours, several other members of the Korean-entertainment world’s LGBTQ+ community. Fired from his television programs, dropped by advertising deals, and forced into hiding due to stigmas of the time, Hong eventually made his way back into the industry to become an in-demand variety star and one of the few models of LGBTQ+ entertainers in South Korea. As JUSTB celebrate four years together today, June 30, read on for more from the close-knit group reflecting on their impactful world tour, how queer artists and their allies navigate the K-pop industry, as well as their commitment to greater honesty in their music careers moving forward.

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