This is a great interview, and Bain is inspiring. I noticed he talks consistently about building bonds with others through authenticity—even noting that by supporting his journey, “JUST B became even more united, and we were able to build deeper trust with our fans”—which is easy to say but so hard to do as a pop artist. He clearly draws from a deep well of honesty and artistry, and that’s what will change the industry for the better.
My youngest and I watched Bain on the survival show Build Up. Thanks for giving him another platform to share his experiences.
BTW my kids and I were thrilled to attend Seoul Pride in 2022 with a local friend. I was glad to see so many embassies from around the world be there in support. The LGBTQ+ community has their work cut out for them in Korea but I think the younger generation will help turn the tide. Bain is part of that!
Oh wow, that must have been so exciting to attend and support the community. Change is never easy but it IS the younger generation that will right the wrongs of older generations. And BAIN is absolutely a part of that change!
I wish nothing but the best for him. His bravery is going to be remembered for many years to come. I can only hope that he lights the way and for others and inspires them to follow when they are ready. I have two adult LGBTQ+ children (my son is a big gay bear, and my former daughter is now agender and bisexual), and would be terrified for them to live in countries where they basically have to hide, and where coming out can have heavy consequences for themselves in every area of their lives. Bain deserves support and applause for taking such a big step. I wish I could give him a big hug. Thank you for such a great interview.
Thank you for sharing a bit of your family with us, Lori. BAIN took a big risk. I hope that the freedom that he feels is supported by the public who, as we all know, can be quite cruel.
Wonderful for you to highlight this, Jae. I certainly was very insulated growing up. When I learned of LGBTQ folks post immigration to the US, I literally remember saying sometime to the effect of, "Oh wow, I don't think there are any gay people in Korea." 🤦 Huge props to BAIN for moving the culture forward.
Thank you, Sung. I remember hearing Korean elders (in the U.S.) who denied that there were gay people in Korea, because they had never seen them or heard anyone talk about them. I'm so grateful to BAIN (and others) who are doing what they can to change this.
Great read! I loved this quote especially: “There are still moments when I feel nervous or cautious, but the feeling of freedom — of not having to hide anymore — is so much greater now.”
I cannot imagine the burden of having to hide your truth, because to do so could cause so much to go wrong in your life. I am so relieved for BAIN that some of that burden has been lifted.
He's an incredibly strong and brave young man, but this has to be difficult to deal with. I'm so glad his bandmates and label support him. That will help him deal with haters.
This is an amazing interview. I didn't know much about Bain, but he sounds like such a nice person who I hope doesn't get hassled for who he is. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
I haven't heard of Bain before, but no doubt it took incredible courage to speak up for himself. I've noticed an interesting evolution in LGBTQ characters in kdramas, not all of them the most flattering. I wasn't very comfortable with how Vincenzo toyed with that poor young man, even if he was out of control violent. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon's gay character was the comedic relief. I think Master's Sun was the most compassionate portrayal.
I don't remember any gay characters in "Master's Sun." But there were gay subplots in "Nevertheless" and "Run On." I think one of the best depictions may have been in "Mine," where one of the female leads had to marry a man, while still in love with her girlfriend.
This sounds like a good topic to write more about in a future newsletter... Have a great day, Sarah!
I was thinking of the transgender older man who hid his life from his family, causing them to think he was having an affair. He was a ghost at that point which is why she was able to help solve that mystery. I haven't seen the other two dramas you mention, but it definitely would be interesting to explore more.
I just went and re-read my own review of it and saw your reference. You're right. That was a well-done portrayal of the lengths that man had to go to, because he wasn't allowed to be himself. Thank you for the reminder.
Kudos! I’m sure this was a difficult decision and I’m so glad he received support from family, friends, his group members, and surprisingly, from his company. Coming out is difficult in the USA and I understand even much more so in South Korea. He will surely be an inspiration to other young men and women.
He is very brave to make a very bold statement that surely will not endear him to a certain sector. What he has done is so important. As he said, if what he said reaches one person and helps them heal, it will have been worth it to him.
This is a great interview, and Bain is inspiring. I noticed he talks consistently about building bonds with others through authenticity—even noting that by supporting his journey, “JUST B became even more united, and we were able to build deeper trust with our fans”—which is easy to say but so hard to do as a pop artist. He clearly draws from a deep well of honesty and artistry, and that’s what will change the industry for the better.
I love you words. So beautifully written, and they ring of truth. Thank you for sharing.
My youngest and I watched Bain on the survival show Build Up. Thanks for giving him another platform to share his experiences.
BTW my kids and I were thrilled to attend Seoul Pride in 2022 with a local friend. I was glad to see so many embassies from around the world be there in support. The LGBTQ+ community has their work cut out for them in Korea but I think the younger generation will help turn the tide. Bain is part of that!
Oh wow, that must have been so exciting to attend and support the community. Change is never easy but it IS the younger generation that will right the wrongs of older generations. And BAIN is absolutely a part of that change!
I wish nothing but the best for him. His bravery is going to be remembered for many years to come. I can only hope that he lights the way and for others and inspires them to follow when they are ready. I have two adult LGBTQ+ children (my son is a big gay bear, and my former daughter is now agender and bisexual), and would be terrified for them to live in countries where they basically have to hide, and where coming out can have heavy consequences for themselves in every area of their lives. Bain deserves support and applause for taking such a big step. I wish I could give him a big hug. Thank you for such a great interview.
Thank you for sharing a bit of your family with us, Lori. BAIN took a big risk. I hope that the freedom that he feels is supported by the public who, as we all know, can be quite cruel.
Wonderful for you to highlight this, Jae. I certainly was very insulated growing up. When I learned of LGBTQ folks post immigration to the US, I literally remember saying sometime to the effect of, "Oh wow, I don't think there are any gay people in Korea." 🤦 Huge props to BAIN for moving the culture forward.
Thank you, Sung. I remember hearing Korean elders (in the U.S.) who denied that there were gay people in Korea, because they had never seen them or heard anyone talk about them. I'm so grateful to BAIN (and others) who are doing what they can to change this.
Great read! I loved this quote especially: “There are still moments when I feel nervous or cautious, but the feeling of freedom — of not having to hide anymore — is so much greater now.”
I cannot imagine the burden of having to hide your truth, because to do so could cause so much to go wrong in your life. I am so relieved for BAIN that some of that burden has been lifted.
Bless him. I hope they don't destroy him. Be strong!!!!
He's an incredibly strong and brave young man, but this has to be difficult to deal with. I'm so glad his bandmates and label support him. That will help him deal with haters.
This is an amazing interview. I didn't know much about Bain, but he sounds like such a nice person who I hope doesn't get hassled for who he is. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
So happy for Bain; I'm glad he has supportive and loving people around him.
Yes! Having the support of loved ones is so important.
Tears.
Change is slowly happening. 💙
I haven't heard of Bain before, but no doubt it took incredible courage to speak up for himself. I've noticed an interesting evolution in LGBTQ characters in kdramas, not all of them the most flattering. I wasn't very comfortable with how Vincenzo toyed with that poor young man, even if he was out of control violent. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon's gay character was the comedic relief. I think Master's Sun was the most compassionate portrayal.
I don't remember any gay characters in "Master's Sun." But there were gay subplots in "Nevertheless" and "Run On." I think one of the best depictions may have been in "Mine," where one of the female leads had to marry a man, while still in love with her girlfriend.
This sounds like a good topic to write more about in a future newsletter... Have a great day, Sarah!
I was thinking of the transgender older man who hid his life from his family, causing them to think he was having an affair. He was a ghost at that point which is why she was able to help solve that mystery. I haven't seen the other two dramas you mention, but it definitely would be interesting to explore more.
I just went and re-read my own review of it and saw your reference. You're right. That was a well-done portrayal of the lengths that man had to go to, because he wasn't allowed to be himself. Thank you for the reminder.
Kudos! I’m sure this was a difficult decision and I’m so glad he received support from family, friends, his group members, and surprisingly, from his company. Coming out is difficult in the USA and I understand even much more so in South Korea. He will surely be an inspiration to other young men and women.
He is very brave to make a very bold statement that surely will not endear him to a certain sector. What he has done is so important. As he said, if what he said reaches one person and helps them heal, it will have been worth it to him.