The K-pop industry is known for prioritising the privacy of idols, and is often criticised for the restrictions put on stars when it comes to social media and relationships. For LGBTQ+ K-pop stars, this journey is even more intense.

It marks an important moment for the community when a star comes out as LGBTQ+, given the intensity of public scrutiny within the industry and limited queer representation. 

Back in 2018, K-pop solo star Holland debuted with his song and music video ‘Neverland’, a wholesome and emotive storyline exploring the difficulties of being young and gay in a world that doesn’t fully accept you. The music video has 15 million streams as of 2025. 

Holland became one of the first K-pop stars to open up about his queer identity, alongside Korean-American singer MRSHLL, who made his debut the same year. In an interview with Gay Times, MRSHLL said, “I think being me, and talking to people, and releasing music as my true self; just that alone is opening up people’s minds and hearts”. 

Since then, K-pop idols such as Jo Kwon and Bibi have challenged conventional notions of gender and sexuality. Bibi released the sapphic music video to ‘Derre’ last year, which has racked up 31 million views to date.

In July of this year, K-pop star Cherry made history as the first idol to come out as trans. Cherry, who first entered the scene on the competition Boys24, was a member of the recently disbanded K-pop group JWiiver, where she performed with the stage name Ryujei.

Bain, a member of the K-pop group JUST B, also came out earlier this year. During a concert in Los Angeles in April, Bain gave a solo performance of ‘Born This Way’ by Lady Gaga, prefacing the song by stating he is “proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community”. 

Bain has since featured in an interview with The Korea Times this June alongside TV personality Hong Seok-cheon. Hong faced intense public backlash after coming out as gay in 2001.

The pair discussed their experiences of coming out in the Korean entertainment industry, 25 years apart. Bain said, “I hadn’t come out sooner because I worried I’d hurt my JUST B bandmates, my company and all the staff working for me. But it felt like I was losing myself.” 

Fans have shown support, noting the importance of LGBTQ+ representation within the industry.

In the US, girl group Katseye has two openly LGBTQ+ members. Though not a K-pop group, the stars have been shaped by K-pop-style training and influence, and signed to Korean label HYBE after the Pop Star Academy audition programme. 

Lara Raj, one of the stars, came out as queer on the Korean social media platform Weverse in March 2025. Megan Skiendiel, another group member, came out as bi during a Weverse live in June.

Lara, who was also on the live, celebrated with her friend. The two queer pop stars shared in the wholesome moment. Megan joked to fans watching, “Guys, I came out on Pride month… so give me that award girl”. 

Given the huge influence K-pop stars and global pop groups have across the entertainment industry, these are important markers of LGBTQ+ representation.

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