These 8 K-pop stars have come out as LGBTQ+
While LGBTQ+ people become more and more celebrated worldwide, progress is still moving quite slowly when it comes to the world of K-pop.
Though it's statistically believed that about 9.3% of the U.S. population is LGBTQ+ (a number that would likely boost dramatically when you look at creatives and artists), only a handful of the thousands of K-pop stars throughout the last few decades are open about their identities. Idols, as they're known, often face intense scrutiny over their romantic lives – even when they're heterosexual – and are pressured to keep their dating lives private, or not have one at all.
Only a brave few K-pop stars have opened up about their LGBTQ+ identities, and they still face an uphill battle when it comes to acceptance and celebration. The list is short, but their impact reverberates around the world. From KATSEYE to Holland, these K-pop idols are paving the way for global LGBTQ+ representation.
Cherry
South Korean singer Cherry came out as transgender on Instagram Live on Saturday, July 19.
“This isn’t a hobby, it’s my life. I’m trans,” said the South Korean singer, who gained popularity as a member of the group Jwiiver. “Because I wasn’t an ordinary person, I couldn’t reveal everything from the start. My goal was to take it slow. I’m just going with my goal.”
Cherry has made history as the first K-pop star to open up about their transgender identity.
Lara
Lara Raj opened up about her identity on Weverse, a Korean social media app. "I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like 8, so I really was wanting everybody," she wrote. "Honestly, probably before 8. Isn’t half a fruitcake such a good way to explain it without saying it?"
She also shared that she was nervous to come out because she wasn’t sure how it would be received. “You know, in Dream Academy when it came out I was really, really scared tbh,” she wrote. "I didn’t know if people would accept me, and I really thought it would ruin my chances of getting in."
The experience made her even more grateful for the fan support. "And then you all were so so nice about it and gave me so much love and support and it made me feel so confident in who I am, so I love you for that."
Megan
Megan, another KATSEYE member, also came out as bisexual on a Weverse livestream, with the support of Raj. "Guys, I’m coming out. I’m bisexual," she shared with the camera, and two bi-cons quite literally jumped for joy.
Though KATSEYE's status as a K-pop group is a source of debate, and these two superstars are American, we've included them on this list considering the group was formed by HYBE, a South Korean record label and entertainment company. KATSEYE is marketed as a global girl group, but its roots originate from K-pop methodologies.
Holland
K-pop star Holland first appeared in 2018, and became the first K-pop star to debut already out and proud of his sexuality. His first music video was "Neverland," which lyrically focused on a man struggling to be himself amidst society's homophobia.
Bibi
Though she's never explicitly come out, K-pop star Bibi has hinted about her own sexual fluidity in her music and on stage, particularly with her EP titled Life is a Bi... and the sapphic music video for "Derre."
Bain
Bain, a member of JUST B, is the first active idol in a K-pop group to come out as gay in early 2025.
“I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community — as a gay person," said Bain. “To anyone out there who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community, or still figuring it out — this is for you. You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way."
Jiae
Former WASSUP member Jiae came out as bisexual in January 2020, when she opened up about her relationship with a woman. The moment marked her as the only openly bisexual K-pop idol at the time, and she found it difficult to get signed. In 2022, she released her independent solo debut with her album, Love Is Love.
MRSHLL
MRSHLL became the first openly gay K-pop idol back in 2017, when he opened up about his sexuality.
“My gay friends in Korea will say it’s better to stay closeted because it’ll save heartache and they don’t want to make their parents sad," he said at the time. "But being American, we’re kind of taught in our culture to be individualistic. I felt I needed to come out in order to become my authentic self.”
