JUST B’s Bain recently made headlines after coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community during the group’s concert in Los Angeles. During the emotional moment, Bain proudly told fans, “I’m f*cking proud to be part of the LGBT community,” earning cheers and support from audiences worldwide.

Days after the announcement, it wasn’t just fans who shared their support for Bain publicly; it was also one of Korea’s first openly gay celebrities and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Hong Seok Cheon spoke emotionally about Bain’s courage.

“From now on, this young person is going to hear a wide range of reactions from people around them, both good and bad. It’s just the beginning. They have to endure it and protect themselves among others.”

He continued by offering advice, hoping to have deeper, more personal conversations with Bain in the future, and encouraged the young idol to build a strong sense of self.

“Even though there’s a 25-year gap between their coming out and mine, at the core, the challenges that a person faces when revealing their true self haven’t really changed all that much.
As a senior gay person, of course, I worry for them. But honestly, society has changed a lot compared to 25 years ago. It’s still not perfect, but there’s been real progress.
If they can build a strong sense of self and protect it well, I believe this will end up being a huge, positive turning point in their life.”

After seeing Hong’s words through an article published on Naver, Bain took to his Instagram Stories to personally thank Hong Seok Cheon. In his emotional message, Bain shared the impact Hong’s journey had on him:

“Hello, sunbaenim. This is Bain from JUST B.
I came across your heartfelt support and sincere advice through the article, and it truly moved me deeply.
Because you were the first to walk such a lonely and difficult path 25 years ago, I was able to find the courage to take a small step forward where I stand today.
There is still fear along the path I’m walking, but thanks to you shining a light ahead like a lighthouse, I believe I’ll be able to keep moving forward, step by step.
I sincerely thank you, and I hope to one day become someone who can also be a source of strength for others, just like you.
I truly hope that someday, I’ll have the chance to meet you in person and express my gratitude.
I will always support and respect you.”

As Bain steps into this new chapter of his life, the overwhelming support from fans and respected figures like Hong Seok Cheon marks an important moment—not just for him, but for representation in the K-Pop industry as a whole.