6 Idols Who Publicly Support Queer Pride
by Anwaya Mane
South Korea remains a largely conservative society, and this extends to its stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The Korean entertainment industry, in particular, often reflects these societal norms. Known for marketing the "ultimate boyfriend" or "oppa" fantasy to a predominantly female fan base, male idols frequently maintain personas that align with this image. As a result, queer representation has often been limited, underrepresented, or even mocked—frequently reduced to harmful stereotypes.
However, there are a few idols who have broken away from these norms. Whether as strong allies or as members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves, these six idols have publicly expressed their support for queer pride. Here, we highlight six K-pop idols who have taken a stand for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion.
1. KATSEYE’s Lara and Megan
Image via HYBE
KATSEYE has been a disruptor in the K-pop scene since their debut in 2024—not just musically, but through their bold, unapologetic personalities.
In March this year, member Lara Raj publicly came out as queer via a series of heartfelt messages on Weverse. “I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like 8, so I really was wanting everybody,” she shared candidly, adding that she had been anxious about opening up, fearing it might affect her debut. However, the unwavering support from fans gave her the courage to speak her truth.
Just a few days ago, during a Weverse live with fellow member Megan, Lara made another powerful statement: “I’m coming out. I’m bisexual.” It was a proud and honest moment that reflects a growing shift in the industry, and KATSEYE’s visibility marks a cultural turning point in a space where queer voices have long been sidelined.
2. JUST B’s Bain
Image via Bluedot Entertainment
JUST B’s Bain is breaking ground as a Gen 4 boy group member by openly embracing his sexuality, setting a powerful precedent in an image-conscious and tightly controlled entertainment industry.
During the group’s concert in Los Angeles this April, Bain publicly came out, proudly sharing his identity with fans: “I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community — as a gay person.” Drawing from the powerful message of Lady Gaga’s 'Born This Way,' Bain shared an empathetic message on stage, affirming that fans and concertgoers are seen, heard, and loved just as they are. He acknowledged the song’s profound impact and its role in inspiring him to come out.
It was a watershed moment—not only for queer visibility in K-pop, but also because male idols are often marketed as idealised partners for female fans. By coming out, Bain took a significant risk to his career and public image, but ultimately made a courageous and necessary choice.
3. OnlyOneOf
Image via 8D Entertainment
Criminally underrated for their music, OnlyOneOf chose a path quite different from that of their contemporaries. While Gen 4 boy groups or male idols were chasing a grittier, more masculine image with tough and edgy concepts and themes, OnlyOneOf has proudly and explicitly promoted queer storylines. The group has released songs that promote queer love and wear their LGBTQIA+ identity with pride, such as “libidO” from their 2021 album Instinct Part. 1. This track, along with others like “a sOng Of ice & fire” and “Yours Only 2.2,” showcases their commitment to inclusivity and representation in the K-pop industry, even at the risk of losing mainstream popularity and the fear of backlash.
Beyond their music, the members of OnlyOneOf have appeared in the BL (Boy Love) web series Bump Up Business, further normalising queer love in cinema and through visual storytelling. They also made headlines for facilitating a lesbian couple’s engagement during one of their concerts, an unforgettable gesture that underscores their dedication to creating a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ fans and staying true to their artistic identity.
4. Jo Kwon
Image via JYP Entertainment
Another leader who has long stood by the LGBTQ+ community is 2 AM’s Jo Kwon. Over a decade ago, when K-pop was even more conservative, Jo Kwon emerged as one of the fiercest allies in the industry. At the height of his career, he boldly challenged gender norms, notably with his solo debut track Animal, where he performed in gender-defying outfits, breaking the mould of what a male idol was expected to be.
In 2020, Jo Kwon openly shared that he doesn't feel the need to conform to one gender identity. “Being genderless is my weapon. In the past, I was afraid of having a neutral image,” he said. His boundary-pushing work extends to musical theatre, where he has played both gay and transgender characters, further proving his dedication to representation and inclusivity.
5. Amber Liu
Image via SM Entertainment
Female idols in K-pop often face rigid expectations around beauty, behaviour, and femininity, but Amber Liu has always defied those norms with confidence and pride. As a member of f(x) and in her solo career, Amber embraced a gender-neutral style, sporting a pixie cut and wearing androgynous clothing at a time when hyper-feminine aesthetics dominated the industry.
Despite facing relentless trolling, including cruel remarks like “Where is my chest?” aimed at mocking her appearance, Amber never let the criticism define her. Instead, she has remained unapologetically herself and has become a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community. From attending Pride marches to embracing her queer fans with warmth and inclusivity, Amber has consistently used her platform to promote acceptance and self-love.
6. HOLLAND
Image via Holland Entertainment
As South Korea’s first openly gay male idol, HOLLAND broke barriers with his debut single Neverland in 2018—a milestone moment for queer representation in K-pop. He chose the stage name "HOLLAND" in honour of the Netherlands, the first country to legalise same-sex marriage, symbolising his commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility.
Despite facing numerous setbacks—including being denied a traditional debut because of his sexuality—HOLLAND has remained one of the most outspoken advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Korean entertainment industry. He proudly identifies as gay and uses his platform and social media to push for acceptance and equality.
In 2022, he was the victim of a hate crime assault in Itaewon, targeted for his sexuality. Yet even that hasn’t silenced him. His courage and resilience continue to inspire queer youth and fans around the world. HOLLAND hasn’t just spoken out about LGBTQIA+ rights as a queer artist—he has consistently used his platform to educate fans and critics alike, advocate for the community, and foster meaningful dialogue around inclusion. In doing so, he has often put his career, public image, and media standing at risk, yet remains unwavering in his commitment
While queer pride is slowly gaining visibility in the K-pop industry, there is still a long road ahead. Many idols remain hesitant to come out publicly, fearing for their careers, personal safety, and the backlash they might face. Even showing open allyship can be risky in a still-conservative industry and society.
At the same time, K-pop has also seen a troubling parallel trend: the fetishization and queerbaiting of LGBTQ+ identities. Idols like Super Junior’s Heechul have, in the past, performed in drag or cross-dressed under the guise of humor or entertainment. However, such performances often veer into mockery, reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than challenging them. This kind of portrayal turns queerness into a spectacle—something to laugh at or sexualize—rather than treating it with the respect and authenticity it deserves.
For female idols in particular, the line between genuine expression and commodified queerness can be especially blurred. At times, displays of same-sex intimacy or queer-coded imagery are used for aesthetic or voyeuristic appeal, lacking context, commitment, or real support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Instead of humanizing queer identities, this approach exoticizes them, reducing queer pride to a fantasy rather than a lived reality.