8 Idols That Who Redefined Openness In Korean Entertainment

Holland's Instagram / Jiae's Instagram / Bain's Instagram

From groundbreaking debuts to public declarations on the stage, several K-Pop artists are redefining norms and advancing LGBTQ+ visibility during Pride Month 2025.

These idols are dismantling norms in an industry traditionally bound by strict image expectations, challenging the historic silence that has been perpetuated in K-Pop, but these figures are embracing authenticity and inspiring both fans and peers alike, inspiring young fans and also creating a space in a hyper-curated market.

1. Holland

Holland made history in January 2018 as the first openly gay man to debut in K-Pop, with his self-funded single ‘Neverland’, featuring a same-sex kiss in the music video. Facing rejection from agencies unwilling to back a gay idol, he financed the release through part-time jobs.

Despite a 19+ rating in South Korea, ‘Neverland’ garnered over a million views in 24 hours after its release and sparked global conversation.

In a 2020 CNN profile, Holland said: “They said it would be bad for my image” prompting his independent debut. Yet, he continued creating music advocating queer visibility and has also survived homophobic attacks, turning adversity into activism.

2. MRSHLL

MRSHLL publicly came out in 2015 and debuted in 2017 under Feel Ghood Music, establishing himself as Korea’s first openly gay K-R&B artist.

His music centers around love, identity and self acceptance. In different interviews, MRSHLL spoke candidly about limited queer representation and the need for greater visibility in the industry.

3. Bain (JUST B)

At a sold-out concert in Los Angeles on April 22, 2025, Bain became one of the first active male idols to come out publicly during a performance. In a recent interview in Mexico for Conexión K-Pop, Bain said that his bandmates already knew that he is gay and also “felt natural to come out” for him.

He reflected on the moment, calling it “a new start for me” in a Times of India interview.

4. Jiae (formerly of WASSUP)

In 2020, former WASSUP member Jiae came out as bisexual. And in 2022, she released her self-produced solo EP “Love is Love”.

She has navigated a challenging landscape where labels are hesitant to support openly queer artists, yet continues to represent biseual identity in her music narrative. Jiae is also active on social media where she posts photos with her partner.

5. Lara Raj & Megan (KATSEYE)

In March 2025, KATSEYE’s Lara Raj came out as queer, followed by Megan coming out as bisexual on June 6 via Weverse live stream.

Their openness is unprecedented among active girl groups, garnering international fan support and marking a significant shift in group dynamics.

6. Jo Kwon (2AM)

Jo Kwon identifies as genderless, openly blending masculine and feminine expressions such as heels, skirts and androgynous styling included. He famously said: “Genderless has become my weapon”, challenging entrenched K-Pop norms. Also, he starred in the korean version of the play ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ by Tom MacRae and starred as ‘Jamie’

7. Amber Liu (f(x))

Known for her androgynous style, Amber Liu has supported LGBTQ+ rights for years. She frequently includes queer themes and performers in her solo work (such as her collaboration with Superfruit). For her advocacy in LGBTQ+ topics, Amber has been featured in several publications.

8. Som Hein (former “Idol School”)

A former “Idol School” contestant, Som Hevin came out as bisexual in 2019, sharing her relationship with a woman while increasing the LGBTQ+ representation in idol-centric reality TV.

Let us know which other K-Pop stars have showed their Pride colors in the comment section.