Broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon responded to a letter from Bae-in of the group Just B, who became the first male idol to come out.
On the 27th, Bae-in from Just B sent a lengthy letter after capturing a media interview in which Hong Seok-cheon expressed support for him on personal social media.
Bae-in said, "Hello, senior. This is Bae-in from Just B. I felt a great resonance after reading your warm support and heartfelt advice in the article. Because you took the first step down the lonely and difficult path 25 years ago more than anyone else, I was able to muster a little courage to be here now."
He continued, "Although I have fears on the path I take, I think I can move forward step by step thanks to you shining your light in front of me like a lighthouse. I sincerely thank you, and I also want to be someone who can give strength to others like you."
Bae-in added, "I hope to be able to visit you in person someday and express my gratitude. I always support and respect you." In response, Hong Seok-cheon publicly supported him, saying, "Congratulations, I will support you."
Hong Seok-cheon noted in a media interview regarding Bae-in revealing his identity as the first member of a Korean boy group to be a sexual minority, "It’s a refreshing shock and good news for me to have someone in the entertainment industry speak out like this."
Earlier on the 23rd, news broke that Bae-in personally revealed he is a member of the sexual minority community on stage, drawing attention. While meeting fans at the ongoing Just B world tour 'JST ODD' during the LA performance, he confidently stated, "I am proud to belong to the LGBT community," affirming his identity. "LGBT" is an acronym used to refer to sexual minorities both within and outside the sexual minority rights movement.
This marks the first instance of a male idol group member of Korean nationality coming out, which garnered a loud cheer and applause from fans present in support of Bae-in's courage.
In relation to this, the agency Blue Dot Entertainment said to OSEN, "As this concerns Bae-in's personal life and sexual identity, it is difficult to provide a separate position," and remained reserved.
Hong Seok-cheon debuted in the entertainment industry through the 4th KBS College Comedy Contest in 1995 as a member of the 12th recruiting class. He later revealed in 2000 that he was gay, becoming the first celebrity in Korea to come out. Since then, he has acted as a pioneer in changing perceptions of sexual minorities in South Korea.
[Photo] OSEN DB, Hong Seok-cheon
[OSEN]