KATSEYE's Megan Comes Out: "My Bisexuality Isn't a K-Pop Trend". How Will The K-pop Industry React?

Will K-pop's strict image rules bend, or will fans turn their backs? KATSEYE Megan's sexuality is on the hot seat. We dive deeper into how the singer has handled the response!

Image: Megan of KATSEYE performs onstage during iHeartRadio's 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango in Huntington Beach, California, on May 10, 2025. Photo: out.com

Who is Megan?

Megan is only 19 years old, and she is half Chinese and half Singaporean. She is a part of the multinational K-pop group KATSEYE, which is a part of HYBE and Geffen Records. Megan is known for her impressive dance routines and rapping ability.

How did this become news?

During her livestream on June 6, 2025, Megan publicly came out as bisexual. In 2025, being bisexual may seem pretty common to most, however, this news sent ripples through the K-pop world. Why? Megan is now the second member of the group to openly share her sexual identity after bandmate Lara, and in a very religious and conservative country like Korea, the news can be a make-or-break when it comes to retaining her public idol status and fans.

What are fans saying on social media?

Band mate Lara's reaction

Lara expressed, "It can be scary, especially with the barrier of being a person of color," but added, "I am proud of myself." She thanked the many people and fans who support her, saying, "I am proud of myself. I am not ashamed at all. It's a part of who I am."

What are the potential consequences?

Sadly, in Korea there are a whole variety of potential consequences for coming out as LGBTQ+, such as career risks and loss of contracts.

Due to heavy company control K-pop agencies have over idols—including their personal lives, mean potential dating bans, and less public interaction, including on social media in order to retain a controlled image of the member.

There can also be difficulties in securing contracts for openly gay artists in Korea, and some artists have to self fund or rely on crowdfunding platforms in order to put on shows and events in a bid to retain their idol status.

Loss of fans

International K-pop fans are very often supportive when a member of a K-pop group comes out openly as part of the LGBTQ+ community, however, it is not the same at home in Korea. The Korean audience has strong conservative views when it comes to same sex relations, and when idols come out, Korean K-pop fans step away and turn their back on artists. This then leads to loss of endorsements, public appearances, and sometimes cancellation.

Changing attitudes

While there are no legal anti-discrimination laws when it comes to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in Korea, attitudes are slowly changing.

As more Koreans become globally connected and better travelled, younger Koreans' minds tend to open up. This can also be said for LGBTQ+ TV appearances of characters, which all contribute to public awareness and acceptance.

As KATSEYE's Megan steps into her truth, the K-pop world watches to see if acceptance or apprehension will define her path forward. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know!

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