Multicultural Girl Group Member Lara on Coming Out: “I’m Not Ashamed”
Lara, a member of the global girl group KATSEYE, has publicly come out as gay—marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in the K-pop-inspired music scene. On March 24, Lara opened up to fans on the fandom platform Weverse, revealing, “I’m a girl who likes girls,” and adding that she had already shared the news with her family. “This is a part of who I am, and I’m not ashamed of it—I’m proud of myself,” she wrote. She also expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much to everyone who supports me.”
In a more playful but equally powerful message, Lara described herself as “half fruitcake,” a term she used to express her queer identity with warmth and self-acceptance. According to Teen Vogue, she shared that she had known this about herself since childhood, but worried her 𝓈ℯ𝓍uality might affect her chances during the group’s survival show. “I wasn’t sure if it was okay to be this and still get picked,” she admitted.
Who Is KATSEYE?
KATSEYE is HYBE’s first fully global girl group, formed through a landmark partnership with Geffen Records. The group debuted in 2024 and features members from six different countries:
- Lara Rajagopalan (USA/India)
- Manon Bannerman (Switzerland)
- Sophia Laforteza (Philippines)
- Daniela Avanzini (USA)
- Megan Skiendiel (USA)
- Yoonchae Jeong (South Korea)
- Their diversity is not only cultural but musical as well, blending K-pop’s polished choreography with global pop sensibilities.
How the Group Was Formed: The Debut: Dream Academy
KATSEYE was formed through The Debut: Dream Academy, a 12-week survival reality show that aired from September to November 2023. The show featured 20 female contestants from around the world who competed in missions testing their performance, vocal, and teamwork s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s.
The live finale on November 18, 2023, revealed the six final members chosen to form KATSEYE. The series was part of HYBE’s broader vision to build the first truly global girl group from the ground up—using the tried-and-true K-pop training model while integrating Western music industry standards. A Netflix docuseries, Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, premiered in August 2024, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous year-long process of training, performing, and forming a group from scratch. Directed by Nadia Hallgren, the documentary was praised for its intimate storytelling and focus on the girls’ emotional journeys.
Debut and Music Releases
KATSEYE officially debuted on June 28, 2024, with their first single “Debut”, a punchy anthem about confidence and self-discovery. This was followed by “Touch” and “My Way”, showing off the group’s range—from edgy performance tracks to more melodic, emotionally driven songs. These tracks were featured on their debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), released in August 2024. The EP’s title reflects the group’s mission: to celebrate softness, vulnerability, and strength in equal measure. Their music explores themes of identity, ambition, and belonging—often resonating with a Gen Z audience hungry for authenticity.
Festival Milestone: Headlining Lollapalooza
In a major career milestone, KATSEYE is set to headline Lollapalooza Chicago 2025 alongside top K-pop idols and American performers. Their high-energy performance captivated the festival crowd and marked one of the fastest rises for a rookie girl group on a global stage. Critics praised the group’s stage presence, charisma, and cohesion, despite their relatively short time together. The moment was a symbolic passing of the torch: the K-pop system had officially gone global, and KATSEYE was leading the charge.
Looking Ahead
Following Lara’s coming out, fans and media outlets alike have praised her courage and the group’s inclusive message. With their unique multicultural identity, emotionally resonant music, and progressive values, KATSEYE is carving out a space of their own in the global pop ecosystem. As the group gears up for future releases and a world tour, one thing is clear: KATSEYE isn’t just a music group—they’re a movement. “Every one of us brings something different,” Lara once said in an interview. “But what we all share is heart—and that’s what connects us with people all over the world.” While Lara’s coming out has been met with praise from international fans, reactions within South Korea may be more mixed. Though public awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities are gradually growing, conservative views still persist in many parts of Korean society. Some local netizens have applauded Lara’s honesty and bravery, while others remain hesitant or avoid commenting altogether. As one of the first K-pop related idols to openly come out, Lara’s move could open up new conversations about representation and inclusivity within the Korean entertainment industry.
