Lara of KATSEYE Shares Her Authentic Identity, Making Waves in the Music Industry
On March 24, 2025, KATSEYE’s Lara candidly revealed her queer identity to her devoted fans through social media accounts like @AboutMusicYT and @PopBase. Using the playful term “fruitcake”to describe her sexual orientation, she articulated her gratitude for the outpouring of support from her followers. Lara emphasized the significance of being true to oneself and expressed her hope that her honesty would encourage others to embrace their identities.
A Message of Courage and Authenticity
In a heartfelt message shared on Weverse, Lara opened up about her journey:
“I knew I was half fruitcake when I was like 8 so I really was wanting everybody. honestly probably before 8. Isn’t half fruitcake such a good way to explain it without saying. You know in Dream Academy when it came out I was really really scared tbh, I didn’t know if people would accept me and I rly thought it might ruin my chances of getting in.”
She went on to express her gratitude for the overwhelming support of her teammates and crew, which bolstered her confidence:
“And then you all were so so nice about it and gave me so much love and support and it made me feel so confident in who I am, so I love you for that.”
Community Reaction and Support
The response from fans, known as EYEKONs, was overwhelmingly positive. Social media became a platform for expressions of love, pride, and encouragement, as many celebrated Lara’s bravery:
“Lara triple came out on voice message that she likes women. Though Katseye aren’t technically K-pop, they are under Hybe through Geffen. This makes Lara the first openly queer idol under a giant label. I’m tearing up… I’m so proud of her.”
Supporters highlighted the monumental significance of Lara’s openness within the often reclusive K-pop industry:
“Love and admiration for her… She’s showing so much courage to address this publicly being a celeb… But somewhere a young girl would feel seen & heard & less panicked to find herself attracted to both genders… More power to her,”a fan shared.
“So much love and admiration for Lara’s bravery and vulnerability! Sharing her true self with the world takes courage, and it’s amazing to see how the support of fans has empowered her to be confident and proud of who she is!!!!!!”another fan remarked.
Breaking Barriers in the K-Pop Industry
Many fans hailed Lara’s coming out as a transformative moment for the K-pop industry, often noted for its conservative views on personal lives:
“This is actually so revolutionary for K-pop and she’s paving the way for so many other K-pop idols omg,”an enthusiastic supporter added.
“Lara’s honesty and confidence are really inspiring,”one fan noted.
KATSEYE: A New Era in Global K-Pop
KATSEYE stands as a beacon in the evolving landscape of K-pop, representing a collaboration between HYBE Corporation and Geffen Records. This innovative girl group made its debut with the single “Debut,”officially launching on June 28, 2024. Following the successful release, they achieved impressive milestones, including a music video filmed in Medellín, Colombia, which garnered over 2.33 million views in just three days.
The Journey to Stardom
The path to KATSEYE’s formation included a worldwide audition process that began in November 2021, attracting over 120,000 hopefuls. This extensive search culminated in the reality series “The Debut: Dream Academy,”which aired from August to November 2023, unveiling an exciting lineup:
- Sophia Laforteza from the Philippines
- Lara Rajagopalan from India – United States
- Yoonchae Jeung from South Korea
- Megan Skiendiel from the United States
- Daniela Avanzini from Mexico
- Manon Bannerman from Switzerland
Not only did KATSEYE rapidly ascend the charts, but they also managed to contribute to various projects, including “Flame,”the theme song for Netflix’s animated series “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld.”Additionally, their debut EP, “SIS (Soft Is Strong),”launched on August 16, 2024, attained noteworthy recognition on the Billboard charts.
Their story is effectively captured in the Netflix documentary series “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE,”directed by Nadia Hallgren, showcasing their journey to success and further establishing their place in the global music scene.