Katseye member Lara comes out as queer in a message to fans

Lara, a member of the K-pop girl group Katseye, shared a personal message with fans on Monday, opening up about how she identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community with honesty and vulnerability. The message marked a rare and significant moment in the traditionally conservative world of K-pop.

 
Lara, who is American and serves as the group’s main vocalist, emphasized that her identity is something she embraces fully.

 
“When Dream Academy came out, I was really scared, to be honest, because I didn’t know if people would accept me, and I thought it might ruin my chances of getting in,” said Lara during a live chat with her fans.

“The Debut: Dream Academy” was a survival audition show that aired from Sept. 1 to Nov. 17, 2023. The show was jointly produced by HYBE and Geffen Records.

 
“I was really scared [to come out], and now I’m so grateful that people in my life, and you guys, too, have been so supportive, so I feel so proud of it and no shame at all,” Lara said. “You gave me so much love and support and it made me feel so confident in who I am.”

 
Katseye, a multinational group under the Korean entertainment powerhouse HYBE, comprises six members: Lara, Daniela, Manon, Megan, Sophia and Yoonchae. The group was formed in 2023.

 
This summer, the group is set to perform at Lollapalooza, one of the United States’ largest music festivals, held in Chicago’s Grant Park from July 31 to August 3.

Source:https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-03-25/entertainment/kpop/Katseye-member-Lara-comes-out-as-queer-in-message-to-fans/2269831?

Comprehension

What did Lara share with fans in her personal message?
Why was Lara initially afraid to come out?
What is “The Debut: Dream Academy,” and when did it air?
How did Lara feel after receiving support from fans?
Which entertainment companies produced “The Debut: Dream Academy”?
What is Katseye, and how many members are in the group?
What is Lara’s role in Katseye?
What upcoming event will Katseye perform at this summer?
Where will the Lollapalooza music festival take place?
Why is Lara’s announcement significant in the K-pop industry?

Discussion

Why do you think Lara was hesitant to share her identity in the K-pop industry?
How does cultural perception of LGBTQ+ identities vary in different countries?
Do you think the K-pop industry is becoming more open to diversity? Why or why not?
How can fans support artists who open up about personal matters?
Why is representation important in the entertainment industry?
What challenges might LGBTQ+ idols face in the K-pop industry?
Do you think Lara’s announcement will influence other K-pop idols? Why or why not?
How do you feel about public figures sharing personal aspects of their identity?
What are the potential risks and benefits of celebrities speaking about social issues?
How can the global entertainment industry promote inclusivity?

Vocabulary

Identify (as) – To recognize oneself as belonging to a particular group or category.
Vulnerability – The state of being open about personal feelings, making one emotionally exposed.
Conservative – Holding traditional values, often resistant to change.
Embrace – To accept and support fully.
Audition – A tryout for a performance role.
Supportive – Encouraging and helpful.
Multinational – Involving people from multiple countries.
Powerhouse – A very strong or influential organization.
Festival – A large public celebration, often featuring music or performances.
Confident – Feeling sure of oneself and one’s abilities.