Lara, a member of the rising multinational girl group KATSEYE, has courageously come out as queer, revealing to fans that she has known she was “half a fruitcake” since childhood.
The 19-year-old idol candidly opened up about her sexuality and attraction to the same sex during a Weverse chat session with fans. Screenshots of her responses were later shared by the fanbase “KATSEYE NEWS” on X.
“I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like 8, so I really was wanting everybody,” Lara wrote. “Honestly, probably before 8. Isn’t half a fruitcake such a good way to explain it without saying it?”
She went on to reveal that fear of judgment and rejection had initially held her back from coming out, especially during The Debut: Dream Academy, the audition program that led to her debut with KATSEYE alongside her fellow members Daniela, Manon, Megan, Sofia, and Yoonchae.
“You know, in Dream Academy when it came out, I was really, really scared [to be honest]. I didn’t know if people would accept me, and I [really] thought it might ruin my chances of getting in,” she admitted.
However, much to her relief, her confession was met with overwhelming love and encouragement from fans, giving her confidence in her identity.
“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,” she wrote, expressing her gratitude.
Lara also shared how important it is for her to be open, as she hopes to inspire others to embrace their true selves.
“I love being open [because] so many of you have told me it has encouraged you to be more confident, and I hope I can make [you] guys feel seen and comfortable in your own skin.”
She also reassured fans that they were welcome to discuss her sexuality as long as it helped others, saying, “You can talk [about] it as much as you want. As long as it’s helping people, that makes me really, really happy. I support [you] all so, so, so much. I know it’s SCARYY, and you should never feel pressure to tell people—you tell them when YOU’RE ready.”
Lara later reacted to her coming out becoming a headline for many news outlets.
“Seeing the words ‘half fruitcake’ in official articles is sending me in ways I can’t explain. I thought this wasn’t news to anyone—it was quite obvious,” she remarked in response to a particular news outlet’s report.
She also addressed her exact sexual identity, explaining why she chooses not to label herself.
“The reason I don’t label myself is because I’m not just into men and women—I like anyone, I’m open to anyone. I just personally don’t like labels. I feel like they box me in, and I am truly open to love in all forms. Love has no limits for me.”
Lara’s coming out has sparked widespread support across the K-pop community with openly queer Korean singer Holland taking to X to express his pride and happiness for Lara, praising her courage in coming out despite the challenges in the industry.
“Lara, I just want to say how incredibly proud and happy I am for you. Coming out is never an easy journey, especially in this industry, but your courage and authenticity will inspire so many people who look up to you,” Holland posted on his official account.
He highlighted her impact in inspiring others, welcomed her to the LGBTQ+ community, and assured her of love and support.
“You are showing the world that being true to yourself is something to be celebrated, and I hope you feel all the love and support surrounding you. Welcome to the family, and I can’t wait to see you shine even brighter on this new path. Sending you all my love and congratulations!”
Lara’s announcement also resonated with many K-pop fans who expressed their admiration for her honesty and strength to embrace her true self and sexual identity.
