YODA ADDRESS HIS BISEXUALITY IN V-LIVE STREAM ON NEW YEARS EVE
After coming out publically at the MAMA Awards, soloist Yoda hosts a live stream on platform V-LIVE for his fans all over the globe.
Fans were left with many questions after Yoda’s performance at the recently passed MAMA Awards but they were all, or rather most, of the questions were answered during the live stream held on Monday night, December 31st. Yoda went on to greet all of his fans first and respond to comments, many of which were in English and Korean, and doing his best to answer questions-- though not quite addressing the ‘issue’ that he had wanted to talk about.
When finally mentioning his sexuality, Yoda had the following to say. “I’ve always known who I was, ever since I was about twelve or thirteen, and it’s eaten me alive since I started performing that I couldn’t be entirely who I was while promoting. I’ve always left hints for my fans, from the fandom colors I picked with the Rainbow to language in my music-- and even a stage kiss shared with an actor in my last song Rainbow.
“I’m bisexual, it’s who I am and who I always will be-- and I don’t regret coming out. A lot of people have been saying online, and even some people I work with professionally, that I should backtrack, go out and be seen with a woman to try and squash the rumors... say it’s a misunderstanding but I can’t do that. I know what it’s like to not have a support system, to be all alone in the world without someone to look up to... so that’s what I’m going to be. I’m going to do my best to be that voice in Korea that otherwise didn’t exist for the queer community, right alongside artists like Holland and rookie group Vogue.
“I am who I am, and you are who you are. Never ever be ashamed of that and know that, if you are closeted, that I am here for you and I am rooting for you.”
After the speech Yoda seemed to break down a little bit, stepping off camera for a moment to grab a glass of water and wipe away some tears that fans had noted began to fall when he started talking. It was a full two minutes before he eventually came back, eyes red and puffy but still smiling just like he always did. He went on to talk about his schedules, how he would be pushing his tour back a couple of months but everything else would continue as scheduled. “I will still be making my appearance at the Golden Disc Awards and I will still be performing at the Seoul Music Awards. I will, however, be taking a small vacation for myself to Los Angeles this January to try and get my mind back together-- so I will see you guys soon, Californian Jedi’s!”
The stream continued out with him playing some music and even talking about releasing a new song alongside good friend and TQ CEO board member Akali, someone who fans know well for him to be incredibly good friends with. He closed out the stream wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hoped that all of his friends, fans, and family would continue to have self confidence and love themselves.
