He came out long before his debut.
Koreaboo
2 hours ago
While being LGBTQ+ as an idol was seemingly taboo, more and more idols are coming out.
Every Idol That Has Come Out As LGBTQIA+ Themselves
In particular, the sexuality of a HYBE male idol has sparked attention, and he is a member of SANTOS BRAVOS.
The members of SANTOS BRAVOS | @santos_bravos/Instagram
Recently, the group sparked a heated discussion on racism after their recent appearances on Korean music shows.
K-Pop Fans Accused Of Racism After Latin Group SANTOS BRAVOS Gets Called Cringey On Korean Music Shows
Yet, amid the quotes and reactions, the sexuality of member Drew Venegas, the second ending fairy in the clip, gained attention.
| @and.venn/Instagram
In a tweet that is gaining attention, one OP reminded fans that Drew is actually openly gay, something not usual for idols, and it was pointed out that he came out long before he debuted, something very rare.
idk if u guys know this but the second guy who winked is openly gay 😭😭 https://t.co/zY4UCelf0l
— riri (@jnzllt) April 19, 2026
the way I think he’s the first openly gay man to dance on these music shows https://t.co/Azc8kwAOil
— harbinger (@xxxngel) April 19, 2026
Netizens shared their reactions to the news.
this group just gets better and better https://t.co/k03OjkCr9R
— ✧ 🩺˚◡̈⁺ 11 days ˖º· (@hwasaology) April 19, 2026
no wonder i found him charming https://t.co/bFyg7ppopj
— Scan 🪷 CLO’VER🍀 (@scanbarcodetin) April 19, 2026
EVEN BETTER pic.twitter.com/3NaBx8GZgw
— Matisse☁️ (@Matisse_tisse) April 19, 2026
OPENLY GAY KPOP IDOL IN HYBE???
— 7TH YEAR: Yumi 💗 (@soobinsangel777) April 20, 2026
In particular, while netizens are just finding out about it, Drew has never avoided the topic, even discussing it in an interview in 2022 when doing a project with Simon Fuller.
While being LGBTQ+ has always seemed taboo as an idol, more and more stars are openly out, including many from the HYBE group KATSEYE.