Lara Rajagopalan, popularly identified as Lara Raj or Lara, is an Indian American singer and member of the South Korean woman group KATSEYE. The 19-year-old idol was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Los Angeles, California.
Lara’s first brush with fame started in August 2023 when she was launched as a contestant in The Debut: Dream Academy. She was one of many finalists of the competitors and formally made her debut as a member of the KATSEYE Kpop group on June 28, 2024. Her older sister, Rhea Raj, is a widely known singer and songwriter.
Not too long ago, the younger idol revealed via Weverse that she was queer, leaving many netizens stunned.
Extra particulars on Lara’s come out
On Sunday, March 2023, via her official Weverse account, Lara Raj, a member of Hybe Label woman group KATSEYE, revealed in a voice message that she was interested in individuals of the identical s*x and opened up about her struggles as a results of this selection.
“I believe additionally being a woman who likes women is such a special expertise as a result of lots of people do not suppose it is like an actual factor. It is so weird. Or, then again, individuals fetishize it, which is additionally tremendous annoying.”
She additionally inspired followers with the identical s*xual orientation to be open about it.
“I get you guys as a result of coming out might be actually scary. I am so grateful [for] individuals in my life, and also you guys who’ve been so supportive, as a result of I really feel so happy with it, and like, no disgrace in any respect…I like that a part of me,” she concluded.
Though she did not put a label on her s*xual orientation, one other Weverse post means that the 19-year-old star is perhaps interested in a number of genders.
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The post reads:
“I knew i used to be half fruitcake when i used to be like 8 so i actually was wanting all people. Truthfully most likely earlier than 8. Is not “half fruitcake” such a great way to clarify it with out saying it?”
Followers are showering the teenager with love and help, praising her for being courageous sufficient to return out within the Ok-pop business.
@PopBase on X shared the announcement and followers took to the feedback part to commend Lara’s bravery.
“The world is therapeutic ‘trigger wym a Kpop idol opened up about it as a substitute of being uncovered by losers?” @bigarms4me commented.
“this really so courageous of her. understanding that she’s concerned in an business that is is related to k-pop. this is revolutionary, tbh.” @imomamavlue commended.
Different netizens expressed their love for the time period Lara used to outline herself as “half fruitcake.”
“Half fruitcake is formally my new favourite method to say it,” @AnyaLacey stated.
“Half fruitcake is such a humorous method to say it, I like her,” @CiciiLovesYou replied.
“Love how lara owns it half fruitcake is iconic,” @Im_ddmeena added.
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KATSEYE is a six-member woman group consisting of Manon, Sophia, Megan, Lara, Daniela, and Yoonchae. The American-based sextet debuted in June 2024 underneath Hybe Label. As a consequence of its members’ worldwide origins, KATSEYE is normally referred to as the worldwide woman group.
Edited by Sohini Biswas