Lara Rajagopalan, popularly known as Lara Raj or Lara, is an Indian American singer and member of the South Korean girl 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 began in August 2023 when she was introduced as a contestant in The Debut: Dream Academy. She was one of the finalists of the competition and officially made her debut as a member of the KATSEYE Kpop group on June 28, 2024. Her older sister, Rhea Raj, is a well-known singer and songwriter.
Recently, the young idol revealed via Weverse that she was queer, leaving many netizens surprised.
More details on Lara's come out
On Sunday, March 2023, via her official Weverse account, Lara Raj, a member of Hybe Label girl group KATSEYE, revealed in a voice message that she was attracted to people of the same s*x and opened up about her struggles as a result of this choice.
"I think also being a girl who likes girls is such a different experience because a lot of people don't think it's like a real thing. It's so bizarre. Or, on the other hand, people fetishize it, which is also super annoying."
She also encouraged fans with the same s*xual orientation to be open about it.
"I get you guys because coming out can be really scary. I'm so grateful [for] people in my life, and you guys who have been so supportive, because I feel so proud of it, and like, no shame at all...I love that part of me," she concluded.
Although she didn't put a label on her s*xual orientation, another Weverse post suggests that the 19-year-old star might be attracted to multiple genders.
The post reads:
"I knew i was half fruitcake when i was like 8 so i really was wanting everybody. Honestly probably before 8. Isn't "half fruitcake" such a good way to explain it without saying it?"
Fans are showering the youngster with love and support, praising her for being brave enough to come out in the K-pop industry.
@PopBase on X shared the announcement and fans took to the comments section to commend Lara's bravery.
"The world is healing 'cause wym a Kpop idol opened up about it instead of being exposed by losers?" @bigarms4me commented.
"this actually so brave of her. knowing that she's involved in an industry that's is associated with k-pop. this is revolutionary, tbh." @imomamavlue commended.
Other netizens expressed their love for the term Lara used to define herself as "half fruitcake."
"Half fruitcake is officially my new favorite way to say it," @AnyaLacey stated.
"Half fruitcake is such a funny way to say it, I love her," @CiciiLovesYou replied.
"Love how lara owns it half fruitcake is iconic," @Im_ddmeena added.
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KATSEYE is a six-member girl group consisting of Manon, Sophia, Megan, Lara, Daniela, and Yoonchae. The American-based sextet debuted in June 2024 under Hybe Label. Due to its members' international origins, KATSEYE is usually referred to as the global girl group.
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