JUST B Addresses The Call Of The Hour To Save The World; A Brilliant Metaphor Unfolds In ‘MEDUSA’ | Exclusive Interview

The highly anticipated comeback of the 4th generation K-Pop boy group JUST B has officially arrived, much to the joy of fans all over the world. Making their return after 11 months since their previous comeback, JUST B has made a powerful reentry into the music scene, showcasing their unwavering determination. The group’s fourth mini album, “÷ (NANUGI)” is receiving much praise from global fans, not only for the high musical quality and conceptual novelty but also for the cause they are supporting with this influential comeback: that of protecting the Earth. In light of this excellent news, Kpopmap had the incredible opportunity to sit down with JUST B for an exclusive interview, where we delved into the creative process behind this album, and the real-life impact JUST B intends it to have.

For those who might not know, JUST B is a 6 member boy group under Bluedot Entertainment. The members, namely, DY, JM, Lim JiMin, GeonU, Bain, and SangWoo, each boast their own unique artistic colors that come together to form the signature style of JUST B. In the course of their career, JUST B has made a name for themselves for their no-skip discography, versatility, stage presence, unbeatable energy, passionate performances, and utterly entertaining personalities. With “÷ (NANUGI)”, in particular, JUST B has garnered a whole new wave of fans who appreciate the originality and sonic aesthetic of the group. You can check out the full album on Spotify below!

The title track ‘MEDUSA’ currently stands at 11M views on YouTube, and the comments section is filled to the brim with ONLY B showering their love for this comeback. From the breathtaking set and direction of the music video to the symbolic lyrics and memorable choreography, everything about this comeback piques curiosity about all the hard work that went into the same. So, without further ado, let’s get into our interview!

Hello and welcome to Kpopmap, JUST B! It’s lovely to have you with us today. Before anything else, congratulations on your amazing comeback with your fourth mini album, “÷ (NANUGI)”, ushering in a new chapter in your musical journey after 11 months. What kind of story or message are you trying to convey with this new chapter? In other words, what is the theme of JUST B’s music this time?

Previously, the 3rd mini-album “= (NEUN)” conveyed a message of equality within the “= (Equals sign).” With the 4th mini-album “÷ (NANUGI)”, a new beginning of change is found in “our small acts of sharing and practicing,” carrying the message that “my small act of sharing becomes happiness and hope for someone.”
Lim JiMin

Your title track ‘MEDUSA’ instantly draws attention to the striking name. What inspired you to work with the myth of Medusa and integrate it into your concept?

The title track’s demo had the title and lyrics with “MEDUSA.” However, the word blended so well with the song that we used “MEDUSA” to express the message we wanted to convey. MEDUSA was originally a beautiful woman who, due to a curse, turned into a monster in mythology. Similarly, our planet, Earth, was originally a world with beautiful nature, but due to the indiscriminate development by humans, it is gradually becoming desolate. We used “MEDUSA” in the lyrics to symbolize this reality. Just as the lyrics express a desire to return to the original beauty of MEDUSA, we also wanted to connect the message of the album to the idea of reaching out to protect and restore the Earth and nature to their original state. We tried to express this concept musically as well.
Bain

One keyword that can describe this album is “change”. Have you made any changes in your personal life that you believe contribute to a better world?

I prefer walking or cycling for distances within 30 minutes. It’s a natural way to exercise, and it allows me to experience the scenery, which is quite healing.
SangWoo
I also try to use stairs instead of elevators whenever possible. Moreover, I make an effort to reduce the use of disposable items in my daily life. This summer, in particular, was exceptionally hot, and we’ve seen a lot of changes in global weather patterns. Experiencing these environmental changes firsthand has made us realize the importance of taking action, even in small ways.
JM

‘MEDUSA’ is a punk rock song about sharing and taking action for a world that goes beyond “equality”. What kind of specific actions do you hope your fans will take after listening to the song?

I believe that even small everyday actions, when combined by many, can have a significant impact. Practices like reducing the use of disposable items and conserving electricity are areas where we can easily take action. The most crucial aspect, however, is to approach it with a “me first” mentality rather than thinking “I’m just one person.” By practicing these steps one by one with a “me first” mindset, we can positively influence those around us. When these individual efforts accumulate, they can bring about even greater change.
Lim JiMin

Another keyword for “÷ (NANUGI)” is certainly “versatility”. From self-written songs to exploring diverse genres, this mini-album is a fantastic representation of JUST B’s versatility. What was your favorite challenge or experiment that you took on while working on this album?

We’ve never performed a fun and exciting song like ‘Youth’ for our fans before, so I was thrilled at the idea of performing it on stage. The lyrics and melody are both simple, and I hope our fans will sing along with us.
DY

Speaking of self-written songs, what was it like to share your own stories and perspectives through these songs? Was there an unexpected charm to it? Can fans expect more self-written music from JUST B in the future?

Of course, in the future, we will share more of our original songs. I consider it my role as a player and a creator to deliver good music. We will continue to bring you great songs that tell our own stories and the stories of our group, JUST B.
DY

You worked with a variety of talented songwriters like Ryan S. Jhun and choreographers (WE DEM BOYZ) on this album. What was your favorite collaboration experience, and what did you learn from it?

Producer Ryan was great to work with. Before recording, he would talk to us about how to sing the song with the right emotions and thoughts. He also provided vocal direction and helped us find the right points while recording. It was a fun memory.
SangWoo
We had the privilege of having the WE DEM BOYZ team create the choreography for two award show performances earlier this year. Their choreography and staging were excellent, which is why we decided to collaborate with them on the title track’s choreography for this album. Since the title track is in the punk rock genre, we wanted the choreography to have a more free-spirited feel. We worked closely with the WE DEM BOYZ team, discussing and creating each movement. It was a great experience, and it allowed us to discover new ways of expressing the choreography that I hadn’t thought of before. It was a really enjoyable time.
GeonU

What advice would you give to someone who is feeling hesitant to take action on something they believe in because of opposition from others?

Other people’s words are their own, and my words are mine, so believe in your own words and move forward!
JM

Can you give fans a recommendation of when and where they should listen to this album for the best experience?

I consider every moment and place to be a time for listening to music. The songs on this album are all filled with emotions and enjoyment, making them relatable and enjoyable no matter when or where you listen. So, there don’t seem to be any time or space constraints. Therefore, please listen to JUST B’s music as much as you can!
GeonU

Finally, would you like to say a few words to fans all over the world who are loving and supporting you?

JUST B has finally returned with “MEDUSA”! We hope that many of you can find healing and empathy through our music. This album is filled with our hard work and dedication! Please continue to show JUST B a lot of love, and we will bring you more good music in the future!! We love you!
JM

On that sweet note, we’ve come to the end of our JUST B interview. ONLY B, did you enjoy this interview? Tell us in the comments section down below!