Behind the Music with JUST B: An Epic Journey (Part 1) (2024)

Get to know more about JUST B in part one of this two-part exclusive interview series.

JUST B, a dynamic six-member boy group under the banner of Bluedot Entertainment, initially graced our screens as contestants on the survival show “Under Nineteen” in November 2018 and later on “I-LAND” in June 2020. On June 30, 2021, JUST B made their official debut with their first mini album, Just Burn.

Consisting of all-rounded members Geonu, Bain, Lim Jimin, JM, DY, and Sangwoo, each of whom brings a unique set of talents to the table. The group first caught our attention with their debut title track, “Damage.” With their remarkable vocal prowess, exceptional dance abilities, adept songwriting skills, and a delightful blend of cute yet masculine charms, JUST B consistently delivers anticipation-worthy projects that resonate with fans across the globe.

The boys of JUST B have already shown tremendous potential with “Just Be With You Part.1,” the inaugural segment of their “JUST Be with You” project, in collaboration with AleXa. Notably, their debut title track, “Damage,” was produced by the legendary rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer Bang Yongguk. Moreover, they had the privilege of gracing the stage at not one but three KCONs across the world this year, including KCON Japan in May, KCON LA in August, and KCON Saudi Arabia in October.

Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of JUST B as we sit down with the rising K-Pop sensation for an exclusive two-part interview. In part one, we’ll explore their unforgettable KCON journey, discover what JUST B truly means to each member, learn about their ambitious goals, and more. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll delve deep into their highly-anticipated fourth mini album NANUGI.

Hellokpop: Hello and welcome to Hellokpop, JUST B! We are so glad to have you here. First, can you each introduce yourself and one keyword that best describes you?

JUST B: READY, BURN! Hello, we’re JUST B!

LIM JIMIN: I’m LIM JIMIN, the hot-bodied leader of JUST B.

GEONU: This is JUST B’s passionate man, GEONU.

Bain: I’m Bain, JUST B’s Main slayer.

JM: I’m JM, the brightest mind in JUST B.

DY: I’m DY, JUST B’s multiplayer.

SANGWOO: I’m SANGWOO, the most rock-solid guy in JUST B.

HKP: Congratulations on your incredible performances at KCON! Can you share some of your thoughts and emotions right before stepping onto the stage? Were there any particular nerves or excitement you experienced?

GEONU: At the LA KCON showcase, we performed our cover of BTS’s “Butter” and premiered the Acoustic English version of “Coming Home.” I was quite anxious, with half my mind on worry and the other half on excitement, thinking about whether our fans would enjoy the song, as it hadn’t been released at that time. When I feel nervous like that, I try to simplify my thoughts and boost my focus right before stepping on stage to help me relax.

Bain: I felt nervous before the pre-show because I was worried about not being able to display our skills on that enormous stage fully. However, once we stepped onto the stage, the crowd was all in, cheering us on until the end of our set, and it was a blast! Right before I hit the stage, I try to keep my head cool and my heart fiery.

HKP: Did you have any memorable interactions with fans during KCON? Are there any special moments you’d like to share?

JM: At our booth event at KCON LA, we got a chance to connect with our fans up close. Some fans were dressed in outfits similar to our stage outfits, which we really appreciated.

HKP [For LIM JIMIN]: Your dance skills are impressive, and fans look forward to your dance covers on TikTok. Can you share a bit about your dance background and what or who has inspired your dance style?

LIM JIMIN: When I was a kid, my first dance teacher had a big impact on me because that’s when I first started dancing. I really looked up to my teacher, and I think that’s where I got a lot of inspiration for my dance style.

HKP [For GEONU]: We’ve seen you take on acting roles alongside being an idol. Are you interested in exploring musical theater, and if so, what type of role would you want to play?

GEONU: I’m a big fan of movies and musicals in general. If the opportunity ever comes up, I’d love to try my hand at a musical! I’m up for any role and would try to fit in. But if I had to choose, I’d really enjoy playing a character with complex emotions and depth.

HKP [For Bain]: You’re known for your ability to speak four languages fluently. Does that influence your approach to singing? Is there a language you haven’t sung in yet that you want to?

Bain: When I sing in different languages, fans in each country like it and can understand the lyrics directly, which adds to the fun and enjoyment of singing and expressing myself. That’s why I constantly study languages alongside my singing. I have a lot of things I want to try, so it’s tough to pick just one. But one thing I definitely want to keep doing is singing in different languages.

HKP [For JM]: Fans are stunned by your duality. You excel at both hard-hitting concepts and softer, boy-crush concepts. In what ways is your real personality similar or different?

JM: I’m thankful that fans feel that way. I don’t believe I lean one way or the other. I think I’m a good blend of both.

HKP [For DY]: From producing, composing, and rapping – you are an all-rounder. Can you tell us more about your creative process? What comes first when you write a song – the music or the lyrics?

DY: When I write a song, the melody and lyrics usually come to me at the same time. I try to come up with a melody that goes with the lyrics, and then I revise the word count or melody afterward. In general, my inspiration for song material comes from a variety of things that are readily available in everyday life.

HKP [For SANGWOO]: As the youngest member of your group, you bring a unique power and energy to the team. How do you balance your various roles in the group? What do you believe best represents your musical personality or artistic vision?

SANGWOO: I believe my role in JUST B is to be a dynamic performer on stage. I feel like my straightforward personality resonates well with honest, straightforward music, and that’s why I’ve come to love honest music even more.

HKP: If you could be any other member in your group for one day, who would you pick and why?

LIM JIMIN: I’d love to be GEONU! Each member has a unique dance style, and I’d like to be GEONU for a day and dance with GEONU’s vibes.

GEONU: I’d like to be LIM JIMIN because I want to feel the weight of LIM JIMIN’s muscles.

Bain: I want to remain myself because I’m genuinely happy and content with who I am right now.

JM: I want to be LIM JIMIN! I’d like to feel what it’s like to pull off suits incredibly like LIM JIMIN does.

DY: I choose LIM JIMIN because I’d like to live with LIM JIMIN’s muscles one day.

SANGWOO: I’d like to be JM and showcase my excellent verbal skills.

HKP: What thing do you think you bring to the K-Pop music scene that is not already there?

DY: In the future, we hope to translate K-pop’s performance prowess and our commitment to honest, straightforward music into JUST B’s unique sound. We aim to convey a lot of emotion and empathy through our music while delivering an electrifying stage presence.

HKP: Out of all of JUST B’s songs, which one is your favorite, and why?

SANGWOO: While preparing for this comeback, I stumbled upon a new favorite JUST B song! It’s “Youth,” track 4 from JUST B’s recently released fourth mini album, NANUGI. JUST B’s member DY wrote and composed the song. It’s a song with a unique vibe that we haven’t explored before, so it holds a special place for me personally.

HKP: What does being a part of JUST B mean to you? How do you continue to inspire and motivate each other every day?

Bain: Being a member of JUST B gives me a strong sense of responsibility. We frequently discuss music and our future plans, and I draw a lot of ideas and inspiration from my fellow members.

GEONU: JUST B represents both my present and future life.

HKP: For the newer fans or people who do not know JUST B yet, what would you like to tell them about your group that you think is important?

LIM JIMIN: As a group, we are constantly striving for honesty and innovation. We’re confident that being a fan of JUST B will bring joy to your everyday life! Please have faith in us and show your love and support!

HKP: As you continue to gain international attention, what are your goals and aspirations for the future?

JM: We aim to bring our energy, great music, and performances to K-pop fans everywhere.

Bain: We aspire to become a beloved group across the globe.

HKP: Can you tease any upcoming projects or plans for JUST B? Are there any surprises in store for your fans?

GEONU: Surprises are at their best when they remain surprises, so we’ll keep the answer to this question under wraps. Stay tuned because we’re working on getting even closer to our fans with more performances coming your way!

HKP: Lastly, please share a message with your ONLY B reading this all around the world.

DY: Hello! ONLY B! We’ve made a comeback with the song “MEDUSA!” JUST B is committed to pushing our limits and taking on new challenges in the days ahead. Get ready to witness our growth through fantastic performances! We’re also bringing loads of fun to ONLY B, so please stay tuned and keep your eyes on us. ONLY B, we love you!

Connect with JUST B on X, X – Members, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Weverse.

Listen to their discography on Spotify.

*Special thanks to the members of JUST B and Bluedot Entertainment for this exclusive interview.