K-pop’s rising stars, JUSTB, are making a comeback. After wrapping their dynamic JUST ODD tour, which took their high-octane performances across the U.S. and South America, the six-member group is hitting us with their new digital single, “Too Late.”
This isn’t your average comeback. The group, composed of Lim Jimin, Geonu, Bain, SIWOO, DY, and Sangwoo, has consistently proven their artistry, and the buzz is real. Their hard work has been recognised with back-to-back Blooming Star Awards at the Hanteo Music Awards in 2023 and 2024, proving they’re not just here to play—they’re here to win.
I had the awesome opportunity to catch up with them to talk all things “Too Late.” And, if you remember, I had the pleasure to chat with BAIN about his coming out journey.
The full interview with the group is available in both written form and a video, so you can choose your vibe. Plus, we had the members face off in a chaotic-yet-hilarious game of “Guess Who” for a video-only exclusive that’s guaranteed to live rent-free in your head.
Davide: Hi, guys! It’s so nice to meet you all. Before we dive into your new music, can you please introduce yourselves one by one and share something funny or unexpected
about yourselves? It’s a great way for ONLYB and me to get to know you better!
LIMJIMIN: Hi I’m LIMJIMIN and I went to work out today.
DY: HI I’m DY.
SIWOO: Hi I’m SIWOO.
BAIN: Hi, nice to meet you, I’m BAIN. The unexpected news about JUSTB is that we’ve made a comeback with a new digital single.
SANGWOO: Hi, I’m SANGWOO.
Davide: Congratulations on the US and South American tour! Now that it’s concluded,
how was the entire experience, and what was your favourite memory from being on the
road?
LIMJIMIN: I’m really happy because I had such a special experience that not everyone
can have. I really want to go on tour again soon. The best memory for me was being
able to experience different cultures in each city.
Davide: BAIN, during our last interview, you were so brave and shared your coming-out
journey. Thank you for trusting me and sharing your story with me and with ONLYB. I was so touched and proud to see you take the stage in LA and tell the world your story. How are you feeling since the last time we spoke?
And for the rest of the members, how did you feel watching BAIN share his story
with the fans?
BAIN: After coming out, I did interviews with Davide K-POP and many others. They
asked me about my feelings and behind-the-scenes stories, which I appreciated. I was
truly happy, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the members.
GEONU: It must have taken a lot of courage. I’m sure you went through long periods
of worry and stress on your own, but you had the courage to speak up, and I really
respect that. I’m grateful for the positive impact and good energy your action brings.
Davide: Let’s talk about your new digital single, “Too Late.” It’s a powerful and
emotional track, and I know that Geonu, Bain, and DY all contributed to the English lyrics. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and the story you wanted to tell with it?
DY: While on our U.S. tour, I really wanted to change my solo song, so I quickly wrote
this one. But when I listened to it, I realized it fit much better with all six members’
voices instead of just mine. It’s a simple song with repetitive lyrics, and rather than
carrying a deep meaning, I wrote it hoping that many people would simply enjoy it.
Davide: The song’s title, “Too Late,” is so evocative. Is there a message you hope
listeners take away from it? What do you want them to feel when they listen?
DY: I hope listeners will just think, “This song is good.” Everyone experiences
breakups—whether with a lover, a situation, or a place—so I’d like people to listen to
it while recalling those bittersweet feelings.
SANGWOO: Since it’s a high-energy track, I really want to perform it on stage soon. I
hope you’ll enjoy it when we perform it live. Like Do-yeom said, it’s easy to memorize
and sing along to, so it should be fun.
Bain: The lyrics are sad, but the song itself is upbeat, so I hope you can feel both
sides of that charm.
Davide: What are some artists that inspire you right now? Is there anyone in particular
you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
SANGWOO: Of course it would be great to collaborate with artists we’ve admired, but
personally, I’d love to create something new with up-and-coming rookie artists rather
than those who are already at the top.
BAIN: For me, it’s Charli XCX! I recently went to her concert, and it was amazing.
Someday I really want to collaborate with her. I truly love her.
Davide: DY, Geonu and Bain, since you all wrote lyrics for this song, are there any other
artists you’d like to write for in the future? Do you have a specific genre or artist in mind?
DY: Honestly, anyone would be fine. Whether they like my songs or not, as long as
they have a different voice from JUSTB, I’d love to work together if given the chance.
GEONU: Right now, I’m fully focused on JUSTB. I believe if we keep working on
improving ourselves, the right opportunities will come naturally.
Davide: With busy schedules, what do you each like to do in your spare time to relax
and recharge? Have any of your hobbies or interests changed since you last spoke?
LIMJIMIN: I like going to cafés alone, and when I have time, I go for late-night runs.
SANGWOO: After a long day, when Jimin is asleep, my only little pleasure is eating
fried chicken loudly.
Davide: We’ve seen so many idols exploring different creative avenues. Besides music,
is there anything else you’d love to try—like acting, modelling, or directing?
DY: This question makes me feel a little bittersweet, because as idols we want to
always show our best, but sometimes when that doesn’t work out, people end up
taking a different path. Still, I think it’s positive that many idols nowadays are showing
their unique talents and gaining confidence. I hope more people gain that confidence
and freely pursue their dreams and abilities.
LIMJIMIN: There’s nothing set in stone, but I plan to try various things.
SANGWOO: I want to stay with the members of JUSTB for as long as possible.
BAIN: I’ve mentioned it before, but if I get the chance, I’d love to try acting. I want to
take on all kinds of dramas and unique characters.
Davide: Can you give us a small spoiler about what we can expect next from JUSTB?
Any hints about future projects or music?
DY: We always show new sides of ourselves, but at the same time, JUSTB is a team
that feels familiar and comforting too. We’ll continue to present different paths and
music, and surprise you with things that make you say, “They’re showing this side
too?” or “They can do that as well?” We’ll keep proving our potential and versatility.
We’re an incredible team, so please look forward to us.
Davide: Lastly, do you have a special message you’d like to share with your fans,
ONLYB, who have been with you every step of the way?
GEONU: We’ve already reached our 4th anniversary together. I’m always thankful,
and we love you. Thank you so much for always giving us your support and love.
Davide: Thank you so much, JUSTB! It was a pleasure to chat with you, and
congratulations on this amazing new release. I can’t wait to see what you do next!
DAVIDE K-POP 