The powerful and passionate six-member K-pop group JUSTB has returned to the spotlight, marking a bold new direction with the release of their 5th Mini Album, SNOW ANGEL.
Lim Jimin, Geonu, Bain, SIWOO, DY, and Sangwoo are ready to take listeners on an emotional journey where warmth meets cold, and refined K-pop emotions collide with the innovative sounds of hyperpop. Excited to dive into the creative heart of this ambitious new EP to understand how the group embraced this daring sonic experiment.
Since their explosive debut in June 2021 with Just Burn and the single “Damage,” JUSTB has cemented its identity through compelling music and active participation in their artistry. The members brought significant individual experience—from DY’s victory on Under Nineteen to Lim Jimin’s appearance on The Fan, and the contributions of Geonu and SIWOO on I-LAND—all of which built a foundation for a group defined by both skill and intensity. Over their journey, through EPs like ‘=(Neun)’ and ‘÷ (Nanugi)’, they’ve consistently shown their growth, with members like DY frequently contributing to composition and Geonu stepping up in creative coordination. Their commitment to expressing sincere emotion through complex music is precisely why we were eager to reconnect with them. We last spoke with the group during the promotion of their impactful digital single “Too Late,” and it’s thrilling to witness how their musical perspective has evolved since then.
The new album, SNOW ANGEL, is not just another release; it’s a mission to break the conventional formulas of K-pop. Overseen by Executive Producer O.Kwon and produced by Creative Labs ‘808hertz®’, the EP is a sophisticated fusion of K-pop’s lyrical depth with the digital, distorted chaos of hyperpop. The album, which features the fierce and introspective title track “TRUE HEART,” finds its meaning in the boundary between the human and the digital, telling a story where complex emotions are laid bare. With key creative input from member GEONU in guiding the songwriting process, and DY’s essential contributions, SNOW ANGEL is a true reflection of JUSTB’s evolving identity as self-producing artists.
Join us as we talk to JUSTB about the making of their 5th Mini Album, the meaning behind their captivating new sound, and the “TRUE HEART” that drives their music forward. But first, here a special message from JUSTB themselves for all the ONLYB out there!
*Please stay also tuned for the video interview coming very soon!*
Davide: Hi, JUSTB! It’s so great to see you all again. Before we dive into your new album, how are you all doing today? And for any who might not know you yet, can you please introduce yourselves one by one?
[JUSTB] Hello, We are JUSTB!
[LIMJIMIN] Hi, I’m JIMIN!
[GEONU] I’m GEONU.
[Bain] Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Bain.
[SIWOO] I’m SIWOO.
[DY] I’m DY.
[SANGWOO] Hi, my name is SANGWOO
Davide: Congratulations on your 5th Mini Album, [SNOW ANGEL]! The main concept is about “melting snow and burning hearts.” Can you explain what this theme means? What feelings do you want to share with ONLYB through this album?
[GEONU] Thank you, Davide. With this album, we wanted to reinterpret the aesthetics of hyperpop—where chaos turns into beauty—through the emotional lens of K-pop. Beyond that, we also wanted to deliver JUSTB’s determination to stay true to our “genuine hearts,” no matter the circumstances.
Davide: The music on this album is a mix of K-pop emotion and the new sound, hyperpop, as you just mentioned Geonu. How did you feel about trying this new style? What part of the hyperpop sound excited you the most?
[LIMJIMIN] It was quite different from the genres we’ve shown so far, so deciding to take on hyperpop wasn’t easy. But once we tried it, I found it fascinating how the sound makes it impossible to stay still—it’s full of infectious energy.
Davide: DY, you wrote the Korean rap for the pre-release single “GOING SOUTH” and are credited on other songs. After writing English lyrics for “Too Late,” did you feel any pressure or new freedom when creating the rap parts for the unique sound of [SNOW ANGEL]?
[DY] Since I was working on lyrics over a sound that felt very different from our previous songs, I actually wanted to experiment with new words and flows to create a fresh feeling. Even though it was a challenge to make Korean lyrics blend naturally with an English-based track, I think it turned out really well in the end.
Davide: Geonu, you had a very big role in making this album, working closely with the writers. What did you learn about your own musical style by being so involved in the whole process?
[GEONU] While working on this album, I realized something new about myself: I tend to prefer melodies that feel familiar rather than experimental, but when it comes to tracks, I’m more drawn to new and unconventional sounds.
Davide: The title song, “TRUE HEART,” is about holding on to your beliefs and “sincerity” even when things are difficult. Can each of you share one goal or belief—your ‘True Heart’—that you promise yourselves to always keep?
[SIWOO] Since I was a child, I have always felt that I should not show off or be proud of myself. I want to never forget that feeling and enjoy life with all my heart.
[GEONU] I always tried to push myself hard to keep genuine feelings and energy with the circumstances or the environment that’s I’ve just been through into, that’s my true heart.
[DY] I don’t think there’s just one thing I can point to. I’m the type of person whose values and thoughts are constantly changing. When I was younger, I tried to live by the idea of always stay humble, but now I don’t think I can define myself by just one belief
[SANGWOO] Let’s enjoy delicious food.
[LIMJIMIN] Even if I’m tired, don’t neglect my exercise
[Bain] These days, JUSTB perfectly represents myself.
music video coming soon
Davide: What can you tell us about the music video for “TRUE HEART“? What’s the storytelling behind it?
[LIMJIMIN] It tells the story of JUSTB trying to protect a mysterious bag, no matter what it takes.
Davide: “SWEATER” is a track about missing the warmth of a past love. Does this song connect with the album’s main idea of warmth meeting cold? What is your favourite lyric or moment in the song?
[LIMJIMIN] My favorite part is my own line: “I wish we could stand together Just you and me and no one I’ll treat you better”. It captures the feeling of love so well, and that’s why I really like it.
[SIWOO] SWEATER is a song that feels warm even in regret. I think it goes well with the theme of the harmony of coldness and warmth in the album. Among the lyrics, I like the part “You and me” the most.
Davide: If you need to recommend a song from the album, for first time listener, what would that be and why?
[SANGWOO] It’s good to listen to only one specific song, but I recommend you listen to the whole album!
[GEONU] I’d like to pick SNOW ANGEL. Although TRUE HEART is the title track, SNOW ANGEL has this tickling, tough sound — really, really cool melody with cool dynamics.
It’s really good to listen to with your headphones or earphones. It’s really good.
Davide: This album had so many members involved in key roles: Geonu as A&R, DY as a Composer, Bain as a Visual Director, and Geonu, Sangwoo, and Lim Jimin on Choreography. How did you channel your creative process to deliver this new era for JUSTB? Did you have a specific inspiration during the creative process? And what was the biggest challenge?
[DY] I think I was able to expand my own creative field through this album. Until now, I mainly worked as a lyricist and composer, but this time I personally recorded all six songs and even did the tuning work myself.
That process helped me gain a deeper understanding and a broader perspective on sound. After [SNOW ANGEL], I hope to continue creating music that feels even more diverse and refreshing.
[GEONU] The creative direction and overall work on the album was great at 808hertz, so every start was possible. Among the parts that our members participated in, SANGWOO and JIMIN played a really big role, especially in the choreography, like, SANGWOO did almost all of the TRUE HEART choreography, and JIMIN did the dance break part of TRUE HEART. And I had a little help too, which came out really cool. Other choreography, we’re still working on. We can say that with good production and our hard work, it became the best quality.
I think it’s a really, really nice album, so I hope a lot of people enjoy and like it. It’s kind of hyperpop — pop between something else.
Davide: How do you compare [SNOW ANGEL] to your previous albums?
[Bain] Our past albums mainly focused on the image we wanted to show, but [SNOW ANGEL] captures who we truly are right now. It’s much more honest emotionally and more delicate in expression. This time, instead of showing strength on the outside, we wanted to reveal the vulnerability and uncertainty that were hidden within. That’s why I see this album as both a proof of our growth and the moment we were reborn as the true JUSTB.
Davide: In our last talk, we talked about what you do to relax. With the busy schedule for this comeback, have you picked up any new hobbies to help you recharge?
[LIMJIMIN] I haven’t picked up any new hobbies, but I still find healing through working out and taking walks.
[GEONU] I also like walking. I like biking, too — the weather is kind of chill.
And we have like technical exercises — like, JIMIN focuses on power and muscle, and I do more of that too. SANGWOO does like running, too, so… We try to keep our health and balance.
Davide: Since your music has a very digital, unique sound on this album, I’m curious: Do any of you like to play video games? If so, what game are you playing right now, and who in the group is the best (or worst!) at it?
[SIWOO] I’ve been playing Roblox a lot with SANGWOO these days. I’m the best at games. I think Bain is the worst at games.
[Bain] I think we are not the type of people who enjoy playing video games except SANGWOO and SIWOO.
Davide: You are having the [SNOW ANGEL] US Listening Party Tour! What are you most excited to do or see during the tour? What kind of special experience are you preparing for ONLYB at these parties?
[GEONU] What I’m most excited about is that people will be able to experience the sound and energy of [SNOW ANGEL] together with JUSTB in the same space. You might even get to see a special performance from us—so we hope many people will come and enjoy it.
Davide: Your fans in Europe, including here in London, are sending you so much love and asking: Do you have any plans to come to Europe for a tour or a fan event soon? I know Bain and Geonu were recently in Europe. How was that experience?
[Bain] I’m really grateful that I had the chance to feel the love from our European fans in person. The atmosphere on the streets and the way people expressed their emotions so freely were truly inspiring.
I definitely want to go back as JUSTB for a concert or fan event. Although nothing is set yet, I hope we can create a moment to share the emotions of this album directly with our local fans.
The tour I did with GEONU wasn’t just a trip—it was an experience that deeply inspired me and will influence my future work as well.
[GEONU] When Bain and I went on a small European tour recently, I felt an incredible sense of energy and vision there. I was quite busy with work at the time, but I kept thinking how amazing it would be if all the members could experience it together. I really hope we can go back soon for a full tour with the whole group.
Davide: Before we finish, what is the most important message you want to share with your loyal fans, ONLYB, as they listen to your new album, [SNOW ANGEL]?
[Bain] The message we want to deliver through this album is, “Your winter is beautiful too.” Everyone goes through cold and lonely moments, but we believe there’s always a light that belongs only to you.
[SNOW ANGEL] carries a message of comfort and companionship through those feelings. I hope that as fans listen, they can feel, “My emotions are okay too—this cold will eventually melt.” In the end, I think this album is a warm temperature that JUSTB is offering to ONLYB.
[GEONU] I just wanna say one last thing. This album was able to come out thanks to ONLYB through ANGEL funding. This album means a lot to us and ONLYB. I hope we get good energy through this album.
Davide: Thank you so much, JUSTB! It was a pleasure to talk with you. Congratulations again on this amazing new music!
*Please stay also tuned for the video interview coming very soon!*
DAVIDE K-POP 