With raw talent and unshakable charisma, Xdinary Heroes have carved their place on the global rock stage since day one. Formed under JYP Entertainment, the band—consisting of Gun-il, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han, and Jooyeon—burst onto the global music scene in 2021 with their debut single, “Happy Death Day,” which earned a spot at No.12 on Billboard’s World Digital Sales Chart. In 2022, they won the Mnet Asian Music Award (MAMA) for “Best Band Performance” and “Best New Male Artist.” Since then, the band has lived up to their name of Xdinary Heroes, an abbreviation of “Extra-ordinary Heroes.” Through the slogan, “anyone can become a hero,” listeners worldwide have embraced the band for their extraordinary music and fresh concepts.
Last year, the band met their U.S. fans, also known as Villains, for the first time through their Troubleshooting U.S. Showcase. This time, they’re back with a large-scale <Beautiful Mind> World Tour featuring more cities. Additionally, the band is set to perform at the renowned Lollapalooza, marking their U.S. festival debut. They will be joined by JYP labelmates TWICE and KickFlip, along with other Korean artists such as BOYNEXTDOOR, wave to earth, and the global girl group KATSEYE.
Xdinary Heroes show no signs of slowing down as they recently released their latest single, “FiRE (My Sweet Misery),” ahead of their upcoming international activities. The English track explores the idea that misery can sometimes have a hint of sweetness. Amid their busy schedule, the band sat down with Kpopconcerts.com to talk about their new release, their thoughts on performing at Lollapalooza, and their eagerly awaited world tour.
KPC: Congratulations on being a part of this year’s Lollapalooza lineup! How does it feel for this to be your first U.S. festival?
Jungsu: Just being able to perform at Lollapalooza, which has been the dream of many artists, makes me very excited and happy. With this heart full of anticipation, we’ll show who we are on stage as Xdinary Heroes.
O.de: It’s an honor for us to be at Lollapalooza, and more than anything, I’m very thankful that we have the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience, showcasing our style of music.
KPC: What could Lollapalooza attendees expect when watching your set for the first time?
Gaon: It would be wonderful if you could listen to how six instruments and six voices create harmony together. Please look forward to the powerful energy we bring to our performance.
O.de: The energy that makes you focus unconsciously.
Jun Han: I hope they expect the stage to make you feel alive! Please come and experience the festive energy.
KPC: You have just released your newest single, “FiRE (My Sweet Misery).” How would you describe the theme and inspiration behind this release?
Gun-il: “FiRE (My Sweet Misery)” started after we discussed with our team what it would be like to work on a love theme. After listening to the demo, I thought it felt powerful, which gave me the biggest inspiration for the lyrics. I thought I should write about love that’s a little more twisted than normal love. As I kept listening to the demo, I found the flow by jotting down words that matched the sound, and I remembered writing them from the perspective of someone crazy in love.
Jun Han: When we first started songwriting, I was a bit concerned that the track came out more intense than usual. We came to work thinking about what excites our fans and makes our performances fun, not just for them, but for us as Xdinary Heroes too.
KPC: What was this single’s creative process like compared to when you worked on <Beautiful Mind>?
Gun-il: Actually, we’ve started to write this track when we worked on <Beautiful Mind>, so there’s not that big of a difference compared to the previous one.
Jungsu: To be honest, we never intended to make the track more intense than <Beautiful Mind>, but I’m happy with how it came out. We just followed where the music led us and created something great.
KPC: We’ve recently heard of Jooyeon’s wonderful cover of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years,” celebrating 1,000 days with Villains. How does it feel to be meeting more Villains across a large-scale world tour this time?
Jooyeon: First of all, I’m always surprised, grateful, and touched that so many people recognize and like us even from such a distance! We’ll always try our best to convey our emotions through our music with gratitude. Also, we’re very confident because we’re always fully immersed in each moment, making the stage the best it can be!
KPC: How are you preparing for this tour? Any memorable moments you would like to share?
Jungsu: We’re looking forward to showcasing our performance to the world with a more mature stage presence than before. As we prepare for our world tour, one of our most anticipated events of the year, we’re working hard and constantly thinking about how we can give our best.
Gaon: This time we’re more excited than nervous about the world tour, so we want to have fun with our international Villains all around the world! We’re also preparing simple phrases in the local languages where we perform, and it’s cute to see our members try their best to pronounce them well.
KPC: Which of your songs are your favorite to perform live?
Jun Han: I prefer “Freakin’ Bad” because the catchy rhythm makes it fun and immersive.
Jooyeon: For me, “PLUTO” is my favorite. Every time we perform it, Villains join in during the final chorus with harmonies and ad-libs, which makes me feel incredibly proud and happy.
KPC: It has been nearly four years since your debut. What are some life lessons that you’ve learned through your journey as a band, whether it be through touring or navigating the music industry?
Gun-il: I think the relationship with people around us is the most important. Especially since band music isn’t something we can do alone, we’re constantly reminded that teamwork is essential.
Gaon: I learned that ‘steadiness’ is the most important. Although it’s difficult, growing through music and life requires steadiness.
KPC: This year is packed with album promotions, Lollapalooza, and a world tour. How do you wind down between a busy schedule?
O.de: We’re truly grateful to be doing so many amazing things, so first of all, thank you so much. I try to keep a bit of tension in my routine by going to the gym or practicing during my free time.
Jooyeon: I relax by playing games or watching dramas and movies in bed.
KPC: Lastly, what are some messages you would like to share with your fans?
Gun-il: Thank you for loving our music and us all the time. We’ll never take that love for granted and will work hard to reciprocate your love.
Jungsu: To all the Villains who love and support us — I love you so much. I’ll do my best to make this year filled with amazing performances and music.
Gaon: Villains! Xdinary Heroes is making our way out into the world now. It’s all thanks to your love and support that we’re able to create music. Thank you always, and we hope your day is filled with laughter!
O.de: I’ve been wondering how this year could be more fulfilling than the last, but so far, it’s been significant. I want to sincerely thank all the Villains who are always by our side — you’re the reason we keep making music. Thank you for pushing me forward and cheering me on!
Jun Han: Just as we receive so much energy from others, I hope Villains feel that same energy and live life to the fullest. Let’s do this!
Jooyeon: To all the Villains who await and believe in us — we’re doing our very best to become the best band in the world, one that will never disappoint you. One day, we’ll achieve that goal and make you feel like you’re soaring through the sky!
This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.