Xdinary Heroes are known for shining their unique light on the Korean music industry as JYP’s hugely successful 4th generation K-rock band. From their passionate performances to each of their multi-talented members, Xdinary Heroes have the complete package of an explosive and unstoppable band.
Grab your notebooks and pens because class is in session; welcome to POP TOKKI 101: A Guide to Xdinary Heroes!
Background
Xdinary Heroes is a rock band under STUDIO J, a sub-label of JYP Entertainment. They debuted on Dec. 6, 2021, with their debut single “Happy Death Day.” The band consists of six members, each whom play a different instrument: Gunil (drums), Jungsu (keyboard), Gaon (electric guitar), O.de (synthesizer), Jun Han (electric guitar) and Jooyeon (bass guitar).
The band’s name means “extraordinary heroes,” representing how anyone can be a hero. Their group concept conveys the message that whilst they are simply ordinary people, their passion for music makes them unique, and allows them to become heroes. Linked to their concept, they have a long-developed lore involving a world called ♭form. It explores the group of Heroes (the members) between two distinct realities: the Real World and the virtual realm of ♭form: a place “where sound is turned into music”. The lore is centered around ordinary people finding their inner hero through music.
Members
Gunil
Birth Name: Goo Gun-il (구건일)
Position: Leader, Drummer
Birthday: July 24, 1998
Nationality: Korean
Fun Facts:
He moved to the United States with his parents when he was in sixth grade.
He started playing drums when he was 15 and later became a drum scholar from Berklee College of Music.
His favorite band as a kid was MUSE, whereas now his favorite artist is HONNE.
Jungsu
Birth Name: Kim Jung-su (김정수)
Position: Keyboardist, Main Vocalist
Birthday: June 26, 2001
Nationality: Korean
Fun Facts:
He learned to play the piano between the ages of 7 and 11.
It was initially his dream to become a pianist; however, he changed his mind after watching Dream High, wanting to become a singer instead.
He joined JYP with the intention of joining an idol group rather than a rock band.
Gaon
Birth Name: Kwak Ji-seok (곽지석)
Position: Rhythm Guitarist, Rapper, Vocalist
Birthday: Jan. 14, 2002
Nationality: Korean
Fun Facts:
Prior to joining the band, he was subscribed to Gunil’s YouTube channel, so when he found out he was joining the band, he was starstruck.
His favorite band is the American punk-rock band Green Day.
He was an MC for Show Champion from Feb. 2024 to March 2025.
O.de
Birth Name: Oh Seung-min (오승민)
Position: Synthesizer, Rapper, Vocalist
Birthday: June 11, 2002
Nationality: Korean
Fun Facts:
He became a JYP trainee in 2018, initially with the aim of becoming an idol.
His favorite groups are Stray Kids and DAY6.
On Dec. 16, 2022, he rapped on the cover of “U-GO-GIRL” by ITZY’s Yuna.
Jun Han
Birth Name: Han Hyeong-jun (한형준)
Position: Lead Guitarist
Birthday: Aug. 18, 2002
Nationality: Korean
Fun Facts:
Before debuting, he wanted to work behind the scenes of the stage rather be a performer himself.
When he joined JYP Entertainment, the other members were already practising as a band.
His favorite band is the British alt-rock band Wolf Alice.
Jooyeon
Birth Name: Lee Joo-yeon (이주연)
Position: Maknae, Bassist, Main Vocalist, Visual
Birthday: Sep. 12, 2002
Nationality: Korean
Fun Facts:
He originally played the guitar; however, after passing the JYP audition and receiving an offer from JYP to play the bass, he immediately started learning.
His favorite artists are Imagine Dragons and 5SOS.
As the loud youngest member, his nickname is “The Troublemaker”.
Music Recommendations
“Strawberry Cake”
Released on July 20, 2022, on the band’s debut mini-album ‘Hello, World,’ “Strawberry Cake” is a high-energy pop-rock track. It has a dark and mysterious vibe with a strong intensity building throughout. There is an experimental sound quality to the track, featuring a mixture of rhythms, ranging from pounding builds to lazy grooves. This song is a pinnacle representation of Xdinary Heroes’ distinctive qualities in its truest form. It also rocketed the band to the forefront of people’s attention within the industry, strongly establishing them as a group to watch early on within their career.
“FIRE (My Sweet Misery)”
Released on their latest full-length album ‘LXVE to DEATH’ in October 2025, “FIRE (My Sweet Misery)” is a brilliant example of how the band’s sound has grown across their career, whilst staying true to their core sound and values. It is a heavy rock track that leans enthusiastically into its metal and 2000s rock influences. The lyrics explore a twisted vision of love, whilst the music creates an angst-filled intensity with an electronic and synth-heavy orchestration. It has a rapid and chaotic energy that blends its mixture of influences and instruments perfectly. The track solidifies the band as an ever-developing musical force within the industry.
“Good enough”
“Good enough” is a beautiful highlight within Xdinary Heroes’ B-side catalogue, from their 2023 album ‘Livelock.’ It is a captivating and emotional rock ballad that shows a completely different side to the band’s artistry. The song is extremely poignant, exploring themes of unrequited love and emotional distance. It truly showcases the members’ ability to blend intense storytelling with their signature rock sound. With such a rich and layered orchestration, alongside its relatable and heart-wrenching lyrical themes, it is a real masterpiece. This track is truly a must-listen when diving into Xdinary Heroes’ rich and diverse discography.
Content to Check Out
Rock The World (Xdinary Heroes’ Variety Show)
Xdinary Heroes’ variety show, Rock The World, began on June 9, 2022, and is released weekly via the group’s official YouTube account when in season. The show stays true to K-pop idol tradition, with the members participating in various games and activities, resulting in much hilarity and chaos. All three seasons can be binge-watched on YouTube, so get your blanket and snacks ready for a cozy afternoon’s viewing!
Xdinary Days (Xdinary Heroes’ Vlog Series)
In 2022, the band started releasing vlog videos, letting fans into their time behind the scenes. Their vlogs follow the six members on their concert travels, as well as individuals or pairings on more everyday adventures and food dates. You can check out all the vlogs on their Xdinary Days playlist on their official YouTube channel.
Xdinary Heroes’ Cover Performances
Throughout their career thus far, the band has garnered a lot of international and widespread attention from releasing many incredible cover performances. Their covers have included Nothing But Thieves’ “Impossible”, My Chemical Romance’s “Welcome To The Black Parade”, i-dle’s “TOMBOY”, DAY6’s “Zombie” and Stray Kids’ “Hellevator”.
Fun Facts
- All of the members are a key part of the composition and production of all the band’s music.
- The band’s official greeting is “1, 2, 3 we are all heroes! Hello, this is Xdinary Heroes.”
- Their fans are called “Villains.” This represents how heroes and villains are fiercely connected; neither can live without the other.
- Their official light stick is nickname the “Flatbong” or “♭ong” (a play on the musical symbol for a flat). This ties into their lore of the “♭form” realm.
- On Sep. 27, 2025, the band opened for British rock band MUSE at their MUSE LIVE IN KOREA concert at Incheon Munhak Stadium.
