INTERVIEW Croatia's Jelusick joins forces with rock icon YB for epic 'Odyssey' project

Croatian band Jelusick / Courtesy of Jelusick

By Pyo Kyung-min

• Published Aug 20, 2025 12:00 PM KST

When it comes to rock diplomacy, few pairings feel as unexpected and as electric as this one.

Croatia's hard rock outfit Jelusick, fronted by powerhouse vocalist and keyboardist Dino Jelusick, has teamed up with Korea's legendary rock band YB, led by singer-songwriter Yoon Do-hyun, for a groundbreaking cross-cultural project.

Formed in 2022, Jelusick is a four-piece band known for straddling rock, metal, funk and acoustic blues with equal ease. The band's debut album, "Follow the Blind Man," dropped in September 2023, and a follow-up album is slated for release on Sept. 19.

Now, the rising European band is setting its sights on Korea.

Its ongoing collaboration with YB, titled the "YB x Jelusick ODYSSEY Project," is more than just a concert series. Backed locally by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the initiative spans six shows across both countries and aims to spark broader cultural exchange through music, tourism and media.

Confirmed stops include a recently concluded performance in Jeonju and Seoul, followed by Croatian dates at Spancirfest in Varazdin on Saturday and Valpovo on Aug. 31.

Defying the age gap between the bands, their shared musical sensibilities created an immediate chemistry. For YB, whose storied career began in 1996 under the name Yoon Do-hyun Band, the partnership is both a milestone and a new frontier. For Jelusick, it marks their first official collaboration with a Korean band — one that could open doors in the Korean music market and beyond.

"Without Yoon Do-hyun, this wouldn't have happened," Dino said during an interview with The Korea Times Monday at the Croatian National Tourist Board in central Seoul. "The door has just opened for us to introduce each other's music to both countries."

Mutual respect across genres

The idea, the band explained, was rooted in mutual admiration and the desire to expand musical horizons.

"We thought it would be great to bring YB's music to Croatia," Dino said. "Our market can be tough to break into, but we believe this collaboration will attract people. It's the first time a Croatian band has partnered with a Korean band, which makes this an unprecedented example of international musical exchange."

Korea, Dino noted, has already cemented its place in the global music market.

"So many international artists already perform here," he said. "But relatively fewer come to Croatia. This collaboration brings together a globally recognized music market and one with great but lesser-known potential. It's a chance for fans to discover both."

Dino said he first encountered YB through their February release, "Daydream," which revealed a surprising metal edge.

"We knew they were already an immensely popular pop-rock band in Korea," he recalled. "But when you listen to Yoon Do-hyun's growling and the heavier sounds he now pursues, it feels as if he's been doing metal his whole life. Mastering even one genre is difficult, but he manages to cover them all, which is iconic."

Having shared stages with legendary acts like Whitesnake, Dino is no stranger to world-class musicians. However, he described Yoon as something unique.

"Listening to his voice and talking about the music he pursues, I realized how open-minded he is, and that's really rare. Few artists are so deeply interested in music itself and excel across multiple genres. So sitting with him, you feel like you're witnessing something important."

Two bands, one vision

Both groups, according to the Jelusick front man, share a wide musical range, making them "natural partners."

"We're a balanced band, and so are they," Dino said. "Together we can create a great blend, from softer songs to heavier ones. We'll attract fans across genres."

That versatility has already impressed audiences. At the Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival (JUMF) earlier this month, Jelusick was struck by the Korean crowd's passion and their love for live music.

"The audience was jumping, dancing and completely losing themselves in the music. We were so grateful," Dino recalled. "Korean audiences feel hungry for music. Croatian fans are similar, though they know the lyrics, which creates a different kind of connection. But the intensity of the response is the same, and that's amazing."

With the ongoing "ODYSSEY" collaboration, the Croatian band hinted that a live album may be underway to match the energy of Korean rock audiences.

"We've already swapped songs and performed each other's music at JUMF, so we have some ideas," Dino revealed with a knowing smile. "Nothing is confirmed yet, but it would be great if a joint album came out in the future."

As honorary ambassadors supported by cultural institutions from both nations, the band is aware of the larger responsibility.

"Of course, we feel immense responsibility," Dino said. "We want people to truly experience Croatian music. Please prepare yourselves, listen to our songs, and if you like them, come to our shows. And also do continue to support YB, including their new music."

Looking to the months ahead, Jelusick expressed a simple wish.

"We hope to perform more shows in Korea, hopefully in winter. We love our Korean fans," he said, before adding "Saranghaeyo," which is Korean for "I love you."