Xdinary Heroes turns goodbyes into new beginnings on 'DEAD AND'

Members of K-rock band Xdinary Heroes pose during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in eastern Seoul's Seongdong District, Wednesday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

What does it mean to say goodbye? For Xdinary Heroes, a six-member band under JYP Entertainment, a goodbye is not the end of the story. It's where the story gets interesting.

That idea sits at the core of "DEAD AND," the band's eighth mini-album set for release Friday. The wordplay of the title doubles as a thesis — for the band, a dead end can still become a door to a new start.

"An end of a certain chapter may feel literally like a dead end," leader Gunil said during an interview with The Korea Times on Wednesday at a cafe in Seoul's Seongdong District. "But for us, the idea also signals a new beginning."

Rather than starting with that phrase, the band built its way toward it.

"We worked around the overarching theme of 'farewell,' and once the tracklist was finalized, we chose a title that fit," Gunil said.

Six-member rock band Xdinary Heroes / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

That theme finds its clearest expression in the album's lead single, "Voyager," selected through an internal vote. Musically, it balances the band's signature intensity with a more accessible structure.

"'Voyager' has a sound that fans who like our signature hard style will enjoy, but it also has a more accessible melody and mood," Gunil said. "It meets multiple needs at once, which gives it the power of a title track."

But it is the image behind the song that defines it. The track draws from the story of NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft as it drifts through the solar system, toward the moment when all contact is lost.

"When thinking about the theme, I was reminded of how a star's death leads to the birth of a new one," said Gaon, who has a personal interest in science. "Voyager 1 completing its mission and moving on to a new path felt like the perfect metaphor."

"It could be losing a beloved pet or going separate ways from a friend," Gunil added. "We wanted to create a song that could comfort people in those moments."

K-rock band Xdinary Heroes poses during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in eastern Seoul's Seongdong District, Wednesday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

From there, the album expands its scope. While "Voyager" holds the emotional center, the six B-sides — "Helium Balloon," "No Cool Kids Zone," "Hurt So Good," "Rise High Rise," "KTM" and "X Room" — move across genres while maintaining a cohesive flow.

"We made this album with festivals in mind, but also prepared a variety of genres that are easy for listeners to enjoy," guitarist Jun Han said. "We structured it so that it flows smoothly when listened to in order."

That range is not new for Xdinary Heroes, but here it feels more intentional. Over the past five years, the band has built a catalog that moves between intense hard rock and more accessible melodic introspection, from its explosive debut "Happy Death Day" (2021) to fan favorites like "Strawberry Cake" (2022) and the softer "Good Enough" (2023).

"The balance between artistry and popularity is something every musician thinks hard about," said bassist Jooyeon. "I think our journey is about finding our own answer to that."

From left, Xdinary Heroes members Jungsu, Jun Han, O.de, Gaon, Gunil and Jooyeon pose during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in eastern Seoul's Seongdong District, Wednesday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

Part of what makes that search possible is the band's structure. Formed under JYP Entertainment's Studio J alongside label senior DAY6, Xdinary Heroes operates as a self-producing unit in which every member plays an instrument.

"Each member has different strengths and preferences," Jooyeon said. "When we express those individual charms through music, it naturally creates a distinct sound that's uniquely ours."

Listening to the lead track, Gaon pointed to an unexpected reference.

"I was reminded of Kurt Cobain," he said, noting how the Nirvana front man's legacy continues to inspire. "Something that feels like an ending to one person can be the beginning of hope for someone else."

It is a reflection that reframes the album's theme, not just as a personal experience, but as something that echoes across generations. That same perspective extends to how the group understands its own name and identity.

"When I was younger, I wanted to be a flashy, standout hero," said keyboardist Jungsu. "But after releasing albums and continuing our activities, my perspective changed. This album conveys the message that everyone is a hero."

Gunil put it plainly, saying, "Being a hero isn't about being seen by others, but about believing that what you're doing is meaningful and right."

Rock band Xdinary Heroes / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

For a band that believes endings can point forward, it is a fitting place to leave things.

"I hope people who are going through any kind of farewell or separation listen to 'Voyager,'" Gaon concluded.