There’s a certain thrill that comes with watching something iconic take shape in real time — and for fans of Xdinary Heroes, that thrill feels like a full-on sonic wildfire.
Since their explosive debut under JYP Entertainment in late 2021, the six-member Korean rock band — made up of Gun-il, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han, and Jooyeon — has been redefining what it means to be a band in the K-pop sphere. Blending raw musicianship with alternative grit, theatrical concepts, and bold emotional storytelling, Xdinary Heroes have created a lane entirely their own. And with their first original English-language track, “FiRE (My Sweet Misery),” dropping today (July 7), they’re taking that vision global — and then some.
“Actually, I don’t think this song is something everyone can easily relate to,” drummer and band leader Gun-il tells Celeb Secrets in an exclusive Q&A. “When I was working on the lyrics, I approached them like a movie script, creating fictional characters. I hope you will enjoy this story, which depicts the ‘love’ of a character who cannot control his emotions and does not realize that he is crazy.”
In true XH fashion, “FiRE (My Sweet Misery)” is more than just a song — it’s a story, a state of mind, and a sonic experience all at once. From its 8-bit keyboard intro to its emotionally-charged chorus, the track is a genre-bending blend of alternative rock and modern pop, wrapped in the intensity of a love that hurts just as much as it heals.
Jooyeon, the group’s bassist and lead vocalist, was immediately struck by the lyric “cut me through.” “It seems to hold multiple meanings,” he explains. “That line really stood out to me.”
O.de adds that while the emotional core of the song doesn’t fully reflect his personal experience, he still found a powerful way to connect. “The love described in this song feels somewhat intense, and it doesn’t entirely align with my personal emotions,” he says. “So, instead of trying to empathize directly, I focus on immersing myself in the song as much as possible.”
That ability to channel fictional emotion into real, relatable art is one of the things that makes Xdinary Heroes so compelling — and so Gen Z. Their music is raw yet polished, theatrical yet authentic. It’s a blend of contradictions that works because of the deep trust and synergy between all six members.
“We have made the environment where everyone can freely propose any idea without worrying about what others think,” says Gun-il of their collaborative process. “I believe that this has led to fresh results every time.”
“We strive to create good works together by combining each other’s ideas,” guitarist Jun Han adds. “By accepting everyone’s ideas, we come up with a variety of melodies, which makes our music more colorful.”
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As if a new single wasn’t enough, Xdinary Heroes are also in the midst of their first full-scale world tour, performing for fans across Asia, North America, and beyond. And this August, they’ll make history as one of the few Korean rock bands to take the stage at Lollapalooza — a massive milestone for any artist, let alone a relatively new band.
“We are truly honored and proud to be part of this wonderful festival,” says Jungsu, whose electric energy on keys is a key part of the band’s sound. “We will make sure that the many people who come to the venue will remember who we are.”
“We’ll do our best to give a fresh shock to those who don’t know us yet,” adds Jooyeon, hinting at the kind of jaw-dropping performance that’s made their live shows a must-see for fans worldwide.
On top of that, the group has already sold out showcases in major U.S. cities like L.A. and New York — a feat that speaks volumes about their growing global fanbase, lovingly known as the Villains.
“Every moment is a strong memory,” says Gaon, reflecting on performing for international fans. “But I think the most surprising and fun part is when fans sing along to our Korean songs. I’m very grateful.”
“Seeing people from completely different cultures singing our songs with one heart is a scene I’ll never forget for the rest of my life,” says O.de. “It’s been a great source of strength.”
Between shows, the band is taking time to enjoy the little things — from sightseeing to, yes, snacking. “I’m going back to the U.S after a long time, and I want to try the foods and snacks I’ve been missing,” Gun-il laughs. Meanwhile, Gaon’s on the hunt for photo-worthy hotspots: “I enjoy visiting famous places in each region while on world tours.”
What continues to set Xdinary Heroes apart is their ability to blur the lines between genres and identities. As a full band in the K-pop industry — one that plays live instruments and writes their own music — they’ve carved a distinct identity rooted in self-expression and sonic experimentation.
“Rather than feeling responsible for a particular genre, we do our best to create music that is fun and enjoyable,” says Jungsu. “We approach every moment with the goal of creating music that is different from before.”
“The biggest challenge I face right now is running out of remarkable ideas,” Gaon admits candidly. “When that happens, I take a break and clear my head — and then ideas start flowing again.”
That openness and vulnerability is reflected in their on-stage personas, which are part of the group’s larger conceptual universe known as “♭form.”
“On stage, I try to bring my own bright energy to the audience,” Gaon explains. “If I enjoy myself, the audience will enjoy themselves too.”
“Personally, I’m a laid-back person who likes to have fun,” Jooyeon adds. “But when it comes to the stage and music, I feel the greatest joy and do my best to create good music.”
Even their take on being “heroes” has a humble twist.
“The kind of hero I aspire to be is similar to Spider-Man,” says O.de, smiling. “Someone who can be helpful in everyday life, rather than something grandiose.”
“We are all heroes,” adds Jun Han. “I just always respect and support every single person in the world.”
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With “FiRE (My Sweet Misery)” officially igniting a new chapter, Lollapalooza on the horizon, and a world tour in full swing, Xdinary Heroes are operating at full power — but they’re also dreaming bigger than ever.
“In the distant future, even when all of us are old and over 50, we want to get together, make silly jokes, enjoy music, and have fun playing in front of the Villains,” says O.de.
It’s that mix of ambition, humor, and heart that makes Xdinary Heroes more than just a band. They’re a reminder that with the right mindset — and maybe a few killer guitar solos — anyone can be a hero.
Listen to “FiRE (My Sweet Misery)” below and don’t forget to let us know what you think of the track by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
