Consisting of a K-pop cover dancer, Jin Gong, and music producer, Song Junho, the pair collectively known as 1.5반=Not Common Not Different(NCND) have always been involved in music, seeing relative success in their individual careers. The two joined forces in December, releasing their single “Different Places, Same Dream.” They talk about important topics such as LGBTQIA+ relationships and the Itaewon disaster. Their message is simple: to show the similarities between people and how “We are Not Common but Not Different.”

K-pop Bangsong had the opportunity to interact with the band’s main vocalist, Jin Gong, to talk about the formation of NCND, stand-out moments so far, and the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation through songs.

Hi, thank you for joining me today; if you don’t mind, could you please introduce yourself to our audience?

I’m Jin Gong, a vocalist and lyricist for the band 1.5반=Not Common Not Different(NCND) and a K-POP cover dancer.

So your name is 1.5반=Not Common Not Different(NCND). How did you come up with that name? And what does it mean?

1.5반(il-zzeom-o-ban)=Not Common Not Different(NCND) consists of a 1반(il-ban : heterosexual) member Song Jun Ho & a 2반(i-ban : queer) member Jin Gong. It uses the number 1.5, the arithmetic mean of 1 & 2. (Also, in South Korea, the word ‘이반’ (i-ban) can be used as an antonym of ‘일반’ (il-ban), which means common.)

How did you and your now bandmate Jun Ho meet?

We are both alumni of Seoul National University and participated in the MBC CAMPUS SONG FESTIVAL together. Here, the prototype of our song “Different Places, Same Dream” was made. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that we officially started working to release the song.

Do you or your bandmate have any interesting musical or success stories before you met and formed NCND?

I have planned a performance and danced at the Seoul Queer Culture Festival’s after-party, “PRIVATE BEACH”, for two years.

I still can’t forget my sense of accomplishment when the party was held at Floating Island in 2016. It was the largest queer culture festival after party held in Korea.

Song Jun Ho has released various songs not only through his personal work. But also through drama OSTs and works from another band. Please listen to the music he released as City Lala.

What is a typical song production process like for NCND?

I decide on the topic and genre, and Song Jun Ho creates the song. After that, I add lyrics to the song, record it, and he mixes and releases it.

You are very open about your sexuality in your songs and your messages describing NCND. How important do you feel it is to be open about your sexuality and portray that in your music?

I think some haters are verbally abusive because they believe we are invisible or don’t exist. So, I think it’s essential to make our presence known and showcase our stories.

With you identifying as homosexual and your bandmate, Jun Ho, identifying as heterosexual, how do you both find common ground in terms of songwriting and writing lyrics that relate to each of you? For example, your single “Different Places, Same Dream” features songs and a storyline pertaining to homosexuality. So, do the production process and idea input differ for the two of you based on your sexuality and experiences?

Many people listened to the song without knowing that the main character of the song was heterosexual. Most of my gay friends thought the song’s main character was gay and in love with a heterosexual man. I think that shows our songs can be applied in any situation. We are Not Common but Not Different!

Jun Ho and I are the same in that we both want to make good songs. He respects what I want to say, and I respect his musicality. It moves us.

What was the inspiration behind “Different Places, Same Dream?”

I believe true love is respecting the love of others. We made the song itself with the hope that things like corrective rape would not occur.

What was the inspiration behind your singles? And how do you feel that the artwork represents the messages you are trying to portray in both songs?

I learned a lot from comics and animation. In particular, “SAIYUKI” and “Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon” helped establish my perspective. It is important to walk my own path without being swayed by anyone’s words and not to try to profit through someone else’s sacrifice. I think it was helpful that I was able to experience various things when I was young thanks to the many people I met at P.B. Village, where people who also like “SAIYUKI” gathered.

As a duo, you’re still very new to the scene. What have been your stand-out moments so far?

We performed “Same Place, Different Dreams” at the GAY CULTURE FESTIVAL 2023 YAGANGAEJANG on our debut day.

‘YAGANGAEJANG’ means night opening in English. Its sponsoring company, GLOW SEOUL SPACE SOLUTIONS, has helped many gay people enjoy LGBTQIA+ culture and build community.

YAGANGAEJANG’s Open Mic MC Cha Se Vin is also a wonderful person who continues to support the queer community.

I was also happy to be able to sing a song to comfort the victims of the Itaewon disaster with the help of those affected and many other people.

Your song “Different Places, Same Dream” was covered by LIONESSES member DAMJUN on YouTube. What are your thoughts on the cover? And how did you first find out about it?

I met DAMJUN for the first time at KING CLUB after YAGANGAEJANG ended. He really liked our song and told us about his wonderful dream.

I was thrilled because I never thought someone would want to sing our song. DAMJUN confessed his secret through our song and posted an article that gave strength to other minorities. I respect him and hope he becomes happier.

Finally, we have just entered a new year. What can we expect from 1.5반(NCND) going forward?

We are preparing our second single. We filmed the “Different Places, Same Dream” music video, but it will take some time because I need to buy a MacBook to edit it. It’s so expensive!

And I plan to participate in many queer events this year. I have prepared a lot of topics, such as social class, secondary victimization, and HIV, and I want to create songs around them all.