In a pre-release to their album ‘Cover Open’ 90’s K-rock band YB Band collaborate with JYP Nation’s Xdinary Heroes in a mammoth K-band x K-rock alliance.

While it’s very rare in the world of Korean music, you get a collaboration between a K-rock and an act from a Big 3 entertainment company. The connection is much stronger than you may think.

Beginning with Seo Taiji, metal band Sinawe frontman turned K-pop founder of Seo Taiji and Boys, the connection between K-pop and Korean band music has strengthened over the years with the introduction of shows such as Superband K and Great Seoul Invasion have seen a large number of collaboration and relationships between of K-rock and K-band musicians leading to a new surge in both genres and the popularity of Korean bands internationally.

Among the two genres, both Xdinary Heroes and YB Band are two of the biggest bands within their fields, with YB, a well travelled 30-year veteran group, and Xdinary Heroes JYP Nations’ second-ever K-band who themselves have seen major international success, selling out tours worldwide and performing on major stages making the twos first collaboration a welcomed surprise.

Titled “Rebellion”, it would usually be a surprise to see a group connected with the K-pop world on an indie political track. However, with all of the articles connecting K-pop to the political protests surrounding the impeachment and martial law at the end of 2024, “Rebellion” comes as a continuation of K-pop’s role in pop culture and everyday life.

With two contrasting styles, the song starts out strong with the heavy instrumental and screamo vocals of YB frontman Yoon Do Hyun, whose piercing lyrics are complemented by the strong vocals of Xdinary Heroes, providing a strong and empowering message of resistance and self-empowerment.

While clearly not screamo musicians, Xdinary Heroes role in Rebellion provides a refreshing change in the song and perfectly elevates the vocals of Yoon Do Hyun. Looking to switch towards a more “hybrid metal genre”, according to label D Company, the song does a perfect job at providing an experimental sound and showing a new side of YB Band with a J-rock-esque style. The song somewhat lacks the originality that you usually can expect from YB Band.

Overall, while the song is just ok, the significance lies in the connection between both Xdinary Heroes and K-bands to the Korean rock world. While DAY6 and many other K-bands have pathed their way through performing at small events, the group have been given opportunities often afforded to K-pop megastars.

“Rebellion” proves that the band have the skills to perform alongside any of Korea’s musicians. While simultaneously proving once again the incredible talent and ability of YB Band and the K-rock industry as a whole. Let’s hope that the song is the start of marketing and the much-needed push that the genre deserves.

What are your thoughts on “Rebellion”? What K-rock x K-band collaborations would you like to see in the future? Let us know on Social Media via Instagram and X or in the comments below.

In the meantime, watch the official music video below.