K-pop boy band WHIB debuts with big dreams in ‘Cut-Out’

Rookie boy band WHIB made an ambitious entry into the world of K-pop, aiming to follow the legacy of legendary K-pop boy bands.

“We have many different K-pop artists that we adore and have as our role models, and we also hope that WHIB will follow in the footsteps of BTS, Seventeen, Stray Kids and NCT,” member Jinbeom said during the band’s debut showcase held Wednesday in western Seoul, ahead of the release of its debut single “Cut-Out.”

The eight-member boy band WHIB — with Jayder, Haseung, Jinbeom, Ugeon, Leejeong, Jaeha, Inhong and Wonjun — is the first boy band to debut under Cjes Studio in 13 years, following the debut of JYJ back in 2010. The name of the boy band, WHIB, is a combination of the words white and black.

“Cut-Out,” just like how cut-out colored papers can create unique and colorful artwork, signifies the band’s desire to produce works in albums that best show the different colors of WHIB. The two tracks — “Bang!” and “Dizzy” — are there to prove that very point, as “Bang” is an alternative pop dance score with a rhythmic yet powerful tune, featuring minimalistic bass, while “Dizzy” is a song that showcases the band’s refreshing and upbeat aspect.

WHIB members were confident about the band’s debut, despite the attention and pressure the band received as Cjes Studios’ first boy band in 13 years.

“While we do feel pressures as we are finally making our debut, after a long trainee period under Cjes Studios, that also means that we’ve thoroughly prepared, and I think our confidence overcame the pressure,” Jinbeom said.

“Our primary goal is to do well in the future,” Haseung said. “But if we were to name our goal, we want to receive a Rookie of the Year Award.”

To find out more about WHIB, visit Celeb Confirmed! 

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]