From jokes that turned into songs to dreams of international festivals, this quartet blends talent and ambition to carve out their place on the global stage
With contagious energy and an authentic spirit, Men And Them is paving their way in the Korean music scene and beyond. Comprised of Marcus, Juho, Junyoung, and Suho, the quartet combines global influences and personal stories to create a unique and captivating sound. Despite K-pop’s dominance in their home country, they remain steadfast in their mission to prove that rock still has room to grow and move new audiences.
In this exclusive interview with Entretê, the band members share insights into their origins, the creative process behind songs like Desire (2024), and the thrill of seeing their music reach fans on the other side of the world. From inside jokes that became a band name to dreams of performing at festivals like Glastonbury and Lollapalooza, Men And Them proves that Korean rock has soul, daring, and so much to offer. Check it out:
Entretetizei: Can you tell me a bit about yourselves and how each of you joined the band? Could you introduce yourselves individually?
Marcus: Hi, I’m Marcus Way of Men And Them. I sing, write songs, and keep Men And Them moving forward.
Juho: This is Juho. I write, sing, and try to be on time for rehearsal.
Junyoung: Hey, I’m Junyoung. I’m a drummer here in Korea. I was in a few other rock bands before joining Men And Them, and I guess now I’m known as the “no-nonsense type” in the group.
Suho: I’m Suho, and I’m in charge of some youth, humor, and bass playing in this team.
E: How did the band come together? Who took the first steps, and how did you decide on the band’s name?
JH: Marcus and I met in high school. Years later, I was looking for a creative venture, and I suggested we start something. The band’s name comes from a joke I made at a party. It became a placeholder, but I guess we’re stuck to it now. I like how it came about – spontaneous, basically an inside joke that became something meaningful.
E: How was the process of producing your debut song, Desire? Did you manage to meet your expectations for this release?
M: Juho and I were trying to make a song for a demo video. I made about ten title-ish songs in December, and Juho said, “This is it”. So we shot a video for it and eventually released it.
E: As a four-member band, do you often have disagreements when it’s time to decide which song to release? How do you resolve these decisions?
M: We have plenty of songs, and we’ll release them someday, so there isn’t much disagreement about which song to release. But we talk about it and try to convince each other when our opinions differ.
JH: It’s the nature of any creative work, and we understand it’s bound to happen at some point. You have to try to embrace this part of the process.
JY: I believe that when we overcome differences, we end up with even better results. Sometimes we need to argue things out – of course, not with fists! (laughs)
SH: In fact, I don’t have the right to decide. My role is to keep opinion neutral on a two-to-two basis.
E: If each of you had to choose a favorite song by the band, which one would it be and why?
M: The songs we’re going to release, because we haven’t even really started yet.
JH: Hard to say. As a songwriter, you always feel like you could do better than the last. But I’m fairly happy with the words on Free Like a Bird (2024). It’s something deeply personal to me.
E: Are your musical tastes and styles very different from one another, or do they align well?
M: I think our tastes are similar, aren’t they?
JH: I love The Smiths. Sadly, nobody shares my misplaced angst.
JY: I definitely think our tastes are different, and I’m sure each of us has slightly different end goals too. Being in a band is a lot like being in a relationship. We need to acknowledge our differences and learn to adjust.
E: Who are the biggest musical influences for the band, both Korean and international?
JH: It’s got to be The Beatles. They covered a wide range of emotions and ideas while evolving their style consistently.
M: I love Yu Jae Ha. You should definitely check him out.
E: If you could choose any song to cover, what would it be and why?
JH: After the Gold Rush (1970) by Neil Young. Why? Because I love Neil Young.
M: Mas que Nada (1966) by Sergio Mendes and Brasil’ 66 . Why? Because we love Brazil.
E: What are your thoughts on the independent music market in South Korea? How do you view the opportunities and challenges?
JY: It seems that good music alone isn’t always enough for success. It’s definitely challenging.
E: What are the pros and cons of launching as a rock band in a country where K-pop is the dominant genre?
JH: Regardless of K-pop’s presence, rock music was never a dominant genre in Korea, so what difference does it make? It makes none.
E: You recently played at a smaller festival for the first time. How was that experience for the band?
SH: Artists from Korea and Japan came together for a unique experience. If I get the chance again, I’d love to participate. It was a great time.
E: If you could choose any festival, Korean or international, to perform at, which would be the ultimate dream?
M: Lollapalooza in Brazil—haha. And Glastonbury.
JH: Wembley, the old one. I have a thing for romanticizing the past I’ve never been part of.
E: You’ve been receiving a lot of love from Brazilian fans. There’s almost always a Brazilian comment on your social media. How does it feel knowing your music has reached people on the other side of the world?
JY: Please keep supporting us. We’ll work even harder. Fighting! Love you all.
JH: It feels like you threw a rock and it hit the moon. Very odd and pleasant. Some of my most important musical influences came from Brazilian friends I had before, so I know you have great taste.
E: What is your relationship with fans like? Do you have any plans for special interactions with international fans, including those in Brazil?
JH: We’d love to meet our fans. Invite us, and we’ll be there.
E: Where do you envision the band in the coming years? What would be the ultimate dream to achieve as a rock band?
M: We want to be the biggest band in the world, get a Grammy, and be loved by people everywhere.
JH: We’d like to be a part of your life – at home, on the way to work, during highs and lows. Hopefully paying our bills along the way.
JY: I hope we can become a rock band that creates unforgettable experiences for the audience and brings a positive influence through our music.
Suho: I hope we become a band even your grandmother knows.
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Texto revisado por Angela Maziero Santana