Interview: 12BH on “Glow” – In the Moment, Riding the Wave
Photo Courtesy of 12BH (Want to be High)
When 12BH debuted in February 2023 with their single “Green,” they quickly carved out a unique space in the music scene. This four-member band—Jung Sun (vocals, composer, keyboard), Gigajung (vocals, guitar), Greeny (bass, vocals), and Jeon Gyeol (drums)—has a vision: to create music that feels like a breath of fresh air, like being on a yacht, sailing away from life’s chaos.
Their slogan, “Want to be High,” isn’t about chasing adrenaline; it’s about lifting spirits and soothing souls. They call their sound yacht pop, a genre that combines breezy, relaxing vibes with heartfelt emotions. With roots in jazz, they’ve ventured through indie and alternative rock, crafting songs that vividly paint pictures of love—its highs, lows, and quiet moments in between.
Listening to 12BH feels deeply personal. Their music transcends language and culture, effortlessly weaving into the fabric of everyday life. Whether you’re falling in love, reminiscing, or simply seeking solace, their songs are like a warm hug, reminding us all that comfort and connection are universal.
Released on December 9, “Glow,” is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a heartfelt reminder that even the present moments—filled with challenges and uncertainties—will someday shine brightly. As the lyrics beautifully express, “Those clear times when we were busy pouring out love without even knowing what love was,” the song carries an uplifting message of encouragement and comfort for anyone navigating life’s journey.
“I wrote this song while recalling the times I spent with my friends as a child, talking about each other’s dreams. Back then, I couldn’t have known, but looking back, those moments were shining.
And one day, when we look back on today, these times of moving toward our respective futures will also shine. This song carries a message of encouragement and comfort.”
"Those clear moments, when we were too busy pouring out love without even knowing what it was."
Written by Jung Sun, the song’s lyrics weave together themes of leaving the past behind without regret, facing the unknown with courage, and embracing love, no matter how undefined it may be. Lines like “So I just left my town without regret / Just running through the wind, there's no more fear,” speak to the freedom of stepping into the future, undeterred by the weight of hesitation.
With its comforting refrain, “Could you stay with me / Forever we’ll hold on tight / We’ll never fail,” “Glow” serves as both a love letter to the past and a message of hope for the future, reminding us that the moments we cherish today will shine brightly tomorrow.
HALSUG spoke with 12BH to discuss their latest single “Glow.” The band shared insights on the inspiration behind the song, their creative process, and how “Glow” reflects their journey both as individuals and as a group.
Photo Courtesy of 12BH (Want to be High) (from left to right: Jung Sun, Jeon Gyeol, Gigajung, Greeny)
Q: Can you introduce your band to our readers?
Hello, we are 12BH (Want to be High). We’re from South Korea, and we make yacht pop and bedroom pop music.
Q: Jung Sun, your lyrics express a deep sense of nostalgia and hope. What inspired you to write “Glow,” and how did you capture that feeling of hesitation and courage in the lyrics?
I wrote “Glow” while reminiscing about conversations I had with my childhood friends. I wanted to convey the message that, just like we once cheered each other on about our dreams and future, the efforts we’re putting in now will eventually shine brightly. Writing the line, "I just left my town without regret," I think I also found a lot of courage within myself.
Q: The lyrics "Could you stay with me / Forever we'll hold on tight" stand out as a powerful emotional motif in the song. What does the promise of ‘holding on tight’ symbolize for you and the band?
I think it carries the meaning of supporting each other's weaknesses and moving forward together toward the goals we want to achieve. After all, a band shines even brighter when we are together.
Q: With lyrics as personal as those in “Glow,” each band member may have their own connection to the song. How does “Glow” resonate with each of you individually?
“Glow” is a song that Jung Sun wrote while thinking of his friends, but it’s also a song that brings great comfort to those who are working hard in the present. Because of this, I think it feels like a source of comfort and love for each of us individually.
Q: The song reflects on memories of youth that still shine brightly today. If you could relive one moment from your childhood that you feel encapsulates the essence of "Glow," what would it be?
We remember the time when we were preparing for university entrance exams. Since all the members majored in music and worked hard for the exams, that period of time really comes to mind.
Q: The lyrics mention pouring out love without fully understanding it. In a way, music can be similar—sometimes you create without knowing exactly how it will affect others. Can you think of a time when a song you created surprised you in its impact or meaning?
I think our representative song, “Green,” is a good example of that. In the lyrics, there's a line that says, "Love is always hard, weird, and scared." It seems that this line, which reflects the difficulty of starting love, resonates with listeners and provides them with comfort. We are always grateful that so many people have enjoyed it.
Q: The song talks about times when hesitation held you back. Was there a moment during the making of "Glow" where you, as individuals or as a band, had to overcome a similar feeling of hesitation or doubt?
As a band, we don’t think we've ever had any doubts. Fortunately, we’ve never experienced that because we all share the same goals for the band and do our best in our respective roles :)
Q: Is there a particular sound, instrument, or melody that takes you back to a specific moment in time, similar to how a scent can trigger memories?
We think it's more like a movie. When we watch a particular film, it brings back memories and a sense of nostalgia from that time.
Q: Can each of you share your personal process in creating your part of “Glow” and how it all blended into the finished song?
At first, Jung Sun created the demo, and then Gigajung worked with him to refine the chorus melody. The song was completed with Jeon Gyeol's restrained drumming and Greeny’s beautiful bass line.
Q: What do you hope listeners will take away from "Glow"? Is there a particular feeling or message you hope to leave them with after they hear it?
We hope that listeners will realize that the efforts they are putting in now will eventually shine brightly and that they won't give up but instead enjoy each moment and live through it together.
Q: “Glow” speaks of moving forward toward a shining future. How does it reflect your personal journeys and the collective path you’re forging as a band, and what direction do you see 12BH taking next after its release?
12BH has the goal of performing and touring in various countries. After the release of the song, we plan to focus on preparing for live performances and creating new content. We hope to meet our listeners through various concerts and festivals, both domestically and internationally.
Q: Any last message for our HALSUG readers?
HALSUG! Thank you so much for reading our story. We hope to meet you in person at a concert overseas someday. Stay healthy, and please continue to take an interest in our journey. Thank you!
As 12BH shines brighter with every note, “Glow,” becomes more than just a song—it’s a snapshot of a journey, a promise, and a feeling that lingers long after the music fades. With their unique sound and heartfelt messages, the band is carving a path that’s all their own. We can’t wait to see where the waves take them next.
Have you listened to “Glow” yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on Instagram and X.
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Artist Facts
Jung Sun
Name/Stage name: Kyung Soo Jung/ Jung Sun
Birthday: April 11, 1999
Nationality: Korean
Zodiac Sign: Aries
MBTI: INFJ
Fave Foods: Fried Rice
Fave Drinks: Coca-Cola Zero
Fave Movies: Interstellar
Day or Night?: Day
Song/cover you’re most proud of: 12BH’s first single “Green”
Gigajung
Name/Stage name: Yunseok Jung/Gigajung
Birthday: November 12, 1999
Nationality: South Korea
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
MBTI: ISFP
Fave Foods: BHC Bburinkle
Fave Drinks: Iced Americano
Fave Movies: La La land
Day or Night?: Day
Song/cover you’re most proud of: “Dream House” of EP “Love my youth”
Greeny
Name/Stage name: Haeun Kweon/ GREENY
Birthday: April 27, 1998
Nationality: South Korea
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
MBTI: ENTP (It changes every day)
Fave Foods: Salmon
Fave Drinks: Café Latte
Fave Movies: Spirited Away
Day or Night?: Day
Song/cover you’re most proud of: “Sink!” by 12BH
Jeon Gyeol
Name/Stage name: Euiseong Jeon/ Jeon Gyeol
Birthday: November 15, 1997
Nationality: South Korea
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
MBTI: INTJ
Fave Foods: Pork Belly
Fave Drinks: Iced Americano
Fave Movies: The Matrix
Day or Night?: Day
Song/cover you’re most proud of: 12BH's first single, “Green”
Edited by Zoe Selesi