Interview: ‘Not Neverland’ - igloobay’s Musical Wonderland, Because Neverland Does Not Exist
igloobay, the South Korean band embracing the four seasons, unveils their new EP Not Neverland. The title—a bold rejection of the mythical land—sets the tone for a deeply introspective journey. "Because Neverland does not exist," they declare, inviting listeners to face the bittersweet reality of growing up and letting go.
Since their debut, the rock trio—Joymin (vocalist and guitarist), Choi Hyung Suk (drummer), and Super KooKoo (bassist)—have captivated audiences with their raw, and transformative sound. The band’s name combines "Igloo" (cold on the outside, warm inside) and "Bay" (a village, a place of connection), reflecting their music’s emotional depth—seemingly distant at first, but full of warmth beneath the surface. With Not Neverland released on November 23, igloobay takes listeners into a world where emotions collide with raw vulnerability.
The EP’s four evocative tracks—"Peter,pan," "Dyed," "Eternal Sense," and "Beluga"—were all penned by Joymin. They weave a dark, poetic narrative of self-discovery and transformation, with each song capturing the fierce struggle between numbness and openness, offering a cathartic release.
The album’s introduction sets the tone for what’s to come:
“To meet again, we must part.
To be reborn, sometimes we must break ourselves.
My old friend Peter constantly whispers in my ear.
He says that I must make my own decision, between becoming numb or falling apart.
To rise, we must let go; to fall, we must fill ourselves.
In this clumsy and intense scene of self-destruction, a grey fairy tale unfolds within.”
“Peter,pan"—a wistful reflection on the longing to remain untouched by time. The lyrics capture the bittersweet desire to hold onto innocence amidst the inevitable changes that come with growing up. It’s about wishing for the freedom to stay in a simpler, more magical world, even as everything around you changes. Poetic and heart-achingly honest, the song feels like a quiet plea to freeze time and keep the beauty of childhood alive.
“Dyed"—a deeply introspective track about grappling with identity and change. It paints a picture of feeling disconnected from yourself as if you're watching someone else in your place. The lyrics reflect the struggle of letting go and accepting transformation, all while searching for clarity in the midst of confusion. It’s raw, vulnerable, and resonates with anyone who's ever felt lost in their own skin.
“Eternal Sense"—a hauntingly beautiful song about holding onto fleeting moments and the bittersweet ache of letting go. It reflects on memories that feel so vivid yet slip away, like a summer sea or the scent of spring. The lyrics ache with questions about life’s impermanence and whether this is how things were meant to be. It’s a heartfelt goodbye to the past, filled with both beauty and sadness, making it a song that stays with you long after it ends.
“Beluga"—a delicate and heartfelt song about connection and the journey toward finding someone who feels like home. It describes two people coming together on a small island, setting out toward each other, and discovering a deep bond. With simple yet vivid imagery, the song captures the quiet beauty of shared moments and the freedom that blossoms when you're with someone who truly understands you. It’s intimate, reflective, and filled with wonder.
HALSUG had the opportunity to invite igloobay to chat about their latest release: Not Neverland.
Photo Courtesy of igloobay
Q: We’d love to hear about the origin of your band—how did you all come together and decide to make music as a group?
Joymin: First of all, thank you for finding us. We've known each other since our school days and while there have been a few changes over the years to reach our current lineup, I think it was definitely fate that brought the three of us together to form a band.
Super KooKoo: Joymin and I have been close since our middle school days. When I finished my military service, we formed a band called 'igloobay.' Though Hyung Suk wasn't part of the original lineup, I always had a feeling that the three of us would make music together someday. It's like fate brought us to this point.
Choi Hyung Suk: KooKoo and I met at a music academy, and we've known each other since then. When I went to see KooKoo's band performance, the band I saw was igloobay. So I got close with Joymin, and at the time of the change of members, I wanted this band and they liked me, so I was able to be with them.
Q: The title Not Neverland is thought-provoking, especially with the EP exploring the idea that "Neverland doesn't exist." What inspired the decision to challenge the notion of a place like Neverland?
Joymin: I captured time and seasons while working on our regular album Four season’s Seoul. In the music that would come out after that, I wanted to express space. After “my orbit” and “Atlantis,” I finally arrived at “Neverland.”
Q: In “Peter,pan” the lines like “All that has disappeared has changed / It disappeared because it changed” suggest a bittersweet view of transformation. How do you interpret this cycle of loss and change?
Joymin: You listened to the lyrics very carefully. Thanks. It varies from song to song, but I usually talk about loss and emptiness. I believe in that, but I don't think badly about that loss. Like light and darkness, ‘loss’ and ‘emptiness’ can be our driving force.
Q: The plea to “make me blind” in “Peter,pan” is powerful. Does it reflect a desire to escape reality, avoid pain, or hold onto innocence?
Joymin: You might be right. I often write lyrics without giving abstract or definite answers. But when I think about that question, I think it's the opposite. He's ready to accept reality and pain, but he's also afraid of it. He's crying out all those emotions.
Q: Have you ever faced moments in your life where you felt like the person you saw wasn’t fully you, as reflected in the song “Dyed?”
Joymin: I really like how in-depth your questions are. Yeah, this song is about properly recognizing two different selves, and it is connected to the story of “Peter,pan.” This song was created while thinking about the connection and depth of language and thought. To answer your question about the experience, I don't think I can tell yet whether it is reality or a dream.
Q: The title “Beluga” evokes the image of a gentle, serene creature in the vast ocean. What does the beluga symbolize in the context of the song's narrative?
Joymin: “Beluga” is my tribute to our band. When I think of us, something always comes to mind, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it was. I was curious about what it was, and when I wrote the song, I realized it was a whale swimming in the vast ocean. I wrote both the lyrics and the sound while thinking of our band.
Q: If you had to describe “Beluga” as a chapter in the EP's gray fairy tale, what role does it play in the story? What final message would it leave for the listeners?
Joymin: Well, I don't think Neverland exists. But it's a belief in a place, and I think each person's Neverland is in the time that has passed and the time that will face it. We will continue to go in search of a Neverland that may or may not exist.
Q: If you could perform “Eternal Sense” in any setting that matches its mood—be it a quiet forest, a beach at sunrise, or an empty city street—where would it be and why?
Joymin: I really like your question. Well, it may be abstract, but this is one of those songs that I would really like to see us play from an audience perspective. If I could see it, I think it would be nice to have a scene with lights in the forest.
Photo Courtesy of igloobay (from left to right: Joymin, Choi Hyung Suk, Super KooKoo)
Q: How did you approach blending the themes of melancholy and nostalgia with your signature rock sound?
Joymin: Melancholy, nostalgia, and rock are my instincts, and I tried to follow them.
Super KooKoo: It seems like you share your feelings about the song and reference tracks, and each member expresses their interpretation through their instruments.
Choi Hyung Suk: The band members may have different personalities and characteristics, but I think it's possible because the similar emotions and senses they have inside can be met in common. So I think we can be more and more together.
Q: How do you see Not Neverland fitting into your evolution as a band? What did you learn from creating this EP?
Joymin: I think we've found our own scene that we're looking for.
Choi Hyung Suk: I think this album is a meaningful album, as I was able to discover the deep colors of igloo. I thought it was a great learning for me to be able to instill unspoken certainty while working on the album, and I think it served as a foothold for better albums to come out in the future.
Super KooKoo: While staying true to our ‘igloobay’ sound, we were able to experiment with a lot of new ideas on this album. There's even a track where I ventured into a different playing style, which was a real growth experience.
Q: Looking back over the years, what’s a funny or heartwarming moment you’ve shared as a band?
Choi Hyung Suk: Well, I think it was when I went on a tour in Japan. I don't think I enjoyed the Japanese atmosphere very much because of rehearsals and performances, but I'm grateful for those moments—laughing, talking, and being considerate with others. Even though I didn’t have much free time, it turned out to be a pretty good trip, and it makes me feel really warm.
Super KooKoo: There are so many moments, but I think the most fun times were when we finished working on an album and said, "Alright, we did it!" And the most heartwarming moments were when people told us they enjoyed our music that we worked so hard on.
Joymin: Every moment was enjoyable and warm. Well, it's more vivid because it happened recently. I felt good energy at our concert on December 8. I was so tired physically and mentally because of the tight schedule, but the members and staff gave me great strength, and with that driving force, I was able to successfully complete the concert.
Q: Any last message for our HALSUG readers?
Choi Hyung Suk: I know you're a little new to our music, but I'm looking forward to being on the listeners’ playlists. Please find our music when you need some comfort. Thank you.
Super KooKoo: Hello, HALSUG readers! We're excited to have released our new EP Not Neverland. We hope you'll give it a listen. We'll continue to create great music, so please keep an eye out for us. Thank you!
Joymin: The power of music is truly amazing. Right now, we are talking about our band with our overseas subscribers. I want to continue to believe in the power of music. Please continue to listen to our music. Let's meet often in the future. Thank you. We are “igloobay.”
igloobay’s Not Neverland isn’t just music—it’s an invitation to embrace the messy, beautiful process of growth. The album takes you on a journey that’s both personal and powerful where every song is a mix of breaking down and finding yourself again. It’s a sound that’s both introspective and cathartic, capturing the rawness of what it means to grow. Listen to it now!
Have you listened to Not Neverland yet? Which song is your favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on Instagram and X.
Artist Facts:
JOYMIN
Name: Choi Seung Min
Nationality: Republic Of Korea
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Fave Food: Salmon
Fave Drinks: Gin
Fave Movies: Wonderful Life/Koreeda Hirokazu
Day or Night? Night
Song/Cover You’re Most Proud Of: igloobay - “Eternal Sense”
CHOI HYUNG SUK
Name: Choi Hyung Suk
Nationality: Republic Of Korea
Fave Food: Meat
Fave Drinks: Beer
Fave Movies: Bird Box
Day or Night? Night
Song/Cover You’re Most Proud Of: igloobay - “Fireworks”
SUPER KOOKOO
Name: Koo Seok Yong
Nationality: Republic Of Korea
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Fave Foods: Hamburgers
Fave Drinks: Coke
Fave Movies: A Silent Voice: The Movie
Day or Night? Night
Song/Cover You’re Most Proud Of: Troye Sivan - “Fools”
Edited by Azat Jumadurdyyev