Justin is officially back with new music.

On July 19, the SB19 member made his comeback with a new song entitled “kaibigan” (“friend”). “To be honest, there’s no actual or specific inspiration behind the song,” says Justin in a press statement. “I wrote this tune from the perspective of an observer and wanderer: a person who enjoys movies with coming-of-age slant.”

The track’s release was initially teased by Justin last July 7 — the day of his 26th birthday — before revealing its title last July 10. It follows his debut single “surreal,” released last February 29, and his cover of Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning,” released last April 14.

The song was produced by RADKIDZ — the duo moniker of SB19 leader Pablo and his brother, Josue — who also worked on Justin’s two previously released tracks. “Similar to ‘surreal,’ I let them hear my demo in its ukulele version,” reveals Justin. “At first, it was more of a solemn and calm song, but as we navigated deeper through the collaboration and explored the material and its story, we came up with something that ripped out the emotional layers in the latter part.”

“They added some interesting builds on the bridge, and made me even scream towards the end,” the “surreal” hitmaker further elaborates on how the track came to be. “I personally don’t see myself doing that, but there’s always total payoff in accepting the challenge without giving in to your sense of inhibition. I’m actually thrilled with the final output.”

Alongside the song’s release, an accompanying short film-like music video also premiered. Starring Justin himself — who also serves as executive producer — alongside Nicole Omillo and RJ Cruz, the video sees the three portray a group of best friends who go on a beach vacation, with Justin’s character struggling with his hidden feelings for Omillo’s character. “‘Kaibigan'” captures the complexities of human connection,” states the music video’s description. “In a world of desires and possibilities, the newest single from Justin is a reminder that some things are better left unsaid. ‘kaibigan’ is an embrace for the unrequited.”

“For the direction of the MV, other than the rough storyboard, we make sure the producer knows the story behind it and what feeling we want to convey,” shares Justin who was very hands-on in the production of the video, having conceptualized its visual narrative and helping create the storyboard and shot list. “I even sent movies and not just music video pegs for them to really understand what we wanted to achieve.”

“To be honest, the music video is very easy to digest,” the P-pop royalty says in closing. “And that’s what I want: for people to relate to it and feel the story of the music and the music video.”

Justin’s comeback with “kaibigan” follows the recent release of fellow SB19 members Felip‘s debut solo album 7sins as well as Stell‘s debut single “Room.” As a group, SB19 were recently nominated for this year’s Billboard Fan Army Face-Off, which they won last year, besting K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN. Find out how to vote for SB19 here. Meanwhile, thanks to the power of their dedicated fans, the A’TIN, the group also won the category of Favorite Asian Act for the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

Listen to Justin’s “kaibigan” below: