On August 28, 2024, Kim Hyuk Gun (김혁건), the vocalist of THE CROSS (더크로스), released a song he sang with Choi Sung-yong (최성용) of the YouTube channel Habi TV. Its title is "Just One Step (Comfort)" (한걸음만 (위로)).
The label described it as "a song that carries comfort to those worn out by living in this era." This article follows the people who made the song, its credits and the official music video.
01.Two Voices and One Songwriter
"Just One Step (Comfort)" is a project single sung by Kim Hyuk Gun and Choi Sung-yong (Habi). The song was written by FeelSoGood Han Seung-kwon (필소굿한승권) — a songwriter who has been Kim's friend for twenty years. He handled the lyrics, the music and the production.
Besides singing, Kim Hyuk Gun also took on the song's vocal direction.
02.For Those Who Are Worn Out, and for Oneself
According to the label, the song is comfort sent to people who are worn out, and also a song of resolve about the future that comforts oneself. The label named the 3040 ballad generation — listeners in their thirties and forties — as the audience the song would reach. They are the fans who have grown older alongside Kim Hyuk Gun.
03.Credits
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Vocals | Kim Hyuk Gun (The Cross), Habi (Choi Sung-yong) |
| Lyrics · music · production | FeelSoGood Han Seung-kwon |
| Arrangement | Kim Hyung-yeol (김형열), Sehyun (세현) |
| Keyboards | Kim Hyung-yeol |
| Guitar | Park Sang-wook (박상욱) |
| Bass | Kim Sung-soo (김성수) |
| Track makers | Kim Hyung-yeol, Sehyun |
| Chorus | Lee Se-hyun (이세현) |
| Vocal direction | Kim Hyuk Gun (The Cross) |
| Music video | Y2film Choi Yun-young (최윤영) |
Alongside the duet, the single includes a Solo Ver. and an instrumental (inst.). Choi Yun-young of Y2film, who shot the music video, also filmed cover videos for THE CROSS BAND; see THE CROSS Band's Rock Covers.
04.The Songs of 2024
In September 2024, THE CROSS released the single "A Little Ball Launched by a Dwarf" (난장이가 쏘아올린 작은공). That year, Kim Hyuk Gun also performed at the Busan International Rock Festival with THE CROSS BAND (더크로스 밴드). "Interlude of Farewell" (이별의 간주곡) followed in 2025. Signature songs from each period are in A First Guide to Kim Hyuk Gun's Music.
05.Listen Again
"Just One Step (Comfort)" is available on music streaming services, and the music video is on THE CROSS's official YouTube channel, THE CROSS OFFICIAL. Subscribing to the official channel is the quickest way to hear about new music. The full discography is on the Music page.
To the people who listened to "Don't Cry" twenty years ago, the same voice now sings "Just One Step".