B.I has embodied multiple personas over the near-decade since he launched into the K-pop limelight: producer, singer, songwriter, group member, label executive, soloist. He pioneered iKON’s uniquely boisterous sound, and has written hit tracks for K-pop's biggest artists, including his own group’s earworm "Love Scenario" and "Whistle" for former labelmate Blackpink.
In his early career, B.I showed a talent for molding his work to fit and speak to others' desires. Yet the artist born Kim Hanbin always knew that he wanted to showcase his true self through and shatter the industry’s meticulously managed veneer. He made his official debut as a soloist in May 2021 under 131Label (where he was also an executive), and has since been on a journey to honestly explore his own lived experiences.
Today, B.I believes making music simply comes down to authenticity.
"Dedication also walks hand-in-hand with pain," B.I says. "Anything worth achieving will never be easy and the road to greatness is always difficult."
B.I's determination has proved internationally successful. He was the first Korean artist featured on GRAMMMY.com's Global Spin series, and his latest release, the buoyant "BTBT" charted at No. 1 on iTunes in over 40 countries. His new, intensely reflective EP, Love or Loved Pt. 1, shows the singer unafraid of his emotions being seen, heard and felt — all with a signature K-pop panache.
B.I explores different forms of love throughout the EP — a theme he first wrote about at age 13 (which he recalls was "very cringey") — working with GRAMMY Award-winning producers The Stereotypes and GRAMMY-nominated producer Nick Lee to develop an infectious record that takes an honest look at temper tantrums of the heart.
Rowdy, stomping beats metamorphosize B.I’s lyrics on "Keep Me Up" into a thunderous, arresting melody. "Middle With You" is suffused with saccharine sounds that reflect a simpler version of love that once belonged to B.I's younger self. It's a challenge B.I often poses to himself in his songwriting, to find a space for love’s evolution — lest it get lost in the human shuffle.
B.I spoke with GRAMMY.com via Zoom to discuss the creation of Love or Loved Pt. 1, and his work collaborating with Western producers. It’s nearly one in the morning in South Korea when we talk, but his eyes shine the brightest when we touch on his favorite topic, his fans — or IDs — who has stuck by him throughout it all.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
What emotions did you want to express with Love or Loved Pt. 1?
Loved or Loved Pt. 1 is more so about youthful love rather than my life in particular. I almost wanted to understand or share the different types of ways to express love and some of the situations being in love can put you in. Some of the words that came to mind when I thought about those situations could be: passionate, cold, fluttering, lonely, bold and cautious. It’s interesting how many different types of emotions are associated with the world of love.
As I worked on these songs, I think I’ve improved the ways I analyze or see a situation. I’ve done the best I can to be as authentic and real as possible in the way I share my music. For me, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
What is your favorite song that you worked on Love or Loved Pt. 1 and could you walk me through what your typical production process looks like?
Definitely, my favorite song is the title song, "Keep Me Up." I'm in Korea and the producers who helped me were in the U.S., so we couldn't meet and work together at the same time and sit at the same place. They gave me feedback, and then we just talked a lot about those songs. I just tried to learn from them — like learning their styles and processes of making music. I changed a lot of my style, like, for example — my voice, my pronunciation and accent. It became like a new kind of [music-making] weapon.
In the past, I preferred being and working alone, but nowadays I enjoy collaborating with other people, whether it’s the crew or new individuals. I’ve been trying new things lately. When I’m working with the crew, I try to make things comfortable. Some even drink in the studio — although I myself don’t drink – throwing great ideas here and there to work with. But I do still enjoy working alone and I make sure it’s quiet when I do it.
There’s the line in "Keep Me Up" where you sing: "I know that time is of the virtue." And "Middle of You" talks about "being kids again." When you look back at your career, do you recall times where you’ve made sure to fully live in the moment?
I’ve always given my best shot and that was the only option. I started out on competition shows even before my debut, [and was] always thirsty to be on stage. Looking back, I can see the things I lacked at the time, but one thing is for sure, I gave my all each time. Thanks to all of these experiences, I am where I am today.
Do you think music is the best avenue to capture the complexities of love? What kinds of love does each song on Love or Loved Pt. 1 represent?
I would say music is truly the only way for me to express something, instead of it being the best way. Each song captures different shapes and stories of love — whether it’s hot, cold, exciting, lonely, bold, or careful. The love I felt when I was 13 feels too far to remember now, it was childish.
If there was a music video made of what your life is now, what would that video look like?
Honestly, my music and music videos that I created in the past year and a half with my team are really a reflection of where my emotions are at the time. I think I’ve learned to be honest with myself and my music, and to really share with my fans an honest side of where I am mentally.
I came from a dark place on the first album Waterfall, [and I feel as if] I’ve found a bit more confidence on my latest one. I feel extremely confident — I won’t say always happy, but I do feel as if I’ve made some progress as a person and as an artist.
Do you remember the first time you stood up for yourself when making a creative decision? Why is it important to make music for you and your vision?
I think being a true creative is to stand up for what you believe in, especially when it comes to your art. I think this is something I learned recently; before I was always a bit introverted so avoided any real confrontation. What I’ve come to realize in this industry is that the problem isn’t if something is good or bad, but if it’s actually feasible or not. I think I’m in a position right now where, creatively, I have full control — initially, I didn’t realize how much pressure it was.
I think the first real-time I stood up for myself was when we were choosing the songs with my team for my first album Waterfall. It wasn't that I didn't give an opinion before, but I think it was the first time I led my team with my opinion. I discussed the outfits, stories and direction of the music video with my team members all day long. And the fans really liked my honest stories with my ideas.
Is it difficult to keep the worlds of B.I the artist and B.I the executive director separate? What’s that journey been like the last few years?
Actually, I think it might even be easier because now everyone has to listen to me [laughs]. But being an executive is difficult because, as an artist, you don’t really see the process by which things are made. The results are pretty much presented to us and we give our opinions on them.
I never really understood how much work and effort it takes to even have a presentable option. I really love and respect my team more so because of that. The journey wasn’t easy, to be honest, there have been ups and, definitely, there's been downs. I think both mentally and physically I’m in a much better place right now.
I make music from the stories and feelings that arise within me. I also try my best to create joyful memories whenever I can. Also, all of the good times I’ve had with my fans give me strength and the thought of seeing them again keeps me going.
When people hear B.I and your music, what do you want people to remember?
I hope they keep wanting more. I would love to be remembered as an artist who constantly makes great music that they keep coming back to — good songs that last forever. Just like the Beatles, I wish to be remembered as an artist with timeless music.
What has given you the most pride in your career?
I feel proud when I perform in front of my fans and when they sing along for me, or when they jump [along] to the song with me. The proudest moment I’d have to say [in my career] is "BTBT." It was a song that was totally out of my comfort zone that I really wanted to try, and luckily people liked the song.
But the proudest moment for me is when I did a free hug event. I literally just wanted to scratch that off my bucket list so I went to Hongdae, held up a sign, and literally gave everyone free hugs. No one knew I was going, and people didn’t know who I was. I can not forget the warmth of the people I gave hugs to. It really feels good.
Do you have any larger goals in the next coming years?
First, I want to go on a world tour and meet more of my international fans — international IDs, maybe next year? Then, I want to release my second full album and I’m paying my full attention to that. I’ve begun to imagine being nominated at the GRAMMYs; winning an award would of course be a dream come true, but I’m taking a step back.
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