It’s the first Fan Chant of 2024! Welcome back to this weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. This week features a chat with BIBI. And don’t forget, if you love reading Fan Chant, you can always subscribe to my companion newsletter to get it delivered right to your inbox each week!
It’s a new year but the same Fan Chant, and we are starting off strong with someone super talented and lovely. We have a reputation to uphold here, after all.
For anyone new to BIBI‘s world, welcome — you have quite the journey ahead of you. As an artist who doesn’t technically fall under the formal K-pop umbrella, this South Korean singer has developed a distinct blend of pop and R&B. She’s fearless in her visuals, pushing boundaries with the themes she’s willing to explore, like her daring release “Animal Farm,” which appeared on her project titled Lowlife Princess: Noir. She leans into world-building, crafting narratives that also stand alone as individually strong creations.
Following the addictive 2023 single “Hongdae R&B,” BIBI teamed up with Becky G for a killer cross-cultural collaboration, dubbed “Amigos.” Watch the music video below, and read on for insights from BIBI about the single and some of her expectations as we head into 2024.
Congrats on the track with Becky G! It’s so cool. How has the reception to the song felt to you?
BIBI: I’m just so thankful. I’m grateful to 88rising for connecting us. It felt like an opportunity to grow, especially since everyone said we matched well together, even though it might not have seemed like it at first. Becky G has been an artist I’ve admired for a long time, so it feels like I’ve achieved a dream.
Had you met her before this collaboration?
BIBI: I met her last year at Wango Tango. When we first met, Becky was very kind, and working together made me love and appreciate her human qualities even more. I’ve become a bigger fan.
What do you think is special about cross-cultural collaborations like this one?
BIBI: It’s incredibly great and fulfilling that not just the two of us but people from our respective cultures can experience each other’s culture together.
I love the video. Do you have any favorite memories from filming?
BIBI: It was my first time shooting a music video overseas, and I enjoyed the experience of working with an international production team and a diverse group of staff and actors. Sharing our cultures was fun and novel, like experiencing a melting pot. If I had to pick a favorite moment, it was when I was scared of falling into the pool — but I ended up not falling! That was really fun.
Do you have any highlights as you look back on 2023? Personally, I loved your song “Hongdae R&B.”
BIBI: This year was filled with many new experiences, but my heart felt more peaceful and still than ever. It’s hard to choose just one highlight, but opening the curtain to my second full album with a heart wanting to share love was very meaningful. Also, attending the Cannes Film Festival was a highlight. I think it was more the achievement of others involved in our movie, but it was still a wonderful experience I’m very thankful for.
What are some of your goals as we head into a new year?
BIBI: To be a happier person! I hope to grow more internally and give more energy to those around me. Just like the message of my album, I plan to start by sharing love with those close to me. I hope we all have a joyful year together.
ICYMI: The 2023 K-Pop Yearbook
Artwork by Steven Fiche
If you weren’t online through the holidays and missed this enormous roundup of some standout K-pop moments from the last year, I have a treat for you. Read the full list of accolades here.
Song Rec of the Week:
Two BTS members have already shared new songs (recorded ahead of time) since departing for the military. The latest is this excellent team-up between vocalist UMI and V.