In Seoul, South Korean sensation BIBI unleashed her eagerly awaited second album, “EVE: ROMANCE,” on Wednesday. This project showcases her unique fusion of diverse musical genres, combined with thoughtful philosophical elements.
BIBI, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and actor, effortlessly traverses the realms of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. This versatility has earned her a reputation for being bold and unapologetic in an industry where managing one’s image is critical. With 14 tracks, the album includes six fresh releases and familiar favorites such as “Bam Yang Gang” and “Derre.”
During a conversation about the album’s lead single “Apocalypse,” BIBI shared her creative vision. The track, with its evocative Korean title translating to “The Apple Tree of the End Times,” explores intriguing themes.
She elaborated, “If there was the fruit of knowledge of good and evil at the beginning, then perhaps this would be the apple tree at the end.” BIBI mused on common end-of-world philosophies, mentioning how some might plant an apple tree while others seek companionship. “To me, both are acts of planting seeds,” she added.
This interpretation, merging creation, pleasure, and existential closure, might strike some as daring, considering South Korea’s conservative societal norms where open discourse on intimate topics is not the norm. BIBI emphasized that in the face of realities of endings, each person’s choice stands beyond traditional labels of right or wrong. “Isn’t the concept of good and evil itself ambiguous?” she pondered.
BIBI, a swiftly ascending star with extensive appeal, reflected on the unexpected triumph of “Bam Yang Gang,” which gained viral status in South Korea last year. “I was really busy filming two dramas simultaneously, so I didn’t fully realize its impact until this year,” she confessed. “Now, people refer to the period as the ‘year of Bam Yang Gang.’”
Despite her burgeoning popularity, BIBI remains committed to maintaining an air of “ambiguity” in her creative expressions. She desires to embody a mysterious essence likened to the experience of a ‘Gacha’ machine, which offers unpredictable surprises.
The album also includes “Pygma girl,” inspired by the Greek myth of Pygmalion. This track disrupts traditional muse-artist roles, suggesting the subject itself is the art, not merely the artist’s muse. Meanwhile, “Midnight Cruise” was inspired by a dream BIBI had of her late grandfather on the eve of her Coachella appearance in 2024.
Embarking on her inaugural global tour, BIBI will launch from Seoul on May 16, followed by performances in the United States and Canada. Her journey will extend across Asian cities, including Hong Kong and several locations in Japan, before concluding in Australia and New Zealand by October.
“EVE: ROMANCE” is now available for listeners worldwide.