Kim Hanbin (B.I)
The Forgotten Gem of Kpop.
Love Scenario (iKon) — a song that many Kpop fans, and even non Kpop fans would have heard of it. The song has achieved substantial popularity with its catchy melody and flow. The hit song swept the music charts in Korea and was crowned “Best Song of the Year” in multiple awards shows.
The producer behind this song is Kim Hanbin (known by his stage name B.I, the former leader and rapper of the Kpop group — iKon). He wrote and produce this song at the age of 22 and clinched the “Songwriter of the Year” award at the 10th Melon Music Awards through “Love Scenario”. According to Forbes, he has over 50 copyrighted songwriting credits through the Korea Music Copyright Association. This is a pretty admirable and amazing feat for a 22-year-old isnt’t it. So, why is he the forgotten gem?
Shocking Drug Scandal
Kim Hanbin was dragged into a drug scandal in 2018 where allegations of him attempted to purchase drugs in 2016 surfaced in one of the Korean Media platforms. Amidst the controversy, Kim Hanbin admitted that he has considered purchasing the drugs but denied taking them. He later announced his contract termination with his then agency, YG entertainment and also his departure from the group. In February 2020, the result of the drug test conducted on B.I was released and delivered a negative result. This scandal has led to a halt in his music career and for a long period of time, there is no sign of public appearance.
Silence that Speaks
Despite stepping out of the limelight, he has caught the attention of the media and fans multiple times through his kind deeds. He has been secretly donating to organizations in need during his hiatus. Recently, the media has revealed that he, alongside his new agency, donated 50,000 out of the 100,000 masks goal that is intended to be distributed to his fans worldwide. His most notable act of kindness would be his first debut album, Midnight Blue, a donation album in which all the proceeds from this album will be donated to World Vision. These are the kind deeds that were reported by the media, how about those unreported ones? We will never know. But what we know is that his kindness has definitely touched many lives.
Long-Awaited Return
In March, he dropped the news of his donation album, surprising many fans worldwide. The limited copies of the album have caused a wave of sensations among his fans, who have been patiently waiting for his return for around 2 years. Following that, his label, 131 Label announced that he will be releasing his Full Album, Waterfall in June. And of course, this news once again sparked discussions and a wave of happiness, which also trended on various social platforms.
On 14 May 2021, he gave his fans a taste of his comeback with a song, “Got it Like That”, a collaboration with Destiny Rogers and Tyla Yaweh.
Following that, his label subsequently released a series of promotional materials. What really caught my attention is that all the songs in his new album, Waterfall, will be songs about his life stories. Just by listening to the few short snippets of his songs, the lyrics hit me. The lyrics are so real and soul-touching yet saddening at the same time. I can’t imagine listening to the full versions when they are realeased. It made me wonder: “How much did this 24-year-old boy go through back then to be able to write such lyrics?”.
Rooting for Kim Hanbin
B.I currently has his own label, 131 Label and is acting as one of the executive producers of the company, IOK Company. He is living the dream of many artists — having the creative freedom to produce his own music. He has now successfully removed the tag of “idol” and transformed into an “artist”.
When the drug scandal broke out, many will say that the rising Kpop star has fallen. But little did we know, it is the beginning of his story, the one and unique story of Kim Hanbin. Quoting one of the lines from his latest song preview:
“Waterfall, that begins with falling down. That’s me”
Waterfall, the majestic nature, presents its beauty by first falling down from the edge. That’s Kim Hanbin.
“That’s me” that appeared in Waterfall sounded exactly the same as “That’s me” in his pre-debut song “Be I”. This is him shouting to the world that — “Kim Hanbin is back”
(period)
Check out B.I latest videos here. His album is releasing on 1st June, 5AM (EST) / 6PM (KST). Do go show him some support!
