1. Biography
- Real Name: Kim Hyeong-seo (김형서)
- Stage Name: BIBI (비비)
- Date of Birth: September 27, 1998
- Country of Origin: South Korea (Ulsan)
- Field of Activity: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Actress
- Notable for: Unique musical style, breakthrough acting roles, viral hits
- Instagram: @nakedbibi
- X: @nakedbibi
2. Early Life and Background
Growing up in Ulsan and later spending her teenage years in Changwon, BIBI discovered her passion for music through a unique circumstance – her difficulty in verbal communication. At age 15, she began writing lyrics as a way to express thoughts she couldn’t convey in regular conversation. This early connection to songwriting would later influence her authentic and personal musical style.
BIBI comes from a musical family, with her younger sister Kim Na-kyoung also pursuing a career in K-pop as a member of TripleS’s subunit Acid Angel.
3. Career
BIBI’s journey in the music industry began when her self-produced songs on SoundCloud caught the attention of legendary Korean artist Yoon Mi-rae, leading to her signing with Feel Ghood Music in 2017. Her first major exposure came through the SBS competition show “The Fan” in 2018, where she finished as runner-up, showcasing her unique artistry to a national audience.
She made her official debut on May 15, 2019, with the single “Binu.” Her career gained significant momentum with the release of her second EP “Life is a Bi…” in April 2021. A major breakthrough came through her collaboration with 88rising on “The Weekend,” which peaked at 29 on the Mediabase Top 40 chart, making her the first Korean female soloist to achieve this feat. This success led to a global promotion deal with 88rising in December 2021.
In 2022, BIBI released her first studio album “Lowlife Princess: Noir,” showcasing her artistic evolution. Her 2024 single “Bam Yang Gang” marked a significant milestone, becoming her first #1 hit on the Circle Digital Chart and spawning a viral social media challenge that significantly impacted South Korean popular culture.
4. Style and Influence
BIBI’s artistic style is characterized by her distinctive vocal tone, honest songwriting, and genre-defying approach to music. She seamlessly blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative pop while maintaining authenticity in her lyrics. Her music often explores complex themes and emotions, setting her apart in the K-pop landscape.
5. Acting Career
BIBI has successfully transitioned into acting, earning critical acclaim for her performance in the neo-noir film “Hopeless” (2023). Her talent was recognized with a nomination for Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and a win in the same category at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards in 2024. She also starred in the television series “The Worst of Evil” (2023), demonstrating her versatility as a performer.
6. Philanthropy
BIBI has shown her commitment to humanitarian causes, notably joining Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae in donating 40 million won to support victims of the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake. This demonstrates her awareness of global issues and willingness to use her platform for positive impact.
7. Achievements and Awards
BIBI’s accomplishments include:
- First Korean female soloist to reach #29 on the Mediabase Top 40 chart
- First #1 single on Circle Digital Chart with “Bam Yang Gang” (2024)
- Best New Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards (2024)
- Nomination for Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards (2023)
- Successful viral campaign with “Bam Yang Gang” challenge, influencing popular culture and consumer behavior in South Korea
