South Korean singer B.I. Photo: @shxxbi131/InstagramMANILA — B.I has become a frequent visitor to the Philippines ever since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were relaxed, holding fan meetings and concerts, playing in music festivals, and attending social events. 

In fact, it has reached a point where the South Korean singer-songwriter — behind catchy songs such as “BTBT,” “Keep Me Up,” and “Loved” — has grown fond of the country.

“The Philippines is one of my favorite countries,” B.I told ABS-CBN News in a backstage interview during his recent fan meeting in Manila, organized by streetwear brand Privé Alliance.

Fan efforts leave Korean singer B.I ‘touched’ in Manila event

“Usually I come back here for my tour, my concert, so I think I actually look forward to meeting my [Filipino] fans a lot,” he said.

While it has not been long since B.I’s last visit, he is already scheduled to return in June for the Manila leg of his "Hype Up" tour, which kicks off in Seoul in May.

Korean singer B.I to bring 'Hype Up' tour to Manila

Considering he performs in the country quite often, what should fans expect from his “Hype Up” concerts? “In every performance and tour, I actually do not like doing things in the same way all over again,” B.I said. 

“I’ve actually prepared a different kind of setlist and performances that would be special for the audience. I also prepared other events that are different from [my] other tours,” he explained.

“Just like the name ‘Hype Up,’ it could be a concert where a lot of my fans and audiences can enjoy and be hyped up, literally,” he added.

Born Kim Han-bin, B.I first debuted in 2015 as the leader of K-pop boy group iKON. Back then, he was already recognized as a prolific songwriter, helping craft songs for the team, including its 2018 hit “Love Scenario.”

After departing the group in 2019, B.I made his official solo debut in 2021 under his self-founded label.

For B.I, not much has changed regarding his music since his solo debut with “illa illa.” “I don’t think I’ve changed dramatically because the music I do now is something I was capable of doing before,” he said when asked about how he thinks he has evolved as an artist.

“The songs I write today are concepts I’ve been thinking about in the past. So maybe for listeners, it’s great that they feel like I’ve evolved. But for me, I feel like they were always in my head,” he said.

B.I also draws from a variety of sources for his songs. “Sometimes it could be based on my experience, or sometimes from my movie or a book or it could be a tale from a different person.”

“So I think the inspiration and creative process is really different for each song [that I put out],” he added. 

For more news and features on K-pop, K-drama, and K-stars, visit the Hallyu Corner microsite.