"Bbibbi" (삐삐; Bbibbi) is a song recorded by South Korean singer-songwriter IU, released digitally on October 10, 2018, through Kakao M.[1] The self-written song was produced by Son Myung-gab. It subsequently debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart. The song was released in part to commemorate 10 years since IU's debut.[2]
Background
On October 1, 2018, IU announced the single through promotional posters on various social media accounts. According to Kakao M, the song was created in part to commemorate ten years since IU debuted.[3]
Composition
"Bbibbi" is a laid-back alt-R&B track with confrontational and introspective lyrics that addresses IU's critics, with her turning around commentary on her image.[4] Particular attention was paid to her delivery, including phrases and words like "yellow C-A-R-D" and "hello stu-P-I-D".[5][4] "Bbibbi" refers to a pager in Korean, in particular the noise the device makes before people leave a message.[5]
Commercial performance
"Bbibbi" debuted atop the Gaon Digital Chart on the week ending October 13, making it her twentieth number one song in South Korea–the most for any artist.[6]
Music video
The music video, directed by VM Project, was released along with the song and makes prominent use of monochromatic colour schemes. IU performs a choreographed hip hop dance routine with a blank expression on her face, which was called "more cute than menacing" by Caitlin Kelley of Forbes.[4] She also appears in high fashion looks, with Billboard stating that she wears a "Grace Kelly-style scarf".[5]
The video currently has over 230 million views, making it the second most popular Korean music video by a female soloist in 2018.
^아이유, 데뷔 10주년 기념 싱글 ‘삐삐’ 10일 발표 [IU, the 10th anniversary single "Bbibbi" announced, release on the 10th]. KBS News (in Korean). October 1, 2018. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
^Park, Yoon-jin (October 19, 2018). 아이유, '뮤직뱅크' 1위…이홍기·에이프릴·김동한 컴백 [종합] [IU, 'Music Bank' 1st place... Lee Hong-ki · April · Kim Dong-han comeback [Comprehensive]]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021 – via Naver.
^"2018년 10월 20일 음악중심 차트" [Music Core Chart for October 20, 2018]. iMBC (in Korean). October 22, 2018. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
^"2018년 10월 27일 음악중심 차트" [Music Core Chart for October 27, 2018]. iMBC (in Korean). October 29, 2018. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
^"2018년 11월 3일 음악중심 차트" [Music Core Chart for November 3, 2018]. iMBC (in Korean). November 5, 2018. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.