BIBI has always been known as an artist that pushes the envelope in both her music and concept, and that continues in her new mini-album 인생은 나쁜X (Life is a Bi…). The accompanying title track, “BAD SAD AND MAD,” is a short and sweet track that only has a minute and a half long music video, an interesting but definitely deliberate choice. That being said, it’s certain that the short music video packs a huge punch, as BIBI pushes the creative boundaries almost as far as they can go. 

Admittedly, the first watch was rather shocking given how generally conservative Korean releases are. While idols will occasionally show a sexy image or be somewhat provocative, BIBI takes it to a whole new level. In the video, BIBI is seen dressed in an all latex bodysuit attached to a long chain, with shots of her being pulled on by that chain like a dog. There are very clear hints of BDSM play and mature themes, so tread lightly if that is not something you’re a fan of. But as we know with BIBI, it’s more than just what’s on the surface, so there are likely some pretty profound reasons for both the lyrics and theme.

The music video only encompasses about 60% of the track, with the introduction being cut short and a rehash of the first verse, which also interestingly features a rather intense moment where she is heard screaming the lyric “you read my mind” in an almost tortured voice, indicating something deeper and darker in the song.

“Umm...Life” kicks off the album, putting some more context into the intensity of “BAD SAD AND MAD.” The song opens up with someone showing concern for BIBI’s mental state, which she responds to rather flatly, alluding to some sort of depression or just general listlessness in response to life, making a point to state not to “blame him.” Aside from the lyrical meaning, the song has a strangely upbeat R&B type of style, contrasting the darker lyrics. “PIRI the dog” musically has the same type of tone as “Umm...Life,” but the lyrics this time show a type of desperation for acceptance through the metaphor of being a dog. There’s an interesting staccato tone to the chorus that seems to drive that point home even further.

“Birthday Cake” has a more classic type of hip-hop beat, but it remains subdued to allow BIBI’s vocals and lyrical message to take the forefront. This track seems to lament the fact that she was not told she had other options out of her situation, so she remained in a detrimental state. The final track “인생은 나쁜X (Life is a Bi…)” shifts gears both in theme and sound, with BIBI actually rapping in this track and the melody becoming more prominent compared to the other tracks. Toward the end of the track, a prominent strings orchestra takes the main stage as well, a very stark contrast to the rest of the album that adds a melancholy feel to the otherwise dismissive track. The lyrics sort of take a turn to insinuate a lack of caring toward life, but the orchestra indicates otherwise and alludes to deeper emotions boiling beneath the surface. 

As expected, the journey through BIBI’s latest mini-album dove deeper than it would seem on the surface, and the provocative nature of “BAD SAD AND MAD” only shows one side of a coin while the album explores themes much deeper through easily palatable metaphors. There’s no doubt that BIBI has quite a well of talent in tackling the more difficult themes of life.