B.I

B.I is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is widely recognized for his role as the former leader and main producer of the K-pop group iKON, and for co-writing their 2018 hit song "Love Scenario." After a period of hiatus, B.I has re-established himself as a solo artist, releasing albums such as Waterfall (2021) and To Die For (2023) through his independent label, 131 Label. He is known for his introspective musical style and has cultivated a strong international following. B.I continues to engage with his audience, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to his artistic endeavors.[edit]

Kim Han-bin, widely known by his stage name B.I, was born on October 22, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, where he also spent his formative years. Even as a child, his innate talent for music and performance began to emerge. At the young age of thirteen, in 2009, he made his first significant entry into the public eye as a child rapper. This early opportunity saw him featuring prominently on veteran artist MC Mong's popular single "Indian Boy." His dynamic performances on various music shows and his appearance in the song's official music video showcased his precocious skills and undeniable stage presence. This initial exposure proved pivotal, as it quickly drew the attention of YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's leading entertainment agencies, marking the beginning of his journey toward a professional music career.

In 2011, following this early recognition, Kim Han-bin officially joined YG Entertainment as a trainee, embarking on an intensive period of development and refinement. His dedication and burgeoning talents were soon put to the test on the highly competitive reality survival show WIN: Who Is Next in 2013. During this grueling competition, he was appointed the leader of Team B, demonstrating early on his leadership qualities and creative vision. Although Team B ultimately did not win the show, losing to Team A (who would later debut as the group WINNER), B.I's exceptional leadership and promising songwriting abilities garnered significant attention and praise from both judges and viewers.

His journey to debut continued with the follow-up survival program, Mix & Match, in 2014. Once again, he took the helm as the leader of Team B, guiding his teammates through rigorous challenges. This second appearance further solidified his reputation as a driven and talented producer and performer. The cumulative impact of these high-stakes shows successfully built a substantial pre-debut fanbase for B.I and his team, laying a robust foundation for their official debut. His persistent efforts and undeniable skill culminated in Team B's successful formation and debut as the highly anticipated boy group iKON in 2015. [edit]

B.I debuted as the leader, main rapper, and lead producer of iKON in 2015 with the album Welcome Back. He co-wrote most of the group's songs, including hits like "My Type" and "Rhythm Ta." His biggest achievement came in 2018 with "Love Scenario," which dominated Korean charts, achieved Perfect All-Kill status, and became a cultural phenomenon, often sung by the public and covered by other artists.

After leaving iKON, B.I launched his solo career with the charity single album Midnight Blue in 2021, followed by the studio album Waterfall and EP Cosmos later that year. He continued with global projects like Love or Loved (L.O.L) in 2022 and his second full album To Die For in 2023. As CEO of 131 Label, he has full creative control over his music, which often explores themes of redemption and self-reflection. [edit]

B.I is widely regarded as a deeply introspective and authentic artist, known for his raw, emotional lyricism and meticulous production. His solo work under 131 Label explores themes of guilt, redemption, and personal growth, often blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop with a melancholic yet hopeful tone. Media and fans perceive him as a resilient figure who rebuilt his career after a major scandal, earning respect for his honesty and creative control. His fashion style is understated and modern, frequently featuring streetwear and monochromatic looks. His fandom is called IDs, known for their dedicated support and deep engagement with his music's narrative. On social media, B.I maintains a reflective and artistic voice, sharing personal thoughts, behind-the-scenes content, and interactions with fans, fostering a close-knit community.[edit]

B.I holds no placement in the current iFANN Global Top 1,000 rankings or any Top-100 scope lists. The global fame engine has evaluated his profile, yet he remains unranked at this moment. This absence of a numeric position does not diminish the intensity of his specific cultural footprint. His story is defined by a dramatic fall and a meticulous rebuild, a narrative that keeps him visible even without a chart slot. The core of his audience identifies under the banner of ID, the official collective name for fans of his former group, though they rally around him as a solo force. During the height of the controversy surrounding his departure from YG Entertainment, these supporters launched the #HelloHanbinIsFree campaign to demand transparency after his negative drug test results. That movement transformed passive listeners into a protective community willing to challenge media narratives. While some segments of the fandom remained loyal to the group structure, a dedicated faction followed B.I into his independent ventures, treating his solo releases like sacred texts. They view their relationship with the artist as a shared journey through guilt and redemption, a theme woven into albums like Waterfall and To Die For. This loyalty is not merely about streaming numbers; it is an active defense of his artistic truth against a backdrop of public scandal. The dynamic shifted from celebrating a prodigy producer to witnessing a man reclaiming his voice, creating a unique bond where the fanbase acts as both critic and champion.[edit]

B.I held an unusually high level of creative control for a K-pop idol, securing songwriting or composition credits on the majority of iKON's tracks during his tenure. His work on 'Love Scenario' became so ubiquitous in South Korea that elementary school children were filmed singing it en masse. After leaving the group, he directed all proceeds from his first solo project, Midnight Blue, to charity. In his mid-twenties, he was appointed executive director at IOK Company, a rare role for an idol at such a young age. The defining legend of his career remains the June 2019 drug allegations, which caused immediate shockwaves and led to his voluntary departure from iKON. A counter-narrative emerged when he tested negative for illegal substances, sparking a viral campaign of solidarity among fans who demanded his exoneration. Yet the story carries a lingering weight; reports from 2025 suggest the legal and social consequences of the administration controversy remain active, keeping the question of his innocence central to his public mythology. Fans often cite this resilience as the core of their connection to him, viewing his music as a reflection of survival rather than just entertainment.[edit]

Reliable information about B.I's family is limited. He has mentioned a close relationship with his parents in interviews, but their names and occupations are not publicly documented. He has no known spouse or children. [edit]

B.I is closely associated with iKON members, especially Bobby, with whom he formed a strong creative partnership. He trained alongside WINNER and BLACKPINK members at YG Entertainment. His early career was boosted by MC Mong, who featured him as a child rapper. He now works with artists under his label 131. [edit]

B.I has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. There are no official dating reports from credible Korean or international media. Fan speculations remain unsubstantiated. As of 2026, he is reported as single with no known partner. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, B.I's net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2026. This figure accumulates primarily through his extensive music career, driven by songwriting royalties from iKON's catalog. The hit 'Love Scenario' continues to generate significant streaming and performance revenue long after its initial release. Solo album sales, concert tours, and exclusive fan meetings provide additional income streams that bolster his financial standing. As the CEO of 131 Label, he earns substantial returns from executive production duties and overall label management. While major endorsement deals have been limited following the scandal, his international touring circuit and merchandise sales effectively support his earnings. The financial trajectory reflects a successful pivot from group member to independent mogul.[edit]

B.I won several Rookie of the Year awards with iKON at major Korean music ceremonies in 2015, including Mnet Asian Music Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Golden Disc Awards. In 2018, "Love Scenario" won Song of the Year at the Melon Music Awards and a Digital Bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards. [edit]