Billlie introduces themselves as a group with a one-of-a-kind universe, shares experience working on 'track by YOON: Patbingsu,' ultimate goals, and more

The seven-member rising girl group under MYSTIC STORY, Billlie, consisting of well-rounded members Moon Sua, Suhyeon, Sheon, Haram, Tsuki, Siyoon, and Haruna, made their first appearance as a group in the K-Pop scene on November 10, 2021, with the mini-album 'the Billage of perception : chapter one' which features the title song "RING X RING."

Every time Billlie returns, they always bring a one-of-a-kind concept to the table that never disappoints, continuing to transport everyone to their strange world. With 'track by YOON: Patbingsu' being their latest release, Billlie has, once again, revealed an entirely new side of them. With each of their releases being conceptually interesting, Billlie is definitely one of the groups to keep an eye on.

From the fresh and experimental-sounding track with the electro-styled beat that marked the group's epic debut, "RING X RING," to the soothing and fuzzy single "snowy night," to the solid and appealing track "GingaMingaYo (the strange world)" that everyone has been addicted to, Billlie's discography contains uniqueness and is just bizarrely catchy — and they deserve to be recognized for it. Combined with their incredible vocal, dance, and rap abilities, as well as their dynamic facial expressions and charming stage presence, Billlie has only just begun, and we can't wait to see where they go in the future.

Billlie's latest single album, 'track by YOON: Patbingsu,' is music producer Yoon Jong Shin's new music project that shows his experimental interpretation, which is different from the exciting musical direction taken by other artists of MYSTIC STORY.

When asked why he chose "Patbingsu" as a song to start the new journey with Billlie, Yoon explained, "To me, 'Patbingsu' is one of my experimental songs and it's my summer jewelry [that] I've been singing in this time of summer for over two decades. I wanted to give it to Billlie [because] I thought maybe the song will sound better and shine more with them."

"Patbingsu" is a charming retro dance-pop song with a variety of colorful ingredients, a hint of fresh flavor, and addictive guitar and bass tunes in harmony. The B-side track "Highway Romance" is acid pop with funky bass sounds and a simple chord progression. The songs feature the members' refreshing voices, which remind us of a cool breeze blowing through the summer heatwave.

To commemorate their latest single, Billlie spoke with allkpop about "Patbingsu," how they usually deal with pressure, especially since they were able to gain a lot of exposure from their last comeback, how they usually spend their summer days, and more. Continue reading to learn more about the septet!

allkpop: You are finally back with new music after five months! Congratulations on your return! Your last title track was "GingaMingaYo (the strange world)," and with that, you were able to gain more exposure as a group. More people tuned in to your latest release as 'the collective soul and unconscious: chapter one' is a great album. Now that you are back, do you feel some pressure to do well for fans and listeners who waited for your new album?

Moon Sua: First of all, it’s a great pleasure to meet the fans with a new song. Before starting our album promotion activities, we always think hard to show ourselves in the best condition with a new look. That’s why we discuss everything, including our style and the messages to deliver, as well as we practice for stage performances. We’re always trying to showcase our unique and special concept!

Haram: I know that many people have waited for us, Billlie, and I appreciate that. When we start the promotional activities for our album, I’m more excited than pressured. Since I worked very hard with the members to show our better selves to the fans, I wanted to come back as soon as possible. In addition to the new track “Patbingsu,” I hope you look forward to our various activities to come as Billlie!

allkpop: How do you deal with it?

Suhyeon: I think the pressure I feel before the album release serves as a good stimulus. So whenever I feel pressured, I rather enjoy it than avoid it and try harder to focus on the practice with the members. This is kind of my secret way to get used to tension. (laughs)

Sheon: It might be difficult to relieve the pressure instantly, but I’m not that worried thinking that I’m here with the members. Behind the stage, we practice hard enough, and on stage, we enjoy performing. I think our fans would enjoy it as they feel the same way as us. So I’m trying to prepare as usual with confidence rather than pressure.

allkpop: Your past releases and concepts are all unique. Could you please tell us more about Billlie's world? How would you introduce your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?

Moon Sua: This may sound like I’m boasting about ourselves, but I can confidently introduce our team as ‘Billlie with a one-of-a-kind universe.’ I think you can’t say Billlie without this universe. To give you the details, we’re telling many stories that unfold around a missing person case of a girl. In this mysterious case, we show ourselves bumping into each other and growing up between the present and past, dream and imagination and reality. As Billlie’s stories will be continued, please show us your support for our music as well as the stories.

Siyoon: In addition to what Moon Sua said, our first mini-album, which was our debut album, was about ‘the reality’ and our second mini-album, released in February, was about the beginning of the world of ‘dream and unconsciousness’ in full swing. That was the introduction to the multiverse of Billlie. As we’re going to unravel the vast universe, I hope you stay with Billlie!

In addition, following the universe, we’re also going to show various stage performances and music all the time with a variety of charms beyond imagination, like our new track “Patbingsu.” Please keep an eye out for us!

allkpop: "Patbingsu" was released as part of Yoon Jong Shin's new music project. Could you tell us more about the song and its concept?

Haram: “track by YOON” is producer Yoon Jong Shin's new music project that began under the plan which is more experimental and refreshing, breaking out of the box. Thankfully, as the first artist joining the project, we sang his representative summer songs “Patbingsu” and “Highway Romance.”

Moon Sua: The title track of this album, “Patbingsu,” is a song with a simple and exciting beat and addictive guitar and bass riffs in harmony with the fun sound effects as if we’re cooking. With Billlie’s unique cute, and bubbly vocals added to the sounds, you’ll have a chance to listen to another version of “Patbingsu,” which is different from the original. If the original song reminds you of a traditional Korean red bean shaved-ice dessert, imagine which flavor our version of “Patbingsu” would be. It should be fun!

Sheon: Another track, “Highway Romance,” is also a refreshing and funky song, which is an exciting summer song to help you enjoy this hot summer in a cool way. We’ve been showing various songs in various genres in our unique style and color. As you can see different sides of us in this album as well, please give us your love and support.

allkpop: The song is so addictive and catchy. What was your reaction when you first heard about your new song, "Patbingsu"?

Tsuki: When I first heard “Patbingsu,” the refrain lingered in my mind, and I thought the lyrics were adorable that described how to make a Korean red bean shaved-ice dessert. So when I recorded the song, I thought about how I could express the details of this part better and how to make our own version of the red bean shaved-ice dessert well.

Haruna: When I first listened to producer Yoon Jong Shin's “Patbingsu,” I was wondering what it would be like, if we, Billlie, sing this song. When I first heard the song in Billlie’s version, I thought both the lyrics and the mood suited well with Billlie. So I couldn’t wait to let our fans hear the song. I’m proud of it as the song is as good as I expected!

allkpop: What was it like working with Yoon Jong Shin for this new music of Billlie that highlights the members' sounds and perspectives?

Suhyeon: I was very nervous, thinking that I was working with producer Yoon Jong Shin. But I think I was excited as much. It was such an honor to collaborate with a senior musician who’s been doing music since long before I started to be trained. I learned a lot from him as he led us so carefully while doing this project. I want to thank him for giving me a chance to have such a great experience.

Haram: “Patbingsu” and “Highway Romance” have been loved by so many people in Korea until now after 21 years of their releases. It was an honor to sing such songs in Billlie’s voice. Particularly, I’m so touched that producer Yoon Jong Shin directed us to let us fully show what we’ve got during the project.

allkpop: How did you find the recording process? Were there any difficulties?

Sheon: Since the original “Patbingsu” is such a beloved song, we thought hard about how to make a different “Patbingsu” that is also as attractive as the original with Billlie’s unique color during the recording. As we’ve worked so hard, I hope many of you love the song!

Haruna: There’re the lyrics in my part, "Chaltteok jelly (chewy rice cake jelly)." I found it a little challenging to pronounce the words. So I practiced the pronunciation a lot with the staff before recording the song, and the members helped me outside the recording room in the studio. Thanks to them, I was able to finish recording without a mistake on my first try.

allkpop: The music video features a retro concept. There are numerous sources of inspiration like movies and commercials for the music video/concept shoot. What is your favorite part of it? Could you share some interesting behind-the-scenes stories with us?

Tsuki: The commercial scene of a telecommunications company with SUHYEON is the most memorable. I heard the original commercial was filmed by tossing tomatoes as well. This commercial scene was the last shoot of the music video, but it was so fun and exciting as we threw real fruits and tomatoes at each other. It was the final shoot, but I laughed a lot, and I remember I smelled like a tomato even on my way home after completing the shooting!

Siyoon: I did an homage to a mobile phone commercial with Sheon. We had to use old foldable phones, but I’ve never used them before. So Sheon and I practiced a lot to fold the phones to look cool. When we shot the scene, the staff played an exciting song to make the vibe of the past commercial, and the members danced with us out of the camera angle. It was so fun shooting the scene, thanks to them. (laughs)

allkpop: "Patbingsu" and "Highway Romance" are both summer songs. Could you please tell us how you usually spend your summer days?

Moon Sua: I like staying at home. So I take a rest at home during the hot daytime with the air conditioning on. When the sun sets, and it gets a little bit cooler in the evening, I like going to the Hangang River to take a walk. I remember I went to the pool there so often when I was young!

Sheon: I also stay at home with the air conditioning on like Moon Sua. I prefer cool weather to hot weather, so I spend time indoors like at movie theaters or cafes. But I think it can be cool wherever I am this summer if I have “Patbingsu” and “Highway Romance." (laughs)

allkpop: Billlie debuted during the pandemic. It's given that you would love to meet your fans worldwide and perform in front of them. Besides wanting to perform on stage, what are your ultimate goals as idols?

Siyoon: Our ultimate goal is to let the world, including Korea know Billlie and become the singers representing Korea in the future. We want to be with many fans on the global stage during the process!

Moon Sua: In terms of our musical goal, we want to keep making unique sounds of Billlie by combining music in various genres as we’ve done so far. We want to make people recognize our music as ‘Billlie’s music that won’t let you down’ by building up such outcomes. We’ll work hard for that!

allkpop: What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you walk onto the stage to finally perform in front of a large crowd?

Haram: I’m trying to be on stage with the mindset to ‘enjoy performing on stage to deliver Billlie’s energy to the audiences!’ But sometimes, when I get nervous, I try to calm down by looking at the members. I get reassured when we chant together before going on stage. I think the existence of the members itself gives me the strength [to perform on stage].

Tsuki: When I’m on stage, I think about ‘the looks of the audiences’ first. Because I want the audiences to remember the moment of watching the performance of Billlie as the most exciting and happiest memory we enjoy on stage. When I look at their happy faces on the stage, I think I can enjoy performing more on stage.

allkpop: With 'Patbingsu,' you were able to break your own record for first-week album sales on the first day of release. We love seeing your growth; congratulations! Do you have any goals that each member would like to achieve this year?

Suhyeon: Thank you! I want to let the world know us ‘Billlie’ with this song. As “Patbingsu” is a long-beloved song, it’s also a song that everyone can enjoy listening to regardless of gender and age. Therefore, I hope this project album serves as an opportunity to let more people know about us and listen to our songs.

Siyoon: Thank you for your congratulations! I want to become a great artist by introducing many people to Billlie’s music, and stories step by step. I’ll continue to work hard. Please keep an eye out for Billlie’s growth! Thank you!

allkpop: What are your plans for the rest of 2022? Are there any projects that we should keep an eye on?

Tsuki: For the rest of 2022, we’ll meet you with various activities and content with Billlie’s unique stories. Please look forward to our activities as well as the musical activities.

Haruna: Our goal as Billlie for the rest of 2022 is to rank No.1 on the music show and win the new artist award. It is so meaningful as you have only one chance to win it in your life. As we have such a big dream, we’ll work harder as Billlie this year. Please look forward to us.

allkpop: Before this interview ends, do you have anything else to say to our readers and your fans?

Suhyeon: Hello, allkpop readers, and our dear Belllie’ve! Thank you for reading our interview. Billlie’s summer season song “Patbingsu"! Please show us your love for it! We hope you have a cool summer with our song and make so many happy memories. I love you!

Haruna: I can’t believe that the interview is already over. I always miss you, Belllie’ve! And allkpop readers, we’ll see you later on stage! Until then, please stay healthy and stay with Billlie! Thank you!