B.I. Reveals His Hesitations With Epik High Collab

On January 18, B.I returned to the Korean music scene as a featured artist in EPIK HIGH's latest comeback album, "EPIK HIGH Is Here."

The former iKon leader and rapper worked with EPIK HIGH for the track "Acceptance Speech," which was warmly received by fans. "Acceptance Speech" trended on real-time Naver searches and even topped the charts.

Prior to the dream collaboration, however, B.I revealed that he first hesitated in accepting the offer, thinking that his participation would just cause trouble. 

"I actually had a hard time deciding even after I was offered by EPIK HIGH because I thought I might cause trouble. But I was encouraged by their advice and encouragement from my seniors, and I participated in this song after careful consideration," B.I confessed.

Almost two years ago, the talented rapper-composer was accused of alleged purchase and use of illegal drugs. Because of this, B.I left his group, iKon, and terminated his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment. Meanwhile, in 2020, the investigations concluded that B.I was innocent of the allegations as he tested negative of drug use.

The drug scandal has caused B.I or Kim Hanbin to take a long hiatus from the music scene. However, this collaboration with EPIK HIGH marks B.I's long-awaited return to the industry.

"It was a dream come true for me to collaborate with EPIK HIGH, whom I look up to for a long time. I want to say thank you again to the seniors who gave me the opportunity to participate in such a great song," B.I expressed.

Fans are eagerly anticipating B.I's future activities as both a singer-rapper and a composer. Currently, he was appointed as an in-house executive director of IOK Company. Moreover, he has also been busy volunteering on various charity organizations and projects in South Korea.