Trigger warning: themes of self harm
When my buddy Aleks asked me to go with him to see Bibi at the MGM my immediate response was “who’s that?” I’m a k-pop fan, but admittedly I’ve mostly stuck to the mainstream artists (PSY, Hyuna, Blackpink, etc.) So suffice it to say I was a little skeptical. But spoiler alert: I’m so glad I said yes.
The EVE tour is a dark yet intriguing look into the k-pop industry. There’s been a recent uptake in suicides among overworked artists, and Bibi shines a light on this issue and the toxic Idol culture that perpetuates the industry.
She began her show with a bubbly introduction, greeting her fans, and monologuing for a bit. Her demeanor comes across as curious and down to earth. And once she started performing, I was sold.
I had spent some time listening to her music on Spotify to acclimate myself before the concert, but it was no comparison to seeing her live. From impressive lighting design and visuals, to the choreography, story telling and candid interactions, it was a beautiful and fun experience to be a part of.
Throughout the show she had small intermissions where she showed us short films detailing the story of EVE 2.0, a sci-fi clone of a previous k-pop singer who ended her own life. Eve fights against her predecessor’s destiny, but it’s eventually revealed she followed in all the same footsteps leading up to the tragic ending. This Eve, however, defies fate and ultimately chooses life.
It’s a beautiful, yet somber look at the steps that can lead someone to such a dark place, and it’s this writer’s hope that Bibi’s message makes a difference in the industry and may lead to better conditions for k-pop artists everywhere.
It wasn’t all serious though. Between these segments, Bibi sang her heart out with some of her greatest hits including “Kazino,” “Burn It,” and “Bam Yang Gang.”
Bibi puts on an amazing show. She made me think, made me dance, and made me feel. Her personality and set design was reminiscent of my experience seeing Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short and Sweet” tour: from her outfits, flirty sense of humor and approachability, to the sensual and intimate nature of her music and fan interactions.
She even had a segment where she spent a solid 30 or so minutes running around the venue asking fans what their jobs were. I suspect this also functioned as a sort of English lesson for her. It dragged a bit, but it was cute and wholesome and I like that she did things her way. And at one point she brought a fan on stage for her song “Best Lover,” where she was intimately serenaded, much to the jealousy of every other screaming person in the audience.
Sadly, her leg in the NA has come to an end, but hopefully she’ll be back, and when she does, make sure to get your tickets! I’ll be getting mine for sure. And in the meantime, I’ll be brushing up on my Korean so I can appreciate the performance even more.
“The North America tour was beyond amazing-
i feel fullfilled with
LOVE
thank you for all the unforgettable moments. And above all the best part of tour was meeting all you beautiful pookies
see you again my loves
” – Bibi on Facebook
Stage Shot Magazine 
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