Waterbomb without Bada is fake: K-pop icon demands stage

Singer Bada has drawn significant attention by publicly expressing her intense desire to perform at the Waterbomb Festival. While her characteristic wit brought laughter to the studio, her remarks also showcased the pride and undiminished passion of an artist representing the first generation of K-pop.

On the 5th, the MBC entertainment program Radio Star featured a special episode titled 'Between Fashion and Passion, I'm So Hip~,' starring Choi Won-young, Lee Tae Ran, Bada, and Martin.

During the broadcast, Bada opened the conversation by mentioning her unique connection to the summer season due to her name.

“Because my name is Bada (Sea), many festivals look for me when summer arrives,” she said.

However, she soon expressed unexpected disappointment.

“I am the only one who hasn't been to Waterbomb yet. Does this even make sense?”

Waterbomb is a summer music festival characterized by its water-based concept and intense performances, establishing itself as a premier summer stage featuring top-tier artists every year. Bada drew laughter by emphasizing how perfectly her name aligns with the festival's image.

“Since my name is Bada, the fact that they haven't called me to Waterbomb is just 'scratching the surface,'” she joked, adding, “It’s a place where water should be overflowing, so shouldn't I go there to provide a presence?”

She surprised the cast by revealing she has been waiting for the stage since 2015, stating, “I have been preparing since the Waterbomb event was first established in Korea.”

In particular, Bada went beyond a simple desire to perform and emphasized her symbolic status.

“Am I not the mother of 'Mad' and the mother of K-pop? If there is respect for K-pop, I should be there to show it.”

'Mad,' mentioned by Bada, is her signature song released in 2002, which caused a massive sensation at the time with its intense performance and unconventional stage production. She playfully asserted her presence as an artist who laid the roots of the current global K-pop craze, moving beyond her status as a first-generation idol.

She continued, “A Waterbomb without Bada is not a true Waterbomb,” turning the studio into a sea of laughter.

Through the broadcast, Bada sent a direct message to the Waterbomb organizers.

“To all the Waterbomb officials watching Radio Star right now, anyone can see that I am the one who must go. It's me!”

In response, Kim GuRa boosted the atmosphere further by retorting, “Shouldn't the casting offer have come much earlier?”

Even regarding the 2026 Waterbomb, where many stars have already graced the stage, Bada did not give up.

“I think my passion will never fade for the rest of my life. It won't be too late to call me next year. Next year is the perfect time.”

She emphasized her professional attitude until the very end.

“Because I am a true professional singer, pride is not important. If a substitute is needed, I will go. That wouldn't just be filling in; it would be returning to my rightful place.”

Even now, more than 20 years after her debut, Bada does not hide her thirst for the stage. Fans are watching closely to see if this first-generation K-pop icon will bring her unique energy to the festival stages currently dominated by junior artists.