BIBI addresses Waterbomb controversy: "I entertain those who paid"

Singer BIBI has addressed the recent controversy regarding the perceived suggestiveness of her 'Waterbomb Seoul 2026' performance. Rather than explaining the specific controversial moments, she drew attention by emphasizing her personal performance standards and her attitude toward the audience.

Ahead of its premiere on the 28th, SBS released a teaser video for 'I Will Do Anything for You - The Secretary,' capturing BIBI's experience at Waterbomb. The video features Lee Seo Jin and Kim Kwang Kyu watching BIBI's stage and looking after her during her daily routine before and after the performance.

BIBI delivered an intense performance at Waterbomb, heightening the energy of the venue. Lee Seo Jin and Kim Kwang Kyu, who headed to the audience area to watch, drew laughter by wearing so-called 'fake muscle' outfits that emphasized their musculature.

The two experienced the unique atmosphere of Waterbomb, getting soaked by water guns from the crowd. Kim Kwang Kyu expressed surprise, saying, "Strangers are shooting water guns at me," and noted the generational gap, adding, "When we were young, playing with water using basins was all we had."

Kim Kwang Kyu eventually picked up an umbrella found on the ground and attempted to shield himself from the water alongside Lee Seo Jin. The sight of the two standing side-by-side under an umbrella in the middle of a flashy concert venue became an unexpected comedic highlight.

Amid this, BIBI revealed her philosophy regarding her performances. "I have a philosophy regarding my performances," she stated. "I unconditionally make sure the people who paid to come in have a good time."

She added, "I prepared for three months, thinking this might be my last time." This suggests she views a single performance as a completed work of art, worthy of long-term preparation.

BIBI's attitude aligns with the recent controversy surrounding her Waterbomb stage. At 'Waterbomb Seoul 2026,' held on the 25th of last month at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, BIBI performed moves such as kneeling with male dancers or unzipping her jumpsuit. As some clips spread online, some critics pointed out that the scenes evoked sexual connotations.

On the other hand, some argue that the context of the performance must be considered, as festival stages like Waterbomb allow for much more intense performances and visual directing than typical broadcast stages. Ultimately, evaluations of the same scene can diverge depending on the level of expression expected by the audience.

In this teaser, rather than directly explaining the specific controversial scenes, BIBI emphasized her principle of "making the people who paid to come in have a good time." Regardless of the debate over suggestiveness, her approach shows that her stage presence is not merely impromptu, but is based on thorough preparation and audience-centered planning.

Lee Seo Jin, who watched the stage, praised her, saying, "Truly amazing. She is the goddess of Waterbomb," while Kim Kwang Kyu also marveled at her stage presence and preparation, stating, "As expected, she is a professional. BIBI is the real deal."

SBS 'I Will Do Anything for You - The Secretary' will air its first episode on the 28th at 11:10 PM. Attention is focused on how BIBI, appearing as this season's first 'my star,' will reveal both her intense stage persona and her human side off-stage.