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K-pop idol B.I announces plans for new year, fans ask if he'll make 131 songs in 2022

B.I aka Kim Hanbin shared that he plans to expand his record label 131 and even changed its logo

B.I aka Kim Hanbin just seems rising higher and higher each year. He first rose up like a phoenix from the ash after he left iKON, cleared up his drug scandal, collaborated on Epik High’s diss track on the K-pop industry, and made his solo debut with a charity single album. He also became the youngest executive director of IOK Company and signed with their subsidiary label 131 Label which is named after his stage name B.I. And now he has big plans for 2022.

Fans celebrated on January 31 as it has the same numerals as his label's name, 131 Label. And on the same day, B.I decided to announce the future activities of his label. He first thanked fans for supporting him in 2021 when he officially made his solo debut. Hanbin shared, “You gave me a lot of strength and power, which made it truly an unforgettable year for me.” The K-pop idol also shared that he was branching out in the new year.

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B.I expands 131 Label

Initially, the name of Hanbin’s label 131 Label, stood for his stage name, however, now he wants to make it bigger and not just about him which has fans wondering if he will be debuting more artists and K-pop groups under the label. B.I explained, “Although the idea of the title ‘131’ came from my [stage] name, I had so much help from many great individuals who made everything possible. It wasn’t just about my work. As of January 31st, I want to expand the meaning of ‘131’ in a broader and unique way.”

Like the ‘13’ which stands for the ‘B’ in his stage name, he now also wants to encompass behind stories of those that have struggled and have yet to get the recognition they deserve. B.I said, “131 is about B-CUT stories that are hidden behind the back of A-CUT, unknown and unrecognized. They are the moments when my colleagues and I were fiercely contemplating to make the best work possible…In the future, 131 will present a variety of interesting projects that are based on music, not just B.I stories.”

B.I also introduced new social media accounts like a 131 store, producers’ account and an online platform which has fans wondering if 131 Label is branching out from a label to a proper K-pop agency. They even changed their name as they dropped the word 'label' to just '131' and introduced a new logo which has fans hilariously divided over the aesthetic.

'That's insane'

One ID asked, “Something is up.. 131 label is moving away from 131 label and going to 131 online.. is it because they want to be 131 entertainment?” Another wondered, “Imagine Hanbin making a song for k-movies or k-dramas OST this year.” One fan asked, “New group ??? New song?? New album?? New concert?? Or whatt.” Another analysed the logo change, “Hanbin really said “it is not just about me, it’s about the team behind the dream” hence the subtle change of direction of 3, just like how he wants us to look the other way from 131.” One fan joked about the logo change, “That never stop me clowning his drawings before.” Another ID commented, “What if by “various projects” Hanbin meant to accomplish at least 131 projects based on music in the entire 2022. That’s insane btw.” One added, “When I thought hanbin’s dramatic he goes even more dramatic.”