B.I (Kim Han-bin) Biography, Background, Net Worth 2025, and Career

Profile:

Birth Name: Kim Han-bin (김한빈)

Stage Name: B.I

Date of Birth: October 22, 1996

Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea

Nationality: South Korean

B.I. is praised for his incisive rapping, poignant lyrics, and capacity to create music that appeals to a wide range of listeners. By fusing his initials with a hint to his uniqueness, his stage moniker, B.I., captures his audacious and reflective personality. B.I. has a compelling personality that has won him admirers all around the world. He is described as quick-witted, personable, and persuasive.

Background:

Born in Seoul, South Korea, on October 22, 1996, Kim Han-bin was raised in a middle-class household. Since B.I. has kept his family life private to protect their privacy despite his celebrity position, not much is known about his parents or siblings. He showed an early passion for music, especially hip-hop, which would eventually influence his career. His early exposure to the genre was by listening to singers such as Dr. Dre and Eminem, whose influence is evident in his reflective lyricism and rhythmic flow.
After shown promise as a performer as a child, B.I. was discovered by YG Entertainment, one of the top entertainment companies in South Korea. Early on, his skill was clear; at the age of 13, he appeared prominently in MC Mong's 2009 song "Indian Boy." He also performed with the rapper at the 2009 SBS Dream Concert and on You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook. His destiny as a K-pop idol was paved with this early exposure to the music business.
B.I.'s unwavering work ethic and will to succeed are hallmarks of his heritage. He remained grounded in spite of the demands of the entertainment industry, frequently expressing his wish to write music that resonates with listeners on a personal level. His ability to fuse K-pop with hip-hop, R&B, and other genres is a result of his multicultural inspirations, which stem from his exposure to international music trends.

Education:

Not much is known about B.I.'s formal schooling because his teenage music career took precedence. B.I probably juggled his education with rigorous training at YG Entertainment, just like many other K-pop idols. He went to middle school in South Korea, but his attention was diverted to his trainee life and ultimate iKON debut, therefore there is no public record of him completing higher education.
Under the strict training regimen of YG Entertainment, B.I. refined his rapping, dancing, songwriting, and production abilities while he was a trainee. This stage of growth was essential since it gave him the skills he needed to become a versatile artist. Even though he does not have many formal academic credentials, his career was greatly influenced by the music and performance training he received from YG.

Career:

Early Career and Rise with iKON:

When B.I. started working as a trainee for YG Entertainment, his path to fame began. He joined other future members of iKON on "Team B" in the reality survival show WIN: Who is Next in 2013. Even though Team B lost, they were granted another shot in 2014 through the Mix & Match survival procedure, which decided iKON's ultimate lineup. The show finally chose Jay, Song, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan to round up the seven-member group, with B.I., Jinhwan, and Bobby being pre-confirmed members.
Welcome Back, iKON's debut album, peaked at the top of the South Korean Gaon Album Chart on September 15, 2015. B.I. wrote and produced a number of the album's smash singles, including "My Type," "Apology," and "Dumb & Dumber." The early popularity of iKON was greatly influenced by his work as a songwriter and producer; songs like "Rhythm Ta" and "Airplane" demonstrate his ability to create appealing, genre-bending music. With over 260,000 copies sold in Asia and other accolades, including the MelOn All-Kill Popularity Award, the group's debut was a commercial success.
iKON's second studio album, Return, which featured the hit track "Love Scenario," was released in 2018. The song became a cultural sensation in South Korea after dominating the Gaon Digital Chart for six weeks. B.I's status as a creative force in K-pop was cemented when he served as the main songwriter and producer for "Love Scenario." The group went on several tours when he was with iKON, such as the iKon Japan Tour 2016 and the iKoncert 2016: Showtime Tour, which drew hundreds of thousands of fans from all around Asia.

Departure from iKON and YG Entertainment:

After being accused of trying to buy illegal substances in 2016, B.I. announced his departure from iKON and YG Entertainment in June 2019, which marked a key turning point in his career. His contract with YG was terminated, and he left the group as a result of the dispute, which Dispatch reported. B. I publicly discussed the problem, acknowledging previous difficulties but denying current drug use. Both B.I. and iKON had a difficult time throughout the incident, but he thanked his supporters and bandmates and promised to carry on with his music career.

Solo Career and 131 Label:

In October 2020, B.I. started a new chapter in his career by establishing his own agency, 131 Label, following his departure from YG Entertainment. On March 19, 2021, he made his solo debut with the three-track charity single album Midnight Blue (LOVE STREAMING). The album's revenues, which demonstrated B.I.'s dedication to philanthropy, were given to help impoverished children.
Waterfall, B.I.'s first full-length solo album, was released in 2021. Cosmos, his global album, followed. His development as an artist was demonstrated by these projects, which combined electronic, hip-hop, and R&B sounds with reflective lyrics about resiliency and self-discovery. His flexibility was further demonstrated with his 2022 EP, Love or Loved Part.1, and later releases, which received praise from critics for its high production quality and emotional depth.
In order to reach a wider audience, B.I. has also worked with international musicians including Epik High and Destiny Rogers. In addition to producing his own music, he also writes and produces music for other artists under the 131 Label. His track "BTBT," which featured DeVita and Soulja Boy, was released in 2023 and became very popular on streaming services.
Even though B.I. left iKON, his impact on the group is still noticeable because he was listed as a writer and composer on a number of the songs on their 2020 EP I Decide. Focusing on artistic independence and honesty has characterized his solo career, enabling him to pursue new musical horizons while retaining a devoted following.

B.I Net Worth 2025:

It is estimated that B.I. will have a net worth of $1 million to $5 million USD in 2025. This riches comes from a variety of sources:
iKON's Music Career: During his tenure with iKON, B.I. made a substantial sum of money via royalties, album sales, and concert tours. Popular songs like "Love Scenario" brought in a sizable sum of money from digital downloads and streaming.
Solo Projects: He makes money from sales, streaming, and live performances of his solo albums, EPs, and singles, such as Waterfall and Cosmos.
Songwriting and Production: B.I. receives royalties from the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) for his work as a songwriter and producer for iKON and other artists.
131 Label: Since 131 Label was founded, B.I. has benefited from all of the agency's earnings, including money made from signed artists and projects.
Collaborations and Endorsements: Although B.I. has mostly concentrated on music, his increasing popularity as a solo performer has opened up possible brand agreements and joint ventures.

B.I.'s creative output and business endeavors point to room for expansion in the years to come. He is well-positioned for financial success in the changing music industry thanks to his emphasis on independent music creation and international partnerships.

Personal Life and Philanthropy:

B.I. is renowned for being a solitary and introverted guy who hardly ever discusses specifics of his personal life. Although there is no verified information regarding his relationship status, he has stated that his ideal type is someone who is quick-witted, intelligent, charming, and persuasive. His followers value his commitment to his profession, and he continues to concentrate on his music and career.
Additionally, B.I. has shown a dedication to giving back. He demonstrated his commitment to use his platform for good by donating all of the revenues from his 2021 charity album Midnight Blue (LOVE STREAMING) to help underprivileged kids. He frequently interacts with his supporters, known as ID, on social media and during live performances, and has thanked them for their steadfast support.

Challenges and Resilience:

It was a major setback for B.I. both personally and professionally when he left iKON in 2019. His fortitude was put to the test by the drug-related accusations and the public attention that followed, but he saw the experience as a chance to improve. B.I. has been open in interviews about the difficulties he encountered, expressing his feelings via his music. His path of overcoming hardship and rediscovering his identity as an artist is reflected in his solo work, especially in songs like "Illusion" and "Waterfall."

Legacy and Future:

There is no denying B.I.'s influence on K-pop. With songs like "Love Scenario," he left a lasting legacy as the former leader of iKON, helping to shape the group's sound and popularity. He keeps pushing the envelope as a solo artist by fusing genres and delving into themes of introspection and resiliency. His founding of 131 Label is evidence of his drive for success and dedication to artistic control.
B.I. is well-positioned to increase his impact on the world music scene in 2025 and beyond. He is still a major player in K-pop with forthcoming projects, possible foreign partnerships, and an expanding record. Because they know that B.I. will continue to produce music that speaks to them on a deep and genuine level, fans look forward to his upcoming albums.