Billlie 'Patbingsu' (2022)

What is Billlie Patbingsu?

Billlie Patbingsu is a collaboration single released by South Korean girl group Billlie and producer Yoon Jong Shin on July 14, 2022. The single marks Billlie's first collaboration project and serves as the inaugural release of Yoon Jong Shin's music initiative Track by YOON. The title track represents a remake of Yoon Jong Shin's original song of the same name, reimagined as a retro dance-pop composition with an upbeat tempo.

The term "patbingsu" translates to "red beans shaved ice," referencing a traditional Korean dessert. Produced by Yoon Jong Shin, the track runs for 3:29 minutes and showcases Billlie's vocal harmonies through a nostalgic summer sound. The song features production from ButterFly (KOR), with recording by Seo Yu Deok, mixing by Kim Il Ho, and mastering by SUONO.

This release represented Billlie's first new music in five months, following their February 2022 comeback with the mini album "the collective soul and unconscious: chapter one" and its title track "GingaMingaYo (the strange world)". The single became available in physical format through Platform Album distribution, allowing fans to access both digital and tangible versions of the collaboration.

Track by YOON Patbingsu collaboration

Background of the project

Track by YOON represents Yoon Jong Shin's experimental music initiative launched under Mystic Story, designed to showcase interpretations distinct from the label's typical musical direction. The project focuses on breaking conventional boundaries through refreshing reinterpretations of classic compositions. Billlie joined as the inaugural artist for this endeavor, performing remakes of two representative summer songs originally released by Yoon Jong Shin in 2001: "Patbingsu" and "Highway Romance".

The collaboration originated from Yoon Jong Shin's foundational influence in Korean popular music, with member Haram noting that both tracks had been beloved by Korean audiences for 21 years prior to the remake. Member Suhyeon described the experience as an honor to collaborate with a senior musician, emphasizing Yoon Jong Shin's careful direction that allowed Billlie to fully express their capabilities during production. The project aimed to present Billlie's nature from a new perspective while maintaining appeal to general audiences.

Song credits and production

"Patbingsu" features lyrics by Yoon Jong Shin, composition by Lee Kyu Ho (Kyo), and arrangement by ButterFly. "Highway Romance" credits Yoon Jong Shin, Sua, and Siyoon for lyrics, with composition by Yoon Jong Shin and Lee Geun Ho, arranged by MooF (MonoTree).

Billlie Patbingsu album and photocards

Album format and components

The physical release adopts the Platform Album format, measuring 90x120mm for the card holder. Album contents include:

PVC Photocard Album: 54x85mm (random 1 out of 7 designs)
Accordion Booklet: 400x110mm
Card Holder: 90x120mm
Photocards: 54x85mm (random 2 out of 35 variations)
Sticker Sheet: 80x110mm (random 1 out of 7)

Digital content becomes accessible through the Mini Record App, including album credits, track lyrics, digital photocards, exclusive photos, music videos, and special app-exclusive video content.

Photocard variations

The album contains 112 photocards across all versions. Each purchase includes two random photocards selected from a pool of 35 different designs. The PVC photocard album features seven distinct cover variations, with purchasers receiving one random design. Sticker sheets similarly offer seven different designs distributed randomly.

Limited edition items

A limited hologram photocard accompanies 700 randomly selected albums. These special photocards measure 54x85mm, matching standard photocard dimensions. The scarcity of these hologram cards has made them sought-after collectibles among fans.

Billlie Patbingsu lyrics and meaning

The lyrical narrative presents step-by-step instructions for preparing the traditional Korean dessert, beginning with boiling red beans and adding sugar, followed by freezing ice and preparing fruit cocktail toppings. The verses detail specific preparation methods, including washing cherries with stems, shaving ice into a bowl, and decorating with fruit and cherries. Member Tsuki noted the refrain's memorable quality and described the lyrics as adorable in their depiction of dessert preparation.

The musical composition employs a nursery rhyme-style melody in the opening verse, transitioning to a brisk chorus characterized as wispy yet nostalgic. The arrangement takes advantage of Billlie's vocal capabilities through extensive harmonic layering. Member Moon Sua characterized the track as featuring simple, exciting beats combined with addictive guitar and bass riffs complemented by cooking sound effects. The final chorus builds upon a bridge section with a key change.

The bridge introduces additional recipe notes, specifying optional toppings such as chewy rice cake, jelly, cream, and condensed milk. Expressions of affection toward the dessert permeate the chorus and post-chorus sections, with repeated phrases declaring love for patbingsu and pleading for it not to melt. Member Haruna observed that both lyrics and mood suited Billlie's musical identity.

FAQs

When was Billlie Patbingsu released?

The collaboration single became available on July 14, 2022, at 6 p.m. KST across various music streaming platforms.

Who produced Patbingsu?

Yoon Jong Shin served as the executive producer, with additional production work by ButterFly (KOR). Recording was handled by Seo Yu Deok, mixing by Kim Il Ho, and mastering by SUONO.

Was the group nervous about working with Yoon Jong Shin?

Member Suhyeon expressed initial nervousness about collaborating with the veteran producer but felt equally excited. Member Haram appreciated that Yoon Jong Shin directed the group to fully demonstrate their capabilities during the project.

What was Billlie's goal for the remainder of 2022?

Member Haruna stated the group aimed to rank No.1 on music shows and win a new artist award, describing it as meaningful since artists receive only one opportunity in their lifetime to achieve such recognition. Member Tsuki mentioned plans for various activities and content featuring the group's unique storytelling approach.

How did members describe their musical universe?

Moon Sua characterized the group as possessing a one-of-a-kind universe centered around a missing person case, exploring themes between present and past, dream and reality. Siyoon explained their albums progressed from reality to the multiverse of dream and unconsciousness.