Billlie 'Remembrance Candy' (2024)

What is Billlie Remembrance Candy?

Remembrance Candy (Korean: 기억사탕, romanized as Gieoksatang) is the opening song and first of two title tracks from Billlie's fifth mini-album appendix: Of All We Have Lost. Released on October 16, 2024, the track was notably written by acclaimed K-pop singer-songwriter IU, who also provided special narration for the music video teaser. The composition was handled by INFX, while IU penned the lyrics that explore themes of memory through candy metaphors.

The release marks a significant milestone as Billlie's first comeback as a complete group following March 2023. Members Moon Sua and Suhyeon had taken a hiatus from group activities due to personal and health issues. Speaking at a press event, Moon Sua revealed that IU "had been paying attention to us, which led to this opportunity," adding that the members were excited because they are all fans of the artist. Suhyeon expressed gratitude toward her bandmates for maintaining Billlie's presence during her recovery period.

The collaboration between Billlie and IU attracted attention within the K-pop industry, given IU's reputation as a skilled lyricist. Moon Sua described the opportunity as "a dream come true" for the group members.

Billlie Remembrance Candy lyrics meaning

The metaphor of memory candies

The lyrics portray candy as "a medium for recalling childhood memories" where specific flavors enhance emotions and retrieve forgotten experiences. The narrative follows someone retracing footsteps to find round candies in a glass jar, each piece representing a memory waiting to be revisited. The chorus describes sensory experiences: "Softly as if the sweetness fills my mouth / Freshly the sweet look spreads / Dizzily it's a dizzy but pretty flavor".

IU's lyrical contribution

IU crafted ethereal verses that mesh with Billlie's artistic identity. The lyrics reference her own work through the line "Endlessly overlapped in the palette, that's what people call me", connecting to her song "Palette." Haram noted IU provided valuable guidance on capturing the track's essence, helping the group find direction for their interpretation.

Use of Korean onomatopoeia

IU employed rhyming Korean onomatopoeia throughout the composition, including sa-reu-reu (softly), cha-reu-reu (gently), and ping-geu-reu (dizzily). These phonetic expressions create rhythmic patterns while describing the sensations of consuming memory-laden candies.

Emotional progression in the lyrics

The verses shift from uncertainty to conviction. Initial lines express "a faint hunch" with the word "probably," evolving to "I am absolutely certain" in later stanzas. Tsuki explained the lyrics contain "messages about moving past hardships, not forgetting and moving forward".

Billlie Remembrance Candy MV and lore

Introduction of bonBon

The music video introduced bonBon, a new character within Billlie's lore, first appearing when Suhyeon observes a chick-shaped figure in the clouds. bonBon belongs to the Lovers, fantasy creatures inhabiting the B-side dimension. The character received formal introduction on December 24, 2024, establishing a 70-day waiting period between the MV release and official acknowledgment. Unlike previous Lovers, bonBon never physically manifests in the video, existing solely as a cloud formation. The name references the French chocolate confection bonbon.

Visual symbolism

The music video opens with a bound Snowy Man playing piano, connecting to earlier Billlie narratives. Members appear dispersed across locations: Haruna and Siyoon examine a sketchbook, Suhyeon jumps on a trampoline holding a walkie-talkie, Moon Sua and Tsuki search with flashlights, while Sheon and Haram drive. Bird imagery recurs throughout via sketches, clouds, and paper cranes. Members initially discard belongings and memories before encountering bird cage imagery, which symbolizes restriction. Upon abandoning emotional baggage, represented by roadside luggage, they gaze skyward at bird-shaped clouds.

Connection to Billlie's universe

Suhyeon maintains her position in an attic space reminiscent of previous Billlie settings, suggesting she preserved childhood memories while other members struggled. bonBon guides Suhyeon through the clouds to this location where she awaits reunion. After consuming the remembrance candies, members converge at this shared space. Moon Sua initiates the final embrace, followed by other members joining the group reunion.

FAQs

When did Billlie release this comeback album?

The group released appendix: Of All We Have Lost on October 16, 2024, marking their first album in over a year and a half since the fourth EP the Billage of perception: Chapter Three in March 2023.

Why did the group take an extended break?

Members Suhyeon and Moon Sua required time away from group activities due to personal hardships and health issues. Both members expressed gratitude upon returning, with Moon Sua thanking the group for welcoming her back and Suhyeon acknowledging fans and members who maintained their presence during the hiatus.

What genres does the album explore?

The six-track EP ventures into city pop, indie pop, Nu jazz, and new wave genres. The album features two lead tracks, with "trampoline" released on October 11 prior to the full album.

How did the IU collaboration come about?

IU wrote the lyrics and recorded narration for the teaser video. Haram described the collaboration as an honor, noting IU as a role model for the group.

What was the album's touring schedule?

Billlie launched their first world tour Our Flowerld (Billlie've You) with European performances, followed by a Jersey City concert scheduled for November 15. Haruna described the European shows as precious memories.