[INTERVIEW] All About K-pop group’s Billlie’s Next Chapter

After years of building one of K-pop’s most intricate storylines, Billlie are ready to turn the page. With cloud palace ~ false awakening, Billlie bring their “palace” trilogy to a close while opening the door to something more personal. The pre-release single arrives following a milestone year — from their first world tour Our FLOWERLD (Belllie’ve You) to standout collaborative stages on Apple TV+’s KPOPPED, captures a group growing more confident in both sound and identity. Standing at the edge of this new era, Billlie aren’t just expanding their universe; they’re leaning into honesty, emotion, and the colour that continues to define them alongside Belllie’ve. We caught up with the members to talk closing chapters, bold new directions, and about their fans, the Belllie’ve who’ve been with them every step of the way.

cloud palace ~ false awakening is described as the beginning of a new chapter for Billlie. Could you tell us a bit more about that new chapter?

MOON SUA: This pre-release single, cloud palace ~ false awakening, is both the finale of the ‘palace’ trilogy that began with “M◐◑N palace” from our second mini album and continued with “$UN palace (Stroop effect)” from the third mini album, and the starting point of a new chapter. It captures the moment of realization when one who has wandered for along time without finding the way finally discovers the answer within oneself. I think it is one of the most inwardly focused stories even within Billlie’s narrative.
SIYOON: This time, we also approached the sound and genre in a more open way. Through multiple mixed versions that allow one story to feel like different spaces, we wanted to expand the emotional range and interpretative possibilities, and to present music that lets us share emotions more freely with our fans.

You’ve called this single a “key” that opens the door to your next album. What kind of world is waiting on the other side of that door?

SUHYEON: We described this album as a ‘key,’ not because it moves into a completely new world, but because it opens the emotions and narrative we’ve built so far one step
deeper. Up until cloud palace ~ false awakening, it feels like we are standing right in front of that door. Beyond it, I think there will be stories that reflect Billlie’s more honest emotions and what comes after facing our true selves.
SHEON: I think the other side of the door is a space where Billlie’s musical possibilities are expanded even further. Rather than staying within one mood or genre, it’s a world where we express emotions through a wider range of sounds and textures. Based on the story we’ve built so far, we want to naturally show more colorful emotions and new musical possibilities of Billlie moving forward.

“cloud palace” was first performed at your fourth anniversary fan meeting. What made that song feel special enough to share in such an intimate setting?

HARAM: Since this album opens the final chapter of the ‘palace’ series that followed “M◐◑N palace” and “$UN palace (Stroop effect)”, we wanted our fans, Belllie've, to hear it first because they have been with us throughout the journey. We felt that the moment of awakening reflected in the title is ultimately completed through the time we’ve walked together with our fans. That’s why it felt meaningful to share it first with them in the shared space, at the closest distance possible.
MOON SUA: This song focuses more on emotion and atmosphere than performance, so I felt it suited well to a fan meeting, which is a space where we can truly exchange feelings with fans. We wanted to remember even the sound of their breathing and the look in their eyes when they heard the song for the first time, and hoped that scene itself would feel like “cloud palace”.

What does “Billlie" mean to you today compared to your debut era?

SIYOON: At the beginning of our debut, the name ‘Billlie’ felt like a starting line toward the goals we wanted to achieve. Back then, the desire to constantly prove ourselves felt
stronger, but now that name holds the time we’ve spent laughing and crying together, the memories on stage, and the sincerity we’ve shared with Belllie've, all layered into one
precious world.
SHEON: If Billlie was a name filled with excitement and possibility at debut, I think Billlie now is a record of growth that we’ve built by walking through those possibilities ourselves. Spending time together, we’ve created our own color and a strong core, and I believe the name ‘Billlie’ is still continuing to grow and take shape.

You’ve performed across Japan, the U.S., the Middle East, Spain, and more. How has performing for global audiences influenced your music and stage presence?

TSUKI: Performing in different regions, including through our world tour, made me realize firsthand that music can cross language barriers. Even if the lyrics aren’t fully understood,
emotions and energy are still conveyed. Because of that, we tried to express ourselves more honestly and sincerely on stage. I think those experiences naturally became part of our music, leading us to think more deeply about creating emotions and messages that are both unique and universal.
HARUNA: Every time we performed in front of global audiences, I noticed that their reactions and rhythm of engagement were slightly different. Experiencing those differences
firsthand helped refine our on-the-spot interactions, eye contact, and gestures on stage. At the same time, we learned how important it is to maintain our own stable core no matter where we perform. As those experiences accumulated, I feel that Billlie’s performances have become stronger and more grounded.

Looking back on your first world tour, Our FLOWERLD (Belllie've You), what moments stand out the most?

HARUNA: Every moment of our first world tour felt special and precious, but if I think of one unforgettable moment, it would be when our song began, and fans responded together in
their own languages at the same time. Seeing that made me feel the power of music once again. Especially when I made eye contact with fans while singing, I felt that even though our languages were different, the time and emotions we had built together were still connected.
HARAM: The moment that stands out most from our first world tour was when the cheers continued, and the encore calls didn’t stop even after the show ended. While preparing for the stage, I felt strong pressure to do well, but in that moment, when we made eye contact and jumped together to the same music, I truly felt connected with our fans. Being able to
share the same emotions through the same song despite different languages and cultures remains an overwhelming and grateful memory.

Appearing on Apple TV+’s KPOPPED brought unexpected collaborations with Patti LaBelle and Megan Thee Stallion. What did those experiences teach you as artists?

SUHYEON: What I felt most strongly through the KPOPPED stage was that, regardless of genre, what ultimately completes a performance is energy and confidence. Both Patti
LaBelle and Megan Thee Stallion had the energy to command the stage in their own ways, and I could feel that confidence being directly delivered to the audience. Watching them made us want to trust Billlie’s own color more and stand more confidently on stage. I hope we can continue to learn through collaborations with various artists and expand that energy in Billlie’s own way.
SHEON: Through this collaboration, I learned that difference actually makes music more diverse and rich. When different backgrounds and styles were mixed, unexpected synergy emerged, and that process itself was fascinating. It gave us the courage to challenge new genres and approaches with a more open mindset instead of staying confined within certain boundaries.

Did those collaborations influence the direction or mindset behind this upcoming comeback?

HARAM: Yes, I think it definitely influenced us. Standing on the same stage with various artists helped us recognize our own color more clearly. So while preparing for the next
album, I feel a stronger desire to focus on honestly expressing emotions and narratives that only we can deliver. Rather than simply absorbing outside influences, I think it’s important to
reinterpret them in our own way.
TSUKI: I think my mindset changed a bit. Experiencing bigger stages taught me how important it is not to set limits for yourself. I also gained the courage to challenge genre and expression more boldly for our next album. Since we’re working on the next album while keeping many possibilities open, I think we’ll be able to show a more expanded side of Billlie than before.

Is there a concept or genre you’re excited to explore in the future?

TSUKI: Among Billlie’s songs, the rock concept from “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world)” stands out the most to me. If we could try it again, I would like to do a more mature and cooler rock mood than before. In the past, our cute and lively image was central in that performance, but now I think we can show a rock style that maximizes Billlie’s own charm
and atmosphere.
MOON SUA: I want to challenge a deeper, darker, and more experimental concept emotionally. In terms of sound, I’d like to try something more minimal, or on the other hand,
something rough and intense, and express Billlie’s story in a new way. I’m curious how we would express our emotions in an unfamiliar atmosphere and what kind of stage we would
create.

Lastly, Would you like to say something to your Belllie've?

HARUNA: No matter what story we tell or what challenge we take on, we always feel that Belllie've is the first to believe in us and wait for us. Because of that, we can be more honest and gain the courage to confidently try new things. I hope we can continue walking together for a long time, looking in the same direction as we do now. Belllie've, please stay
by Billlie’s side for a long, long time!
SIYOON: Every support and gaze that Belllie've sends us gives us tremendous strength. Whether on or off stage, the reason we can keep singing is ultimately because of Belllie've. I hope you continue to stay closest to us through our growth and every part of our journey, and that every moment you spend with Billlie becomes a memory you can always be proud
of.

A huge thank you to Billlie for taking the time to share their thoughts, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments with us. From the finale of the palace trilogy to stepping into a fresh new era with cloud palace ~ false awakening, it’s clear how much heart, creativity, and emotion the group pours into every song and performance. Throughout it all, Belllie’ve has been at the center by cheering them on. This next chapter promises growth, surprises, and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to see Billlie continue to shine; with Belllie’ve by their side every step of the way!