Kwon Eun-bi (권은비) is a highly respected South Korean singer, dancer, and television personality, best known as the former leader of the immensely popular project girl group IZ*ONE, and now as a successful solo artist.
Here’s a breakdown of her career and what makes her stand out:
1. Early Career & Pre-Debut
- Born: September 27, 1995, in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
- Agency: Woollim Entertainment (since her trainee days).
- Early Group: She briefly debuted in 2014 with the girl group Ye-A under the stage name “Kazoo,” but the group disbanded shortly after. This shows her perseverance and long journey to success.
2. IZ*ONE Era (2018-2021)
- Produce 48: Eun-bi participated in Mnet’s survival show “Produce 48” in 2018. She consistently ranked high due to her strong all-around skills and leadership qualities, ultimately finishing 7th and securing her spot in the final lineup.
- Leader of IZ*ONE: As the oldest member and a seasoned trainee, she was naturally chosen as the leader of IZ*ONE. She was widely praised for her nurturing “mother-like” leadership, guiding the younger members and ensuring group cohesion.
- Role in the Group: She was one of IZ*ONE’s main dancers and lead vocalists, known for her powerful stage presence, stable vocals, and captivating performances. Her strong charisma and expressive dancing were often highlighted.
- Group Success: IZ*ONE achieved immense popularity, becoming one of the most successful K-Pop girl groups of their generation, releasing multiple hit songs and albums.
- Disbandment: IZ*ONE officially disbanded in April 2021 after their two-and-a-half-year contract concluded.
3. Solo Career (2021-Present)
- Solo Debut: Eun-bi made her highly anticipated solo debut on August 24, 2021, with her first mini-album “OPEN” and its title track “Door.” Her solo music showcased a more mature and sophisticated concept, highlighting her versatility.
- Musical Style: Her solo releases have generally explored elegant, chic, and sometimes edgy concepts, allowing her to experiment with different sounds and aesthetics. She’s known for her strong performance-oriented stages.
- Key Releases:
- “Door” (2021): Her solo debut, a jazzy pop track that showcased her vocal and performance skills.
- “Glitch” (2022): A more experimental and artistic track with a striking visual concept.
- “Underwater” (2022): While not initially a major hit, “Underwater” experienced a massive resurgence in popularity in 2023, particularly after her viral performances.
- Resurgence & “Waterbomb Goddess”: In mid-2023, Kwon Eun-bi’s performances at various music festivals, most notably the Waterbomb Festival, went viral. Her confident stage presence, stunning visuals, and energetic performance (especially of “Underwater”) earned her the title “Waterbomb Goddess” and led to a significant boost in her solo career and public recognition, particularly for “Underwater,” which charted months after its release.
4. Skills & Strengths
- Vocals: Powerful, stable, and versatile, capable of handling various genres.
- Dance: A strong and expressive dancer with sharp movements and excellent stage presence.
- Leadership: Proven leadership skills from her time in IZ*ONE.
- Performance: An all-rounder who commands the stage with her charisma and professionalism.
- Visuals: Consistently praised for her striking visuals, often combining elegance with a chic aura.
5. Public Image & Personality
- “Unnie” (Older Sister) Image: Often seen as warm, caring, and dependable, especially during her IZ*ONE days.
- Professionalism: Highly regarded for her hard work, dedication, and consistent high-quality performances.
- Charming & Witty: She has also showcased her humor and wit on variety shows and as a radio DJ.
Overall
Kwon Eun-bi has successfully transitioned from a beloved group leader to a respected and increasingly popular solo artist. Her journey is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and ability to adapt and redefine herself. Her recent surge in popularity, particularly due to her iconic festival performances, has solidified her position as one of K-Pop’s most exciting female soloists.