Early Life and Training Journey

Born in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, Kwon Eunbi grew up in a supportive family environment with her parents and an older brother. Initially, her parents opposed her dreams of becoming a singer, preferring she focus on academics. Despite their resistance, her determination shone through when she wrote heartfelt letters to extended family members, seeking their help in convincing her parents to support her artistic pursuits.

During her middle school years at Dong-il Middle School, Eunbi's passion for performing arts began to take shape. Subsequently, she enrolled in the School of Performing Arts Seoul's dance department, marking her first formal step toward a career in entertainment. Her early musical inspiration came from watching performances by artists like BoA, whose stage presence sparked a deep desire to pursue a similar path.

Before stepping into the spotlight, Eunbi gained valuable industry experience as a backup dancer. At age 17, she performed alongside prominent K-pop acts, including Secret and Girl's Day. This period proved particularly influential as Girl's Day's Hyeri, her senior from high school, actively encouraged her to pursue her dreams of becoming an idol.

Her journey took an unexpected turn when she debuted under the stage name 'Kazoo' with the girl group Ye-A on July 18, 2014. Although this initial venture didn't achieve lasting success, Eunbi remained undeterred. Following her departure from Ye-A, she auditioned for several entertainment companies before signing with Woollim Entertainment.

The training period at Woollim Entertainment lasted 5 years and 6 months, during which she honed her skills in:

Vocal performance
Dance choreography
Stage presence
Group dynamics

Throughout this time, Eunbi continued her education at Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts college, balancing her training with studies in the Broadcasting Department and Entertainment. Her dedication during these years laid the foundation for her future success, though she often considered her age of 23 relatively old among trainees.

The Produce 48 Experience

In June 2018, Produce 48 emerged as a groundbreaking collaboration between Korean and Japanese entertainment industries, featuring 96 contestants competing for spots in a new girl group. As one of four Woollim Entertainment trainees, Kwon Eunbi entered the competition with determination and showcased her skills across multiple evaluation rounds.

Journey Through the Competition

The show's structure incorporated a unique class-based system where contestants participated in episodic competitions. Eunbi maintained consistent performance throughout the program, securing positions among the top-ranked contestants. Her journey gained momentum as she participated in various evaluation rounds, demonstrating versatility in both vocal and dance categories.

Key Performances and Memorable Moments

The competition featured several significant performance categories:

Group battles with bonus votes for winning teams
Position evaluations focusing on vocal, rap, and dance skills
Concept evaluations determined by viewer polls

A standout moment occurred with the recording of the show's theme song "Nekkoya (Pick Me)". Furthermore, contestants showcased their abilities through live performances, where winning teams received additional voting advantages of 1,000 votes per member.

Rise to Leadership Position

Eunbi's natural leadership qualities emerged throughout the competition, leading to her unanimous selection as IZ*ONE's leader by fellow members. Her consistent rankings and professional approach contributed to maintaining a position in the top 12 throughout the show. The competition concluded with Eunbi securing 7th place, garnering 250,212 votes in the final round.

The finale, broadcast live on August 31, 2018, marked the beginning of a new chapter as Lee Seung-gi announced the formation of IZ*ONE. Consequently, Eunbi's journey through Produce 48 not only secured her debut but also established her reputation as a capable leader and skilled performer.

Leading IZ*ONE to Success

Upon joining IZ*ONE, Kwon Eunbi stepped into her role as leader through a memorable selection process. Her fellow members orchestrated a hidden camera prank, pretending to consider other candidates, yet ultimately chose her through a unanimous vote. The touching moment culminated in tears as members presented her with a heartfelt certificate of appointment, acknowledging her natural ability to guide and support the group.

Role as Group Leader

As the eldest member and leader, Eunbi shouldered significant responsibilities in steering IZ*ONE toward success. Her leadership style balanced professionalism with genuine care for members' well-being. The group's cohesive dynamic under her guidance proved instrumental in their rapid rise to prominence.

Notable Achievements with IZ*ONE

Under Eunbi's leadership, IZ*ONE amassed remarkable achievements:

Accumulated over 2.1 million physical album sales
Garnered 26 music show wins
Secured 7 major end-of-year awards
Generated more than 1 billion organic YouTube views

Their song "Secret Story of the Swan" emerged as their most awarded track, while "La Vie en Rose" marked their powerful debut on October 29, 2018.

Development as Performer

Notably, Eunbi expanded her artistic horizons by venturing into songwriting. Her first composition, "Spaceship," released on IZONE's debut studio album "BloomIz," reached #130 on the Gaon Digital Chart. Moreover, she collaborated with the songwriting team Psycho Rabbit to create "With*One" for their "Oneiric Diary" mini-album, which debuted at #152.

Throughout her tenure with IZ*ONE, Eunbi's growth extended beyond leadership responsibilities. Her dedication to perfecting performances while nurturing her creative abilities established her as a multifaceted artist. Additionally, she maintained this momentum until the group's final activities in April 2021, setting a strong foundation for her future solo endeavors.

Transition to Solo Artist

After IZ*ONE's disbandment in April 2021, Woollim Entertainment approached Kwon Eunbi about pursuing a solo career, presenting an opportunity she eagerly embraced.

Preparation for Solo Debut

In anticipation of her solo launch, Eunbi immersed herself in extensive preparation, simultaneously working on music video filming and photoshoots. Her dedication culminated in the release of her first mini-album "Open" on August 24, 2021, making her the first former IZ*ONE member to debut as a soloist in Korea.

Musical Style Evolution

Primarily known for her versatility, Eunbi's musical journey has encompassed various genres. Her debut track "Door" showcased a jazzy, playful style, accompanied by a visually striking music video inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Her artistic progression continued with subsequent releases:

"Glitch" - Featured disjointed beats and melodies, highlighting her vocal range
"The Flash" - A dance track with upbeat tempo and smooth melody
"Color" - Demonstrated further genre exploration

Building Individual Identity

In essence, the transition from group member to soloist presented unique challenges. "When I was in a group, if I was lacking in some parts, I had the other members to help fill it in," Eunbi reflected. Accordingly, she focused on developing versatility as a performer, recognizing the importance of mastering multiple skills as a solo artist.

Her commitment to artistic growth extended beyond performing. Eunbi actively participated in songwriting, receiving credits for two tracks on her debut EP. Her creative involvement continued with the release of "Like Heaven," a collaboration with hip-hop artist Paul Blanco.

The journey of establishing her solo identity remains ongoing. "I don't necessarily think of myself as an artist yet... I don't really know myself that well," she shared candidly, "but I think I'm on my way. I think I opened the door to it". Her dedication to exploration and growth has positioned her as a promising force in the industry, with each release showcasing new facets of her artistry.

Creative Evolution and Artistry

The artistic journey of Kwon Eunbi began taking shape through songwriting, specifically with her debut composition "Spaceship" for IZONE's first studio album "BloomIZ," which reached #130 on the Gaon Digital Chart. Her songwriting portfolio expanded with "With*One" for the "Oneiric Diary" mini-album, debuting at #152.

Songwriting and Production Journey

Eunbi's creative involvement extended beyond her group activities as she ventured into writing for other artists. Specifically, she contributed to Rocket Punch's Japanese album "Bubble Up!" by writing and co-producing the track "Let's Dance". Her solo debut EP "Open" showcased her growing confidence as a songwriter, with writing credits on multiple tracks.

Performance Style Development

The evolution of Eunbi's performance style reflects her dedication to musical theater aesthetics. Her debut single "Door" incorporated elements from musicals and cabaret, featuring extravagant choreography that highlighted her versatility. The song's electro jazz-swing composition demonstrated her ability to traverse musical genres.

Woollim Entertainment paired her with renowned songwriting teams, including:

Newtype team (1Take, TAK)
Full8loom
Monotree

Artistic Influences and Inspiration

Primarily inspired by BoA, Eunbi aspires to become an artist capable of mastering diverse genres and concepts. Her artistic identity embraces three distinct colors: red for passion, white for purity, and black for sophistication. This unique combination shapes her performance style and creative direction.

Her commitment to artistic growth manifests through meticulous preparation. For instance, she studied various musicals to develop reference points for her performances. The choreography in her works often features organic movements and strong silhouettes, creating mesmerizing visual experiences.

Nevertheless, Eunbi maintains a humble perspective on her artistic journey. "I want to become a singer that can adapt to any genre or concept," she emphasizes, highlighting her dedication to versatility. Her approach to performance combines technical precision with emotional depth, evidently shown in her ability to balance subtle grooves with powerful expressions.

Breaking New Ground

Since her solo debut, Kwon Eunbi has steadily pushed musical boundaries through diverse sonic landscapes and artistic collaborations. Her discography showcases an impressive range of styles, from jazzy compositions to electronic dance tracks.

Musical Experimentation

Each release marks a distinct chapter in Eunbi's artistic evolution. Her mini-album "Color" introduced "Glitch," an icy dance track that embraced artificial elements and futuristic sounds. Thereafter, she released "Underwater," a warmer composition featuring house piano elements that highlighted her vocal versatility. The release of "The Flash" in August 2023 demonstrated her ability to blend subdued tones with lighthearted melodies.

Genre Exploration

Primarily known for her electro-pop sound, Eunbi's musical palette extends across multiple genres. Her releases include:

"Door" - A jazzy atmosphere with theatrical elements
"Glitch" - Futuristic track with dynamic beat drops
"Underwater" - Tropical-influenced dance track with mesmerizing textures

Her commitment to versatility shines through in "Croquis" and "Simulation," where she explores electro-glitch aesthetics while maintaining her signature vocal style.

Collaborative Projects

Presently, Eunbi continues to expand her artistic horizons through strategic collaborations. Her partnership with hip-hop artist Paul Blanco resulted in the digital single "Like Heaven". Hence, she ventured into new territory with "Snowing," featuring rapper Coogie, which showcased a unique chemistry between her expressive vocals and dynamic rap elements.

Her songwriting contributions have similarly evolved, as evidenced by her work on Rocket Punch's Japanese album "Bubble Up!" where she wrote and co-produced the track "Let's Dance". Undoubtedly, her participation in the K-pop CTzen metaverse project, contributing the song "Light," demonstrates her willingness to embrace innovative platforms.

Personal Growth and Challenges

Behind the glittering stage lights and polished performances, the entertainment industry presents unique challenges that shape artists' personal journeys. For Kwon Eunbi, navigating these pressures while maintaining authenticity has been a significant part of her story.

Overcoming Industry Pressures

The South Korean entertainment industry's strict beauty standards often place immense pressure on performers to maintain specific physical appearances. Primarily, these expectations can affect artists' physical and mental well-being, creating a constant struggle between personal health and professional demands. As time passed, Eunbi learned to prioritize her overall well-being while meeting industry standards.

Mental Health Journey

"I think one thing that I have to improve is the fact that I worry a lot," Eunbi openly shared, acknowledging her tendency to overthink future scenarios. In fact, she admitted feeling "great pressure" on her shoulders due to her role as a singer. To address these challenges, she developed several coping mechanisms:

Mind control techniques for performance anxiety
Finding strength in fan support (RUBIs)
Maintaining spontaneous activities during free time
Spending quality time with friends and family

Life Lessons Learned

Above all, Eunbi's experiences have taught her valuable lessons about authenticity and personal growth. "When I have my free time, I sleep, eat delicious food, meet friends, watch drama movies, and have a drive!" she revealed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance.

Her perspective on success has evolved significantly. "I do mind control, thinking that I can do it. And because there are fans who always support me, I'm gaining courage and overcoming it well". Ultimately, she discovered that true strength comes from embracing both challenges and victories.

The journey hasn't been without its contemplative moments. "I might have taken a different path and not become a singer," she once reflected, showing remarkable honesty about her career choices. Yet, as a result of these experiences, she developed a deeper understanding of herself and her artistic identity. Her goal remains clear: "I hope people will think that Kwon Eunbi's songs have given comfort to many".

Behind the Spotlight

Currently serving as a DJ for SBS Power FM's "Young Street" radio show, Kwon Eunbi balances her bustling career with a structured personal life. Her daily schedule revolves around radio broadcasts, music preparations, and maintaining connections with fans.

Daily Life and Routines

Primarily focused on her artistic endeavors, Eunbi maintains a balanced lifestyle between work and relaxation. Her mornings often begin with radio show preparations, generally followed by practice sessions and content creation. In her downtime, she cherishes moments with her Maltipoo puppy, Geumbi, who turned three in 2024.

Relationship with Fans

The bond between Eunbi and her fanbase, known as RUBI, runs exceptionally deep. Her dedication to fans manifests in thoughtful gestures, as demonstrated at the Idol Star Athletics Championships where she:

Personally ordered lunch for her fans instead of providing standard food coupons
Visited Starbucks herself to buy refreshments when meals were delayed
Purchased individual buckets of fried chicken for dinner

These actions earned her widespread recognition, with a viral post titled "Kwon Eun Bi Is Seriously Nice" garnering over 90,000 views. Essentially, her approach to fan service extends beyond conventional interactions, focusing on genuine care and consideration.

Personal Interests

Outside her professional commitments, Eunbi pursues diverse interests that reflect her personality. Her hobbies include discovering new dessert spots, shopping, and maintaining an active lifestyle through running. She possesses unique talents in creating accessories, occasionally crafting earrings, and expresses interest in learning ring-making techniques.

A lesser-known facet of her artistic side emerges through her proficiency in POP art and sports. Her fashion sense manifests in her accessory choices, occasionally adorning all ten fingers with rings. With nine piercings, she maintains a distinctive style while keeping lipstick as her essential bag item.

Impact on K-pop Industry

Remarkably, Kwon Eunbi's entry into Billboard's World Digital Song Sales Chart at #3 with her solo debut track "Door" marked a significant milestone in K-pop history. Her achievement stands as the highest performance among Korean female solo artists who debuted or made comebacks that year.

Influence on Next Generation

Primarily recognized for her mentorship abilities, Eunbi secured a position as a mentor on Mnet's band survival competition show "Great Seoul Invasion" in June 2022. Her guidance style, shaped by years of experience, has influenced aspiring artists across the industry. Currently, her viral performance at Waterbomb Seoul 2023 earned her the titles "Waterbomb Goddess" and "Summer Queen" from major media outlets like The Korea Economic Daily and Hankook Ilbo.

Contribution to Female Solo Artists

Her solo career achievements include several groundbreaking moments:

First IZ*ONE member to pursue a solo career

Nominated for prestigious awards including:

Rookie of the Year at the 36th Golden Disc Awards
Best New Female Artist at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards
Rookie of the Year at the 31st Seoul Music Awards

Her song "Underwater" demonstrated remarkable staying power, resurging on Korean music charts and peaking at number 78 on the Circle Digital Chart, forty-five weeks after its initial release.

Legacy in K-pop

Ultimately, Eunbi's impact extends beyond music into the broader entertainment sphere. SPOTV acknowledged her growing influence as a rising model in the advertising world. Her versatility has opened new avenues for K-pop artists, as she consistently breaks into various entertainment sectors, including radio hosting and musical theater.

Her artistic philosophy of being "a genre of its own" has inspired many emerging artists. Through her work in multiple entertainment domains - from music to variety shows and radio - she has established a blueprint for comprehensive artistry in K-pop. Her success in maintaining relevance across different platforms while staying true to her artistic vision has set new standards for sustainability in the industry.