Eunha/ Jung Eun Bi (VIVIZ/former GFriend)

Eunha's journey through the dynamic landscape of K-pop embodies a story of transformation, resilience, and artistic evolution. From her early days as a hopeful trainee to becoming a beloved South Korean singer and a key figure in two significant girl groups - GFRIEND and VIVIZ - her career offers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of the music industry. The K-pop scene, known for its rigorous training regimes, competitive nature, and global fanbase, has witnessed Eunha's rise to prominence alongside acts like TWICE, IU, and Red Velvet. Her contributions, particularly in the realm of OSTs and collaborations with artists like Dean, showcase her versatility and knack for connecting with audiences beyond the borders of traditional K-pop.

Eunha's formative years, including her education at the School of Performing Arts Seoul, her debut with the acclaimed girl group GFRIEND under Source Music, and the group's impact on the K-pop industry with hits that often topped shows like Music Bank. Following GFRIEND's disbandment, Eunha's career took a yet another turn as she co-founded VIVIZ with fellow members SinB and Umji, marking a new chapter with BPM Entertainment. Through VIVIZ, she continued to explore and redefine her musical identity, achieving success with their mini album and proving her unwavering popularity at events like the Idol Star Athletics Championships. The article will also touch upon her personal life, shedding light on the person behind the public figure, her personality traits that might resonate with the ISTP type, and her role as a lead vocalist that continually captivates fans across the globe.

Eunha, born on May 30, 1997, in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea, began her journey in a family with an older brother and sister. Her educational path led her to the School of Performing Arts Seoul, shaping her early artistic inclinations. Contrary to popular rumors, Eunha's training did not take place at Big Hit Entertainment; instead, she auditioned for Loen Entertainment in 2011. After a brief stint, she decided to focus on her studies for three years before joining Source Music in 2014.

Eunha's familial environment provided her with the support needed during her early years. Growing up in Seoul with her siblings, she was nurtured in a culturally rich setting, which played a crucial role in her development as an artist.

From a young age, Eunha faced significant health challenges. At the age of seven, she was diagnosed with langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disease requiring extensive treatment. She underwent regular blood tests and treatments until she was successfully cured by the sixth grade, with no possibility of recurrence. Additionally, during her career, she encountered conjunctivitis, a common issue among K-pop idols, showcasing her resilience in overcoming health obstacles.

Eunha debuted with GFRIEND under Source Music with their first extended play (EP), "Season of Glass," released on January 15, 2015 . The EP, distributed by KT Music, featured three songs, including the lead single "Glass Bead". This debut marked the beginning of GFRIEND's narrative in the K-pop industry, characterized by their youthful and innocent image, complemented by powerful and energetic choreography. The album's initial release was followed by a series of performances on various music shows, starting with "Music Bank" on January 16, where the group's presence was solidified by their cheerleader-inspired outfits and dynamic presence.

"Glass Bead," the album's lead single, was a bubblegum pop dance song that resonated with many for its lyrics symbolizing resilience and determination, akin to a fragile yet sturdy glass bead. This track not only established GFRIEND's musical style but also charted impressively, peaking at number 25 on the Gaon Digital Chart shortly after its release. The song's success was mirrored by the music video, which became the ninth most viewed K-pop music video globally in January 2015. By the end of that month, GFRIEND was recognized on Billboard's list of "Top 5 K-Pop Artists to Watch in 2015," highlighting their potential to lead a new wave of K-pop acts with a classic innocent look.

GFRIEND, a South Korean girl group formed by Source Music in 2015, quickly became known for their hit songs that resonated with fans globally. Their notable tracks include "Glass Bead," "Me Gustas Tu," "Rough," and "Fingertip". These songs not only established GFRIEND as a popular K-pop group but also showcased their unique musical style and powerful performances.

GFRIEND's success in the music industry is highlighted by their numerous awards and accolades. They won the Rookie of the Year award at the 2015 Melon Music Awards, the 2016 Golden Disc Awards, and the 2016 Seoul Music Awards. Their song "Rough" was particularly successful, earning them several nominations and awards across various major K-pop award shows. Additionally, their synchronized dance routines and powerful stage presence have earned them recognition at events such as the Mnet Asian Music Awards and the Melon Music Awards, where they received nominations for Best Dance Performance and Song of the Year.

Eunha, a member of GFRIEND, was often recognized for her distinct vocal qualities, despite the perceived gap in vocal skills compared to her fellow member Yuju. Her voice, characterized by a warmer, softer, and cuter tone, contributed uniquely to the group's sound dynamics. Although initially not trained primarily as a singer but as an actress, Eunha was chosen as the lead vocalist. Over time, she demonstrated significant improvement, showcasing stable live performances and a commendable vocal range.

Within GFRIEND, Eunha played a pivotal role that extended beyond her contributions as a lead vocalist. Her personality and vocal characteristics were integral to the group’s identity, offering a contrast to the stronger voices within the group. This diversity in vocal styles helped GFriend create a more varied and engaging sonic experience for their audience. Eunha's journey from an acting background to a celebrated K-pop lead vocalist illustrates her adaptability and growth, underscoring her crucial position in the group dynamics.

GFRIEND's journey with Source Music came to an unexpected close in 2021 when their contracts expired and were not renewed. The disbandment was shrouded in rumors, with some speculating that HYBE Corporation's upper management planned to replace GFRIEND with a new girl group, potentially NewJeans. This transition period was marked by confusion and emotional challenges for the members, as they were reportedly uninformed until shortly before the public announcement, leaving them and their fans in shock.

Post-disbandment, the members of GFRIEND explored diverse paths in the entertainment industry. Eunha, alongside SinB and Umji, formed the new group VIVIZ, debuting with the EP 'Beam of Prism' in February 2022. Their participation in the competitive show Queendom 2 brought them into the limelight once again, securing a commendable third place. Meanwhile, other members pursued individual careers, with Sowon expressing interest in acting, Yerin engaging in solo music and television hosting, and Yuju focusing on her solo singing career. These new ventures reflect each member's personal artistic direction and resilience in the face of their group's abrupt ending.

VIVIZ made their highly anticipated debut with the mini album "Beam of Prism," released on February 9, 2022. This album, available in two distinct versions—To and Stand—showcased the group’s versatile musical style. The lead single, "Bop Bop!," was one of seven tracks that highlighted their artistic range. Despite challenges, including all three members contracting COVID-19 during the promotional period, they managed a successful launch with only mild symptoms, thanks to prior vaccinations. Their debut was marked by a media showcase, hosted by Joo Hyun Young, where the group discussed the pressures of re-debuting and received moral support from former GFRIEND members.

"Beam of Prism" was well-received, debuting at number two on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart and at number eight on the monthly chart with 50,000 copies sold in February 2022. In Japan, it reached number 42 on the Oricon Albums Chart. Despite the solid start, the reception to their music was mixed. Critics pointed out that while the choreography and styling were praised, the vocal quality and song popularity did not meet some fans' expectations. However, the group's performance on Queendom 2 helped maintain their visibility and brought significant attention, suggesting potential for future successes.

Eunha has shared insights into her personal health routines, revealing that her daily regimen includes drinking lemon water and engaging in a non-restrictive diet that emphasizes balance and variety, incorporating proteins and large, satisfying meals. She maintains her physical fitness by working out at least once a day, focusing on her abs and waist, and incorporates stretching before bedtime to reduce swelling.

Eunha's approach to dieting during her time with GFRIEND was quite stringent. She, alongside Umji, was restricted from consuming rice and reduced her intake of all carbohydrates, including bread and pasta, for a year following their debut. To manage hunger, especially at night, they often ate sweet potatoes. This disciplined diet significantly contributed to their weight loss during their early years in the industry.

Eunha is known for her height, often teased by her GFRIEND members for being shorter, yet she stands taller than all members of Red Velvet except for Joy. She and SinB share not only their real name, EunBi, but also a childhood connection, having been on the same dance team. Eunha is also a fan of Dean and enjoys Twilight movies, showcasing her varied interests outside of music.

Eunha's friendships extend beyond GFRIEND, as she is part of the "Sunny Girls," a group formed with other K-pop idols such as WJSN's Cheng Xiao, Oh My Girl's Yooa, Gugudan's Nayoung, and MOMOLAND's Nancy. These relationships highlight her connections within the K-pop industry and her collaborative spirit.

Eunha's journey from a hopeful trainee to a standout artist in two notable K-pop groups, GFRIEND and VIVIZ, encapsulates her resilience, adaptability, and artistic growth within the fiercely competitive music industry. Her ability to connect with audiences through her musical versatility and personal story of overcoming health challenges has solidified her position as an influential figure. Through her move from GFRIEND to co-founding VIVIZ, Eunha has continued to redefine her musical identity, proving her enduring popularity and talent in shaping the evolving landscape of K-pop.

Reflecting on her evolving career trajectory, from early challenges to major achievements, illustrates not only Eunha's personal strength but also the dynamic nature of the K-pop industry itself. Her transition into VIVIZ alongside SinB and Umji highlights the strength found in unity and the potential for reinvention amidst change. As she continues to chart her path forward, Eunha's story offers inspiration and insight into the enduring spirit of an artist navigating the peaks and valleys of fame, underscoring the broader significance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of uncertainty.