Why Kwon Eunbi's The Flash Is Breaking K-pop Music Records

Kwon Eunbi's "The Flash" marked a significant milestone as it earned her first music show win as a soloist on SBS M's "The Show" in August 2023. Following her viral performance at the Waterbomb Festival, where she earned the title "Waterbomb Goddess," her popularity soared dramatically, leading to unexpected chart success.

The super upbeat pop dance track, released as part of her first single album, showcases dynamic electronic synths and has earned exceptional praise from critics, with some awarding it an impressive 9.75 out of 10 rating. Additionally, the single album demonstrated strong commercial success, selling 24,807 copies, while her previous release "Underwater" made a surprising resurgence on Korean music charts, reaching number 78 on the Circle Digital Chart 45 weeks after its initial release.

The Unexpected Rise of Kwon Eunbi's The Flash

Ten months after her third mini-album "Lethality," Kwon Eunbi returned with her first single album "The Flash" in August 2023. The release featured three distinct tracks: the title track "The Flash," "Comet," and "Beautiful Night".

Initial Release and Reception

The Flash paired Eunbi with the Newtype and Full8loom production teams, creating an upbeat dance-pop track with dynamic electronic synths. Critics praised the song's bombastic finale and orchestral build-up, specifically noting how the additional vocals enhanced the already powerful chorus.

Viral Waterbomb Festival Performance

Eunbi's performance at the 2023 Waterbomb Festival became a defining moment in her career. Major media outlets, including The Korea Economic Daily and Hankook Ilbo, dubbed her the "Waterbomb Goddess" and "Summer Queen". Her thoughtful preparation included:

Custom-designed hand fans featuring photos from her "Glitch" promotions
Carefully choreographed routines that showcased her dance expertise
Strategic outfit choices that aligned with the festival's summer theme

Social Media Impact and Fan Engagement

Consequently, the performance triggered an unprecedented wave of social media attention. Her previous single "Underwater" made a remarkable comeback on Korean music charts, reaching number 78 on the Circle Digital Chart forty-five weeks after its initial release. Furthermore, her phone "was blowing up with calls and messages" as fancams of her performance went viral. Notably, this surge in popularity came as a surprise to Eunbi herself, who expressed gratitude for the unexpected attention and support from fans.

Breaking K-pop Chart Records

The streaming success of "The Flash" has set new benchmarks in the K-pop industry. Initially surpassing 5 million streams on Spotify, the track's popularity continued to soar, contributing to Kwon Eunbi's impressive total of 73 million plays by January 2025.

Digital Streaming Achievements

The song's digital performance has been particularly remarkable, with consistent growth across major platforms. On YouTube, the music video and related content have amassed over 74.5 million views. Physical sales have also been robust, with the single album moving 198,836 units.

Global Chart Performance

"The Flash" made its mark on multiple charts, securing Eunbi's position as a formidable solo artist. Her achievements include:

First music show win as a soloist on SBS M's The Show
Charted six times on CircleChart's weekly rankings
Accumulated over 77.5 million total YouTube views across all content

Comparison to Previous K-pop Hits

When placed alongside other K-pop releases, "The Flash" stands out for its sustained performance. The track has maintained steady growth, evidently shown by the consistent increase in streaming numbers from 43.4 million plays in August 2023 to 73 million by January 2025. This trajectory places it among the most successful K-pop solo releases of the year, particularly impressive for an artist from a mid-sized entertainment company.

Musical Elements Behind The Flash's Success

The musical composition of "The Flash" stands out through its sophisticated blend of pop and dance elements. The song merges a UK-garage style with aggressive synth-sounds, creating an energetic summer atmosphere.

Production and Composition Analysis

The track's foundation rests on distinctive 2-step marimba chords that form its main theme. Moreover, the production team, comprising talents from Newtype and Full8loom, crafted a dynamic arrangement featuring:

Plucky beats resembling water droplets
Orchestral build-ups in the bridge section
Electronic synth details adding flair
Upbeat percussion elements

Vocal Performance and Dance Elements

In essence, Eunbi's bold vocals complement the song's dynamic nature. The performance incorporates thoughtful facial expressions and eye movements to convey the lyrics' meaning. Similarly, the choreography features an innovative ribbon rope element, adding complexity to the routine.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Music critics have praised "The Flash" for its well-crafted composition and production values. The song earned a remarkable 9/10 rating for its musical elements. Critics particularly commend the bridge section's orchestral build-up and the satisfying chorus release. The track's pre-chorus and subsequent chorus sections excel through their percussion arrangements and catchy refrains, coupled with the memorable "I fall in looooove" segment. Important to realize, the song's success stems from its ability to balance theatrical elements with contemporary pop sensibilities.

Cultural Impact and Industry Influence

First and foremost, Kwon Eunbi's artistic evolution has reshaped contemporary K-pop performance standards. Her journey from IZ*ONE's leader to a successful solo artist exemplifies the changing dynamics of the K-pop industry.

Influence on K-pop Dance Trends

The incorporation of innovative elements, such as ribbon choreography and chair-based routines, has set new benchmarks for K-pop performances. Her distinctive approach combines:

Complex choreography sequences
Strategic use of props and stage elements
Mature performance concepts
Unique floating movements

Impact on Solo Artist Success

Subsequently, Eunbi's transition from a group leader to a solo performer has redefined success metrics for individual artists. Her versatility as an all-rounded performer, demonstrated through various music genres and concepts, has established a new paradigm for solo careers in K-pop.

International Recognition

In addition to domestic success, Eunbi's influence has extended globally. Her scheduled debut U.S. performance at the Krazy K-pop Super Concert at UBS Arena marks a significant milestone in her international career. Nevertheless, her impact transcends mere performance aspects, as she contributes to the broader evolution of K-pop's global presence, where artists increasingly incorporate multilingual elements and cross-cultural appeal.

Her success aligns with K-pop's growing global influence, where artists shape international perceptions of Korean culture while maintaining their unique artistic identity. Through artistic music videos and performances, Eunbi showcases the beauty of Korean culture while connecting with a diverse, worldwide audience.