From Idol to Icon: How Eunbi Became the Water Bomb Festival Queen

A recent survey of 2,505 netizens crowned Kwon Eunbi as the second most popular Water Bomb Festival performer, securing 24.7% of votes for her stunning performances and captivating presence. The former IZ*ONE member has earned the title "Waterbomb Goddess" through her memorable appearances at the festival, where she consistently delivers show-stopping performances.

Behind Eunbi's Water Bomb Festival success lies meticulous preparation, from waterproof makeup application to carefully planned outfits secured with double-sided tape. Her dedication has paid off, leading to significant opportunities including becoming a model for Coca-Cola Sprite and purchasing a luxurious 2.4 billion KRW house near Seoul's Seongdong district.

From IZ*ONE to Solo: Eunbi's Early Career

Kwon Eunbi's journey to becoming a Water Bomb Festival icon began with her debut in the girl group Ye-A in 2014. Subsequently, she competed against 95 other trainees on the survival show Produce 48, securing seventh place and earning a position in the 12-member group IZ*ONE.

As IZ*ONE's leader from 2018 to 2021, Eunbi demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities and performance skills. The group achieved significant success until their disbandment in April 2021. Following the group's conclusion, Eunbi faced the challenge of adapting to life without her fellow members.

Her transition to a solo career marked a pivotal moment in her artistic journey. On August 24, 2021, Eunbi released her debut EP 'Open,' featuring the title track 'Door'. Notably, she received writing credits on two songs from the album, showcasing her growth as an artist. Her solo debut earned her several nominations, including:

Rookie of the Year at the 36th Golden Disc Awards
Best New Female Artist at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards
Best Emotive Singer at the 2021 Asia Artist Awards

The summer of 2023 marked Eunbi's breakthrough at Waterbomb Festival. Her performance at Waterbomb Seoul 2023 went viral, leading major media outlets to crown her as the "Waterbomb Goddess". Furthermore, this success prompted her song "Underwater" to resurge on Korean music charts, reaching number 78 on the Circle Digital Chart, forty-five weeks after its initial release.

The Making of a Water Bomb Festival Icon

Meticulous preparation defines Kwon Eunbi's transformation into a Water Bomb Festival sensation. Six hours before each performance, she begins with an intensive Pilates session to enhance muscle definition. Her dedication to physical fitness spans six years, specifically focusing on movements that showcase her stage presence.

Rigorous preparation routine

The preparation process involves multiple layers of waterproof makeup application, with makeup fixer sprayed three times for durability. Eunbi's attention to safety details stands out through her careful preparation:

Stage-ready shoes with non-slip treatment
Strategic water gun handling techniques
Double-sided tape application to prevent wardrobe malfunctions

Styling and image transformation

Eunbi's image evolution reflects her artistic growth. She adopted a more natural, dewy makeup style to complement her solo career. Her fashion choices blend casual sophistication with seasonal adaptability, particularly evident in her transition from summer festival looks to autumn-winter styles.

Performance innovations

Her stage presence at Water Bomb Festival demonstrates thoughtful innovation in audience engagement. Particularly noteworthy was her custom fan distribution initiative, where she provided specially designed hand fans featuring photos from her "Glitch" promotions. Moreover, she carefully plans her performances to maximize audience interaction, stating, "I put a lot of thought into how I could communicate with the audience and get them more excited".

The festival appearances have essentially redefined Eunbi's public image. Her performances consistently draw explosive cheers, while her ability to maintain perfect live vocals amid water effects showcases her professional excellence. Additionally, she enhances audience connection through strategic stage manners and interactive photo opportunities with fans.

Behind the Waterbomb Success

Physical discipline forms the foundation of Kwon Eunbi's Water Bomb Festival success. Her training includes advanced Pilates movements that few performers can master, such as upside-down exercises and complex balance routines. During preparation, she focuses on specific muscle groups to enhance her stage presence, primarily targeting her core and back muscles for a defined silhouette.

Intense physical training regime

Eunbi maintains a balanced diet rich in lean proteins and whole grains. Her workout routine encompasses swimming and specialized exercises designed to reduce swelling and tone specific muscle groups. Rather than following conventional workout patterns, she performs unique movements that activate her S-line muscles, ensuring optimal stage presence.

Waterproof makeup secrets

The makeup process involves multiple protective layers to combat water exposure. Significantly, Eunbi employs a specialized technique for preserving eye makeup - gently pressing the eye area and rolling the eyeballs 2-3 times to drain water without smudging. Her makeup artists apply multiple layers of fixers and sealers, altogether creating a water-resistant barrier.

Stage outfit planning

Safety and practicality guide Eunbi's costume choices. She secures her outfits with specialized double-sided tape imported from overseas. Certainly, her attention to detail extends to footwear selection, as she opts for non-slip shoes to ensure stable performances. Each outfit undergoes thorough testing to ensure it remains secure throughout water-intensive performances.

Evolution into a Fashion Icon

The summer of 2023 marked a pivotal moment in Kwon Eunbi's career when Calvin Klein selected her for their prestigious 'My Calvins' campaign. Her Instagram posts showcasing various Calvin Klein ensembles, from vibrant bra tops to matching sets, garnered widespread attention for their elegant yet bold aesthetic.

Calvin Klein campaign impact

The Calvin Klein campaign resonated strongly with audiences, becoming a trending topic on Nate's online community Pann. The photoshoot struck a delicate balance between sophistication and allure, earning praise for its artistic merit rather than mere sensationalism.

Brand endorsement opportunities

Consequently, Eunbi's portfolio expanded to include partnerships with several prominent brands:

Sprite and Pepsi collaborations
Nine Wishes beauty endorsements
Jadam Chicken campaigns
Lenstown promotional activities

Style influence on festival culture

Meanwhile, Eunbi's fashion choices have shaped festival culture, inspiring attendees to embrace both comfort and style. In fact, she advocates for practical festival wear, suggesting "any form of wet attire is ideal" alongside accessories like goggles and sunglasses. Her influence extends beyond mere aesthetics, as she encourages fans to prioritize both fashion and functionality at water-themed events.

The evolution of her style has sparked discussions about body positivity and self-expression in K-pop. When faced with criticism about her outfit choices, fans defended her right to creative expression, noting that "Eunbi herself has a say on how she wants to look on stage". Her bold fashion statements have not only elevated her status but also challenged conventional perspectives on festival fashion.