She’s not the queen of Waterbomb for nothing. In the summer of 2023, Kwon Eun-bi shot to virality as fancams of the South Korean soloist’s performances at the water-themed music festival in Seoul spread like wildfire. But avid fans will know this wasn’t the K-pop starlet’s first brush with fame, considering she was one of the many members who broke out from IZ*ONE. The K-pop girl group had debuted out of the third season of Produce 101, one of South Korea’s most popular idol survival shows.
It’s been close to six years since Kwon’s established herself in the industry with her former group, and three since she’s struck out on her own. Since her own solo debut in 2021, the artist has had a steady roster of summer dance tracks—the sort that feel right at home on Waterbomb’s stages. With poppy, addictively seductive hits like ‘Underwater’ and ‘Door’ accompanied by equally sultry choreographies, it’s no wonder why her stage performances leave even the most indifferent audiences mesmerised.
It also stands to reason as to why the music festival keeps calling her back for more. With the water-themed fest ramping up on its scale this year and heading overseas, Kwon has not only shown her prowess on the Hong Kong and Seoul stages earlier this year, but will also be heading to Singapore this weekend, and Los Angeles later in September. As Waterbomb Singapore marks the first time she’s performing in our parts of town, Kwon shares with Vogue Singapore what to expect from her upcoming festival stage, her latest song, ‘Sabotage’, and what fans can look forward to in the near future.
You recently released ‘Sabotage’ and performed it at Waterbomb Seoul. Could you tell us more about the song?
‘Sabotage’ is a message about protecting my place in this world and dealing with any anxiety that shakes it. I’m so happy that so many people enjoyed and responded positively to ‘Sabotage’ at Waterbomb in Seoul.
Your popularity grew with Waterbomb in 2023. How does it feel to return to Waterbomb again this year and be able to share that experience in more countries?
I’m so grateful. I’m happy that we can go overseas, and continue this journey outside of Seoul. I really want to meet my overseas fans through Waterbomb.
Is there a song that you actually really love performing but you think is underrated?
I really love the song ‘Glitch’, and I hope more people listen to it. It’s a really good song.
What would you consider to be a good summer song?
If it’s a song that everyone can sing along and relate to, or just enjoy, I think that’s all you need.
Can fans expect to see anything special for your performance at Waterbomb Singapore?
This time around, I’ve prepared a cover song. Since it’s a song that everyone can enjoy, it would be great if everyone could have fun together with me while I perform it.
It’s the first time Waterbomb is coming to Singapore. What would you personally recommend that your fans to wear to the water-themed festival?
Any form of wet attire is ideal. It would be good to have some goggles, sunglasses, and a towel on hand. And if you really want to have more fun? A water gun would be great.
What are you most looking forward to during your time in Singapore?
I’m really looking forward to the food. There are so many delicious dishes in Singapore, so I can’t wait to finish the performance and eat some good food right after.
Is there anything else you’re working on that fans can anticipate in the near future?
I’ve been hoping to release a Christmas album. I’m going to work hard to make it happen this year. Please look forward to it!
Buy tickets to Waterbomb Singapore here.
