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

 Waterbomb Festival became the unexpected launchpad for Kwon Eunbi's meteoric rise to stardom when her performance video amassed an astonishing 50 million views from a single clip. The former IZ*ONE member's July 6, 2025, appearance at Waterbomb Seoul captivated audiences with her red gingham bolero outfit and confident stage presence.

Behind this viral sensation lies an extraordinary story of dedication. In fact, Eunbi revealed she practiced for her Waterbomb debut in 2023 by rehearsing inside her bathtub at home, simulating the festival's famous water effects to perfect her performance. Additionally, after weeks of strict dieting for the event, she rewarded herself with a hearty barbecue meal immediately following her show. This combination of meticulous preparation and natural charisma helped transform her from a group idol to Waterbomb's biggest solo star. The performance garnered over 700,000 YouTube views within just three days, while another video reached 2 million views in merely 12 hours, demonstrating how quickly Eunbi's Waterbomb moment resonated across social media platforms.

The Moment That Made Her Go Viral

On July 6, 2025, Kwon Eunbi cemented her status as the undisputed "Waterbomb Goddess" during her performance at Waterbomb Seoul held at KINTEX in Gyeonggi Province. The moment that launched her into viral stardom happened during her captivating stage set that would soon dominate social media feeds worldwide.

The iconic Waterbomb 2025 clip

Eunbi appeared on stage in a boldly styled cowgirl-inspired outfit that immediately commanded attention. Her ensemble consisted of a red gingham bolero layered over a knitted white bralette, paired with denim shorts and western boots. The defining moment occurred during her performance of Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love" – as she untied her red checkered shirt during the choreography, the crowd erupted in cheers.

This particular sequence featured Eunbi on her knees, trailing her hand up her body in a confident dance move that would soon be seen by millions. The most viral clip captured this exact moment in higher quality and slightly slower motion, highlighting her confident stage presence and performance skills. Her sleek silhouette and delicate yet powerful movements simultaneously captured the audience's eyes and hearts, causing her name to immediately trend on social media and portal real-time search terms.

How social media amplified the moment

The performance's reach extended far beyond the festival grounds. Within just three days, a single video of the performance had garnered over 50 million views, demonstrating the extraordinary viral power of the moment. The full video of her performance was uploaded to YouTube by MBY the same day, accumulating more than 700,000 views in merely three days.

The viral effect translated into tangible growth across her social platforms:

Her Instagram account gained over 117,000 followers in just three days following the performance
Her YouTube channel increased by approximately 4,000 subscribers in the same timeframe
Three of her songs charted in the top 120 of various regional iTunes Charts

Furthermore, her latest single "Hello Stranger" jumped 30 spots in 24 hours on Taiwan's charts, consequently entering Hong Kong's charts as a new entry. Her previous releases "Underwater" and "Door" also made new entries in Hong Kong and Taiwan charts respectively.

Why this performance stood out

Despite the Waterbomb Festival often facing criticism for oversexualizing performers, Eunbi struck a remarkable balance by highlighting her talent and presence. Specifically, her ability to maintain strong vocals even while executing fast-paced routines under the splashes of water impressed both longtime fans and new viewers.

Her performance style at Waterbomb 2025 was described as both confident and natural, which resonated perfectly with the festival's energetic summer theme. The choice to perform "Crazy In Love" provided an ideal backdrop for showcasing her dance abilities and stage command.

In online polls for "2025 Water Bomb's Best Star" conducted on portal sites, Eunbi secured an overwhelming first place with explosive support. Netizens responded with comments like "Water Bomb is completed by Kwon Eun-bi" and "Another legend is being set this year".

The performance not only elevated her status as an entertainer but also established her as a practical "power celebrity" with significant economic and cultural influence that extended beyond the stage.

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.

How Kwon Eunbi Prepared for Waterbomb

Behind every iconic Waterbomb performance lies months of intense preparation that the audience rarely sees. Kwon Eunbi's journey to becoming the "Waterbomb Goddess" involved unconventional training methods, strict diet regimens, and meticulous attention to detail.

Training in the bathtub

For her debut appearance at Waterbomb in 2023, Eunbi took creativity to unprecedented levels by transforming her home bathroom into a makeshift rehearsal space. "I didn't really know what to expect, so I trained in the bathtub while my stylist sprayed me with a showerhead," she revealed in a behind-the-scenes video. This unusual method allowed her to simulate the festival's signature water effects and adapt her movements accordingly.

The improvised bathtub sessions proved essential for understanding how water would affect her movements and visibility during the actual performance. "I wasn't feeling it well, so I went into the bathtub to practice my performance under the water," she explained, drawing laughter from her fellow performers.

Practicing choreography under water

As her comfort with water-based performances grew, Eunbi graduated from bathtub rehearsals to swimming pools. "I have improved a lot," she noted when discussing her transition to larger aquatic training spaces. This progression allowed her to refine movements at full scale and practice maintaining balance on slippery surfaces.

Swimming became integrated into her regular training regimen, offering both performance preparation and fitness benefits. The CDC notes that just two and a half hours of aquatic exercise weekly can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses while providing mental health benefits. Videos of Eunbi swimming in pools appeared on her social media, showcasing her dedication to mastering water-based performances.

Dieting and fitness routines

Eunbi's preparation intensifies each spring as Waterbomb season approaches. "It's hard to get in shape 365 days a year. So, I exercise the most during the summer peak season," she explained. Her regimen typically begins in April to avoid last-minute stress.

Her fitness routine focuses on specific problem areas:

Arms: "I have a lot of arm fat... so I work hard on arm exercises"
Waistline: Targets sides and back of waist where fat accumulates
Legs: Favors Pilates over squats to avoid building too much muscle

Nutritionally, Eunbi embraces clean eating rather than extreme dieting. After experiencing unhealthy weight loss methods during her trainee days—including eating only an apple daily and excessive sauna sessions—she developed a healthier approach. Her current diet includes:

Morning supplements and light meals
Oatmeal instead of white rice
Healthy snacks like granola bars
Proper hydration throughout the day

With Lee Min-hyuk, she prepared diet-friendly meals including "diet futomaki," "cabbage steak," and "diet tteokbokki".

Mental preparation and stage mindset

Eunbi approaches Waterbomb with both excitement and pressure. "As Water Bomb approaches, there's a pressure that I feel somewhat unconsciously," she admitted. This pressure drives her meticulous preparation, down to securing outfits with double-sided tape and customizing shoes for slippery stages.

Her pre-performance routine includes morning stretching and meditation to ease tension and enhance mental clarity. This holistic approach helps her maintain the confident presence that defines her Waterbomb appearances.

On performance day, she remains visibly nervous yet excited, demonstrating the weight she places on delivering a flawless show. After her successful 2025 performance, Eunbi expressed relief: "I'm so thankful I could perform without major mistakes or injuries". Her immediate post-performance celebration? "I'm going to eat meat today! I've been dieting hard"—a well-deserved reward after months of discipline.

The Evolution of Her Waterbomb Performances

Kwon Eunbi's reign as the undisputed "Waterbomb Queen" didn't happen overnight. Her journey through Korea's premier water music festival reveals a carefully crafted evolution that transformed her from a curious first-timer to the festival's most anticipated performer.

Her 2023 debut at Waterbomb Korea

Eunbi's Waterbomb story began in 2023 with her debut appearance that immediately set her apart from other performers. Wearing an outfit that retailed for approximately $500, she made an unforgettable first impression. Initially, she approached the festival with modest expectations, later admitting, "I didn't really know what to expect".

Despite her uncertainty, this debut performance instantly catapulted her into the spotlight. Her sensual stage presence and charismatic delivery earned her the title "Waterbomb Goddess" almost immediately. After the performance, she simply expressed relief at having completed the show without major mistakes.

What made her 2023 appearance particularly noteworthy was how it shifted public perception of her image. The once "respectable" soloist from IZ*ONE emerged as an unapologetically confident performer commanding attention with every move. Her name began trending not only on Korean platforms but across Japan, Southeast Asia, and even K-pop TikTok fandoms in the West.

How 2024 built her confidence

Throughout 2024, Eunbi strategically built upon her Waterbomb reputation with multiple festival appearances that showcased her growing confidence. Her performances at Waterbomb Seoul featured a more daring approach, with a layered outfit consisting of a blue bikini top, white crop top, and a white skort paired with heels.

Perhaps the most significant moment in her 2024 Waterbomb journey came at Waterbomb Sokcho, where she collaborated with PENTAGON's Hui. Together, they delivered a powerful and sensual "Easy dance" performance that captivated audiences and further solidified her status as a Waterbomb icon. This collaboration demonstrated her willingness to push creative boundaries while maintaining her distinctive performance style.

By the end of 2024, Eunbi had effectively cemented her position as the festival's standout performer. Her bold choreography, fierce charisma, and on-stage control consistently lit up social media across Asia. More importantly, these performances weren't merely a reinvention but rather a reveal of who she had always been: "unfiltered, fearless, and completely in control of her narrative".

The 2025 performance that changed everything

By 2025, Eunbi was determined to exceed all expectations, delivering what would become her most iconic Waterbomb performance yet. On July 6, she took the stage in Seoul wearing a striking red gingham bolero layered over a knitted white bralette and denim shorts – a look that perfectly balanced festival energy with her evolving personal style.

Her performance of Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love" proved particularly explosive, generating unprecedented social media attention. Within just three days, her Instagram gained over 117,000 followers, her YouTube channel increased by approximately 4,000 subscribers, and three of her songs charted in the top 120 of various regional iTunes Charts.

Most notably, her latest release "Hello Stranger" jumped 30 spots in 24 hours on Taiwan's charts while entering Hong Kong's charts as a new entry. Previous songs "Underwater" and "Door" also experienced renewed popularity, making new entries in Hong Kong and Taiwan charts respectively.

The 2025 performance represented the culmination of her three-year Waterbomb journey – a perfect synthesis of the confidence she had built since 2023, the creative risks she embraced in 2024, and her fully realized artistic vision. As fans and critics alike have noted, Waterbomb isn't just a festival Eunbi performs at – it's a platform she has completely redefined.

The Role of Fashion and Styling

Fashion choices have played a crucial role in establishing Kwon Eunbi's identity as the "Waterbomb Goddess." Her carefully curated outfits have become almost as anticipated as her performances themselves, creating a visual signature that sets her apart from other festival performers.

Choosing the right outfit for impact

Eunbi's approach to Waterbomb styling has evolved into a strategic art form. She understands that the festival's water-centric theme provides a unique opportunity to make fashion statements that would be impossible at conventional music shows. Her outfit selections consistently balance three key elements: suitability for water exposure, mobility for dance performance, and visual impact for audience engagement.

Over the years, she has showcased this understanding through a progression of increasingly confident looks. At Waterbomb Japan in Nagoya 2023, she wore a red-orange sports bra with a miniskirt. For Tokyo's event that same year, she combined a delicate, sheer ruffled shirt with a sky-blue bikini. By 2024, her Seoul appearance featured a layered blue bikini top under a white crop top paired with a white skort.

The red gingham shirt and bikini top

For her iconic 2025 Waterbomb Seoul appearance, Eunbi unveiled what would become her most recognized look yet. She captivated audiences in a red gingham bolero layered over a white knitted bralette, paired with denim shorts and western boots. This cowgirl-inspired ensemble highlighted her toned physique while maintaining a playful festival aesthetic.

The outfit was carefully engineered for her performance needs. The layered approach allowed for dramatic choreography moments, especially during her cover of Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love," where untying her checkered shirt intensified the performance's impact. Moreover, the outfit emphasized her glamorous figure and slender waist – results of the strict pre-festival diet she had adhered to.

How styling enhanced her stage presence

Eunbi's fashion choices have consistently amplified her performance quality. Her 2025 outfit perfectly captured the summer aesthetic that Waterbomb is renowned for, with the bright red gingham pattern ensuring visibility even from a distance. The contrast between the structured bolero and the softer knitted bralette created visual interest that complemented her choreography dynamics.

Nonetheless, her styling choices have sparked both admiration and debate. Supportive fans praised her look with comments like "What a cool costume to match the cool choreography" and compared her presence to "a foreign pop star performing who is visiting Korea". Others expressed concerns that revealing outfits were becoming too associated with Waterbomb's identity.

Through her thoughtful styling approach, Eunbi has balanced artistic expression with performance practicality. Her fashion choices have certainly contributed to her commanding stage presence, helping transform her into the festival's most recognizable star. As one fan accurately noted, her outfit "perfectly captures the spirit of summer and the event", demonstrating how strategic styling has become inseparable from her Waterbomb identity.

Public Reaction: Praise, Memes, and Criticism

Eunbi's Waterbomb performances ignited an explosion of online reactions, ranging from adoration to heated debate. Her 2025 appearance, in particular, created ripples across social media platforms that extended far beyond the typical K-pop fandom conversations.

Fan reactions and viral tweets

As videos of Eunbi's performance circulated online, her social media presence experienced remarkable growth. Her Instagram account gained over 117,000 followers in just three days. Similarly, her YouTube channel increased by approximately 4,000 subscribers during the same period.

X (formerly Twitter) became ground zero for fan enthusiasm. One user posted images of her performance with the caption "Kwon Eunbi goes viral with her new photos," accumulating over 345,000 likes in three days. Another simply wrote "dude," expressing attraction to Eunbi, which garnered over 224,000 likes in two days.

This online visibility translated into tangible career benefits. Three of her songs charted in the top 120 of various regional iTunes Charts. In Taiwan, "Hello Stranger" jumped 30 spots in 24 hours, simultaneously entering Hong Kong's charts as a new entry.

Memes and pop culture references

The viral moment spawned countless memes and creative interpretations. One X user posted "I looked down at my chest and sighed," garnering over 8,300 likes. This self-deprecating humor became a common theme among reactions.

Even artists joined the conversation, with user @animerch_x creating anime-inspired artwork based on Eunbi's outfit and performance, writing: "#BLEACH Water & Bomb Queen, Tier Harribel & Bambietta 😁 Inspired by Kwon Eunbi, the Waterbomb Queen 👀". The post received over 50,000 likes in a single day.

Criticism over sexualization

Alongside praise came pointed criticism. Some netizens accused her of "crossing the line from sexy to suggestive". Comments like "Too much" and "The dance is a bit overboard" appeared in an online community post with over 44,000 views.

Yet this criticism revealed apparent double standards. Whereas Eunbi received comments focused on her body and alleged overexposure, male performers like EXO's Kai were praised with remarks such as "His body is so pretty" and "So f*cking handsome" for similarly revealing performances.

The conversation grew more serious after allegations emerged that Eunbi had experienced harassment during a university festival performance. According to a now-deleted post, a male student reportedly shouted inappropriate remarks about her chest while she attempted to interact with the audience. This incident prompted broader discussions about the treatment of female performers in the industry.

The Controversy and Deeper Conversations

Beyond the viral clips and adoring fans, Kwon Eunbi's Waterbomb journey has sparked serious conversations about performer safety and industry double standards. What began as entertainment quickly evolved into a platform for examining deeper societal issues.

Alleged harassment incidents

Amid the excitement surrounding Eunbi's 2025 Waterbomb Seoul appearance, troubling reports emerged about harassment she allegedly faced at other performances. A viral post claimed she experienced sexual harassment during a university festival in Daejeon. According to the account, a male attendee shouted inappropriate comments about her chest while she was interacting with the audience. The original poster indicated that video evidence existed on a campus forum but declined to name the institution to protect current students.

Unfortunately, this wasn't an isolated incident. Other festivalgoers shared similar stories of harassment at Waterbomb events, including being targeted with high-pressure water guns or subjected to crude remarks. One attendee described how her friend was hit directly in the eye with a water gun, causing blood vessels to burst. Even more disturbing were reports of men using leftover beer instead of water in their guns.

Debates on agency responsibility

In response to these incidents, Woollim Entertainment announced legal action against those responsible for sexual harassment, defamation, and distribution of manipulated obscene images of Eunbi. The agency confirmed police investigations were underway and promised to pursue criminal charges against offenders.

This prompted widespread discussions about agency obligations toward performer safety. Many criticized festival organizers for inadequate security enforcement, lack of clear guidelines on water gun usage, and insufficient emergency support for victims. Others questioned whether entertainment companies were doing enough to protect performers from objectification while simultaneously marketing their sexuality.

Gender double standards in K-pop

Throughout these discussions, a stark contrast emerged in how male and female performers were evaluated. When EXO's Kai performed shirtless at Waterbomb, comments praised his "pretty body" and called him "handsome". Conversely, Eunbi faced criticism with remarks like "too much" and suggestions that she was "setting up to be sexualized by men".

As one commentator noted: "When male idols expose themselves, they're called hot, but when female idols expose themselves, they're called harmful and pitiful". This double standard extended beyond just clothing choices to how stage presence itself was interpreted – male sexuality celebrated as artistic expression while female sexuality often labeled as desperate attention-seeking.

How She Became the 'Waterbomb Queen'

The journey to Kwon Eunbi's crowning as the definitive Waterbomb star began before her viral 2025 performance. From her initial appearance as a guest in 2022 to becoming a performer in 2023, Eunbi steadily built her reputation at the water-themed festival, ultimately earning the prestigious title of "Waterbomb Goddess".

Her unmatched stage presence

What sets Eunbi apart at Waterbomb Festival is her exceptional ability to command attention. Her performances captivate audiences through a combination of sleek silhouette and delicate yet powerful movements that simultaneously engage viewers' eyes and hearts. Unlike other artists who simply perform songs, Eunbi creates complete experiences through:

Perfect live vocals maintained even under pouring water
Passionate choreography executed with precision
Genuine connection with the audience throughout performances

This exceptional stage presence earned her the description of being "the true protagonist of Water Bomb" among festival attendees.

Consistency across performances

Throughout her Waterbomb journey, Eunbi has demonstrated remarkable consistency. Beginning as a guest in 2022, she returned as a performer in 2023, subsequently establishing herself as the festival's standout star. Her 2023 performance propelled her song "Underwater" back onto Korean music charts, peaking at number 78 on Circle Digital Chart—an impressive feat occurring forty-five weeks after the single's release.

As the years progressed, her reputation grew alongside her confidence. By 2025, she was leading overwhelming in online polls for "2025 Water Bomb's Best Star," with netizens declaring "Water Bomb is completed by Kwon Eun-bi" and "Another legend is being set this year".

Owning the title with confidence

Following her viral performances, Eunbi embraced her "Waterbomb Goddess" identity with both humility and confidence. Prior to her 2025 appearance, she acknowledged "the weight of the crown is heavy" when discussing her outfit preparations.

Nevertheless, she carried this responsibility gracefully, expanding her influence beyond mere stage presence to become what fans describe as a "power celebrity" with significant economic and cultural impact. Indeed, her performances have prompted reactions like "If there's another Water Bomb, I will even build twin buildings," illustrating her profound effect on the festival's success.

What’s Next for Kwon Eunbi

With the crown of "Waterbomb Queen" firmly secured, Kwon Eunbi's career trajectory now points toward even greater heights. Her viral success has opened numerous doors, transforming her from a respected soloist to an international phenomenon with expanding opportunities beyond Korea's borders.

Upcoming Waterbomb Bali 2025

After her sensational Seoul performance, Eunbi has confirmed her participation in Waterbomb Bali 2025, scheduled for October at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. This marks her first Waterbomb appearance outside Korea, signaling the festival's growing confidence in her international appeal. Organizers have already promoted her as the "headline attraction" in early marketing materials, highlighting her status as the festival's premier performer.

Given her history of meticulous preparation, Eunbi has likely begun conceptualizing her Bali performance, possibly incorporating Indonesian cultural elements while maintaining her signature performance style. First of all, fans anticipate whether she'll debut new material or deliver fresh interpretations of her existing hits at this milestone international appearance.

Her growing international fanbase

As a consequence of her viral Waterbomb moments, Eunbi's international following has expanded dramatically. In essence, her appeal has transcended traditional K-pop fandom demographics, attracting viewers from Southeast Asia, Japan, and even Western markets previously unfamiliar with her work.

This global recognition manifests in tangible metrics:

• Growing YouTube viewership from non-Korean regions

• Increasing international media coverage

• Rising demand for overseas appearances

Naturally, this expanded audience has created opportunities for global collaborations that would have been unimaginable before her Waterbomb breakthrough.

Future as a solo artist beyond Waterbomb

Important to realize, Eunbi's Waterbomb success provides a powerful platform for her broader career aspirations. In addition to festival appearances, industry insiders suggest she's currently preparing a new EP focused on the confident performance style she's perfected at Waterbomb.

At this point, her management appears to be pursuing a dual strategy: leveraging her "Waterbomb Queen" image while simultaneously developing her artistic range through diverse projects. Given these points, fans anticipate announcements of:

A potential world tour building on her expanded fanbase
High-profile collaborations with international artists
Acting opportunities stemming from her enhanced public profile

As shown above throughout her Waterbomb journey, Eunbi's capacity for reinvention suggests her career has only begun to reveal its full potential.