8 Behind-the-Scene Stories of Kwon Eunbi's Famous Waterbomb Stages

Kwon Eunbi transformed from underestimated idol to K-pop sensation overnight, emerging as the "water bomb goddess" in 2023 when her fancam video went viral. The former IZ*ONE leader wasn't just participating in another festival – she was redefining what post-group success could look like in the competitive K-pop industry.

Her impact has been undeniable. At Waterbomb Seoul 2025, her performance generated 4.35 million views in just three days, while simultaneously increasing her Instagram following by an impressive 117,000 followers during the same period. Additionally, her latest song "Hello Stranger" jumped 30 spots in Taiwan within 24 hours following her appearance. Perhaps most telling, her income reportedly shifted dramatically, with a 3:7 ratio before and after Waterbomb, even enabling her to purchase a detached house in Seongdong-gu, Seoul for 2.4 billion won.

Despite not being the first idol to take the Waterbomb stage, Kwon Eunbi was certainly the first to completely own it. Through bold choreography, fierce charisma, and complete stage control, she has built a thriving solo career that continues to captivate audiences across Asia. The following behind-the-scenes stories reveal exactly how she became the undisputed queen of Waterbomb.

The First Waterbomb Stage That Changed Everything

In 2023, Kwon Eunbi made her first appearance at the Waterbomb festival, unknowingly setting the stage for a career-defining moment. The former IZ*ONE leader stepped onto the Waterbomb stage adorned in a sheer cardigan over a bikini for her "Underwater" performance. What seemed like just another festival appearance would soon become the catalyst for her reinvention as a solo artist.

What happened during Kwon Eunbi's debut Waterbomb performance

Initially, Eunbi approached her debut Waterbomb stage with meticulous preparation. Unsure what to expect, she devised unusual training methods, including practicing in her bathtub while her stylist sprayed her with a showerhead to simulate the onstage water effects. This level of dedication showcased her commitment to delivering a flawless performance.

Throughout her stage, Eunbi displayed remarkable confidence and stage presence that immediately captured attention. Her choreography emphasized her dance abilities while the water elements of the festival complemented her performance style. Furthermore, her outfit choice—the sheer cardigan over a bikini—highlighted her physique in a way that resonated with the festival's summer atmosphere.

Why this moment was a turning point

The 2023 Waterbomb performance marked a clear turning point in Kwon Eunbi's career trajectory. Prior to this appearance, she was primarily known as the former leader of IZ*ONE, but the festival transformed her public image and career prospects.

As a result of her performance, Eunbi earned the title "Waterbomb Goddess", a nickname that would become synonymous with her brand. This title wasn't merely honorary—it translated into tangible career benefits:

Her popularity soared, leading to numerous advertisement deals
She reportedly became a "landlord" after purchasing a detached dwelling in Seongdong-gu, Seoul for 2.4 billion won
The festival appearance established her as a fixture at future Waterbomb events

Notably, the absence of controversy during her 2023 performance allowed her to build a positive reputation focused on her performance skills rather than debates about appropriate stage attire.

Fan reactions to Kwon Eunbi's Waterbomb debut

The public response to Eunbi's debut Waterbomb stage was overwhelmingly positive. Footage of her performance spread rapidly across social media platforms, creating a ripple effect that extended far beyond the festival itself.

Subsequently, her fancams went viral, garnering millions of views and exposing her to audiences who may not have followed her career previously. The online momentum transformed into real-world recognition as media outlets began referring to her as the "Waterbomb Goddess" in their coverage.

The performance also solidified her fanbase, with many praising not just her visuals but her dedication to the craft. After her performance, Eunbi shared her relief at completing the stage without major mistakes or injuries and revealed she would reward herself with a hearty meal after weeks of strict dieting.

This debut Waterbomb appearance established a template for what would become an annual tradition. Each subsequent festival performance would be measured against this breakthrough moment that changed everything for Kwon Eunbi's solo career.

The Viral Fancam That Crowned Her the 'Waterbomb Goddess'

Following her breakthrough at Waterbomb in 2023, Kwon Eunbi's return to the festival stage in 2025 would cement her legacy with a fancam that broke records and solidified her title as the undisputed "Waterbomb Goddess."

How the fancam went viral

The explosive power of Eunbi's Waterbomb performance became evident almost instantly. Within just 24 hours of her appearance at Waterbomb Seoul 2025, clips of her stage began circulating across multiple social media platforms at an unprecedented rate. The most captivating footage featured Eunbi confidently performing in a bold red crop top paired with a white bralette and denim shorts.

What truly distinguished this fancam was its remarkable reach. In less than a week, her official performance video accumulated an astonishing 4.35 million views. In fact, when combining views across all platforms and angle variations, the total viewership exceeded 4.8 million. One particular Twitter clip garnered over 365,000 likes and 60,000 reposts in just three days.

The viral spread wasn't limited to just one platform. On TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, clips of her performance began dominating recommendation algorithms. Moreover, the fancam quickly became the top post of all time on several K-pop-focused communities, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon that transcended typical idol content.

Impact on Kwon Eunbi's popularity

The viral fancam triggered an immediate surge in Eunbi's digital footprint. Her Instagram account gained an impressive 117,000 new followers in just three days after the performance. Concurrently, her YouTube channel experienced growth of approximately 4,000 subscribers within the same timeframe.

This newfound attention translated directly into measurable music success. Her latest single "Hello Stranger" jumped 30 positions in Taiwan's iTunes charts within 24 hours. Likewise, other tracks including "Underwater" and "Door" entered charts in Hong Kong and Taiwan as new entries, demonstrating how the viral moment extended beyond mere visual appeal to boost her musical career.

The financial impact proved even more substantial. In interviews, Eunbi openly acknowledged that approximately 70% of her total income came after her Waterbomb performances. She revealed:

"I was already earning before, but I think about 70% of my total income came after Waterbomb. I got so many ads and event offers, and since I'm solo, I didn't have to split the income."

This financial windfall enabled significant personal achievements, including property investment that would have been difficult to attain otherwise.

How fans and media responded

The response to Eunbi's viral moment was overwhelmingly positive yet complex. Media outlets immediately embraced her as the definitive "Waterbomb Goddess," a title that would remain attached to her name across three consecutive festival years. Entertainment companies recognized her drawing power, with WAAO expressing "high expectations" due to the "incredibly hot" local response to her performances.

Fans displayed unwavering support, with comments across platforms praising both her performance skills and confident presence. Alternatively, some discussions emerged about the different standards applied to male and female performers at the festival:

"When male idols come out shirtless and thirst trap on stage it's iconic and sexy, but when female idols do it it's misogynistic and offensive... make it make sense."

Others defended Eunbi by highlighting her agency in her performance choices: "She is a 29-year-old woman who is confident in her body."

The conversation around her viral fancam ultimately reflected broader societal discussions about female idol presentation, yet the overwhelming consensus recognized Eunbi's exceptional performance skills and her rightful claim to the "Waterbomb Goddess" title that would define her festival legacy for years to come.

The Beyoncé Cover That Broke the Internet

At Waterbomb Seoul 2025, Kwon Eunbi delivered a groundbreaking performance that would elevate her status beyond the "Waterbomb Goddess" title. Her bold decision to cover Beyoncé's iconic hit "Crazy In Love" created a defining moment that captivated millions and sparked conversations across the entertainment industry.

Why Kwon Eunbi chose 'Crazy in Love'

The selection of Beyoncé's signature song wasn't merely coincidental. The track perfectly aligned with the festival's high-energy atmosphere, allowing Eunbi to showcase her versatility beyond her own discography. Instead of relying on elaborate props or gimmicks, she focused on powerful dance movements and live vocals that demonstrated her artistic range.

Eunbi's approach to the cover emphasized both confidence and authenticity. The song's sensual yet powerful tone complemented the summer aesthetic that has become synonymous with Waterbomb performances. Although some questioned her choice of such a provocative performance, the selection proved strategic in highlighting her dance abilities while maintaining her unique artistic identity.

Performance highlights and choreography

The visual impact began with Eunbi's carefully selected outfit – a red gingham bolero layered over a knitted bralette paired with denim shorts. This ensemble balanced festival-appropriate styling with her personal aesthetic, creating an instantly memorable look.

The performance reached its climax when Eunbi untied her shirt while dancing to the song's chorus, a moment that electrified the crowd. This single moment proved so captivating that clips of it alone gained over 50 million views on social media platforms. After that, the choreography seamlessly incorporated water cannon effects that complemented her movements.

Throughout the performance, Eunbi maintained impressive vocal control despite the physically demanding routine. Fans noted her ability to deliver strong vocals even while executing fast-paced choreography under splashes of water. This technical proficiency demonstrated that beyond visual appeal, her performance was rooted in genuine artistic talent.

Public and media response

The internet's reaction was immediate and explosive. A viral video of her performance garnered over 2 million views within just 12 hours, setting a new personal record for the star. At the same time, the performance sparked heated debates across various platforms:

Many praised her confidence and stage presence
Others felt her "overly sexualized" performance crossed boundaries
Korean netizens commented: "She's seriously hot and so pretty" and "She's talented and performs well on stage"
Some defended her artistic choices against criticism: "She's making money off it, so of course she'll keep doing it"

Yet the controversy ultimately benefited her career trajectory. Following the performance, Eunbi gained approximately 117,000 Instagram followers in just three days. Additionally, her YouTube channel increased by around 4,000 subscribers in the same timeframe.

The impact extended to her music's commercial performance as well. Three of her songs entered the top 120 of various regional iTunes Charts. Her latest release "Hello Stranger" jumped 30 spots in Taiwan's charts within 24 hours, alongside new chart entries in Hong Kong.

Generally speaking, while opinions on the performance were divided, the tangible results were undeniable – increased social media presence, stronger chart performance, and solidified status as a solo artist capable of creating cultural moments that transcend traditional K-pop boundaries.

The Outfit That Sparked a National Debate

Kwon Eunbi's appearance at Waterbomb Seoul 2025 ignited far more than just applause—it sparked a nationwide conversation about female expression in K-pop. Her performance on July 6th became the center of heated debates that extended beyond entertainment into broader discussions about gender equality.

Details of Kwon Eunbi's Waterbomb 2025 outfit

For her 2025 festival appearance, Eunbi arrived in a carefully crafted cowgirl concept that immediately captured attention. Her ensemble featured a white bikini top partially covered by a red check crop shirt, paired with denim hot pants and western boots. This bold styling decision proved instantly memorable, with her performance video accumulating over 2 million views within just 24 hours.

The outfit wasn't static throughout her set—a key moment occurred when she untied her crop shirt mid-performance, revealing more of the white bikini top underneath. This choreographed moment drew immediate whistles from the audience and became the focal point of countless social media posts.

Controversy and double standards

Almost immediately, online platforms erupted with conflicting opinions. Critics labeled her outfit "too revealing" and "too focused on emphasizing her figure". Some netizens went further with harsh comments:

"The dance is a bit overboard. I guess this is how she bought a building."

Nevertheless, defenders quickly pointed out a glaring inconsistency. Male artists at the same festival, including BTOB's Lee Min-hyuk and NU'EST's Baekho, performed shirtless displaying their abs without facing similar scrutiny. This observation prompted many to question why different standards existed based on gender.

One netizen directly addressed this disparity: "Why is it that when male idols perform shirtless to show off their abs, no one says anything, yet there are always stricter standards applied to female artists?"

Indeed, many supporters noted that the controversy seemed particularly targeted at Eunbi specifically because of her body type. As one comment highlighted: "See the interesting thing is that none of you would be shaming her for this if she didn't happen to have a larger chest".

How Eunbi responded to criticism

Regardless of the controversy, Eunbi appeared to embrace her Waterbomb identity. In a recent interview with Super Junior D&E, she demonstrated resilience, stating: "You never know when or where you'll explode. I didn't expect a summer stage to change my life, but it did".

Beyond the criticism, tangible benefits emerged from the attention. Her social media following increased by 117,000 Instagram followers within three days. Furthermore, her music saw an uptick in performance—"Hello Stranger" jumped 30 spots on Taiwan's iTunes Charts, while "Underwater" and "Door" entered charts in Hong Kong and Taiwan as new entries.

Throughout the debate, Eunbi's performance transformed from a simple festival appearance into a cultural touchpoint about female expression, bodily autonomy, and the persistent double standards in entertainment. The conversation ultimately extended beyond outfit choices to broader questions about society's expectations of female artists.

The Training Regimen Behind Her Waterbomb Physique

Behind every stunning Waterbomb performance lies months of intense physical preparation. Standing at just 158 centimeters and weighing approximately 44.7 kilograms, Kwon Eunbi's physique didn't come without considerable effort and discipline.

Kwon Eunbi's fitness and dance preparation

The "Waterbomb Goddess" follows a targeted exercise regimen focused on problem areas she's identified through self-monitoring. "I have a lot of arm fat," Eunbi once candidly shared. "I have lost some now, but it appears that I have arm fat, so I work hard on arm exercises". She explained that her relatively short waist makes her prone to accumulating fat on the sides and back, requiring specific attention.

Eunbi's exercise routine primarily consists of:

Morning stretching to improve circulation and muscle tone
Pilates for core strengthening and posture improvement
Targeted exercises to address specific body concerns

Intriguingly, she avoids certain popular exercises like squats because, as she explains, "I build muscle in my legs easily". Her approach demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of her own body's responses to different types of training.

How she maintained her figure and stamina

Eunbi's nutrition strategy evolved significantly throughout her career. Earlier in her journey, she experimented with extreme measures – eating only an apple daily during her trainee days. Naturally, this led to complications including dizzy spells during performances.

Presently, she maintains a balanced approach focusing on high-protein, low-fat options. Her typical meals include chicken breast, salmon, spinach, and tomatoes. To satisfy cravings without compromising her physique, she opts for healthy alternatives: "I replace snacks with oatmeal bars and grain bars".

"It's hard to get in shape 365 days a year," Eunbi admitted. "So, I exercise the most during the summer peak season. As Water Bomb approaches, there's a pressure that I feel somewhat unconsciously".

Behind-the-scenes dedication

Perhaps most emblematic of Eunbi's commitment was her approach to her debut Waterbomb performance. Uncertain what to expect from the water-soaked stage, she devised an unconventional rehearsal method: "I didn't really know what to expect, so I trained in the bathtub while my stylist sprayed me with a showerhead".

She and fellow performer Lee Min-hyuk prepared special diet-friendly meals like "diet futomaki," "cabbage steak," and "diet tteokbokki" while discussing fitness routines. This level of dedication extended to intense preparation schedules – reportedly working out up to 40 times within a 30-day window before performances.

After delivering her performances, Eunbi allows herself well-deserved rewards. Following her 2023 Waterbomb appearance and weeks of strict dieting, she celebrated with a hearty barbecue meal, later telling fans after her 2025 performance: "I'm going to eat meat today! I've been dieting hard".

The Unexpected Career Boost After Waterbomb

From viral sensation to financial success, Kwon Eunbi's journey after Waterbomb extends far beyond mere fame. Her transformation from idol group member to solo powerhouse has yielded tangible benefits that have completely reshaped her career trajectory.

How Waterbomb changed her income and brand deals

The financial impact of Waterbomb on Eunbi's career has been substantial. In candid interviews, she revealed that approximately 70% of her total income came after gaining recognition through her Waterbomb appearances. This dramatic shift resulted from numerous commercial offers that flooded in following her viral performances.

Remarkably, Eunbi's newfound prosperity enabled her to purchase a 2.4 billion KRW (approximately 1.8 million USD) detached house in Songjeong-dong, Seoul. Henceforth, this achievement elevated her status to that of a "building owner," making headlines across Korean media.

Eunbi herself addressed misconceptions about her wealth, clarifying: "People think I bought the building with just my Waterbomb income, but that's not true. What I did do was buy a car for my parents".

New opportunities and endorsements

Following her Waterbomb fame, Eunbi confirmed she "shot a lot of commercials". Online communities acknowledged her rising commercial appeal with comments like "If there's another Water Bomb, I will even build twin buildings".

The secret behind her financial success as a solo artist? Eunbi explained: "Since I'm promoting alone, I don't have to split earnings—that probably made a big difference". This advantage stands in stark contrast to her time in IZ*ONE, where profits were distributed among multiple members.

Fanbase growth and international reach

Waterbomb elevated Eunbi's popularity beyond Korea's borders. After her 2025 performance, she gained approximately 117,000 Instagram followers in just three days. Concurrently, her YouTube channel saw an increase of around 4,000 subscribers within the same timeframe.

Her music also benefited tremendously:

"Hello Stranger" jumped 30 spots in Taiwan's iTunes Charts within 24 hours
"Underwater" and "Door" entered charts in Hong Kong and Taiwan as new entries
Three of her songs charted in the top 120 of various regional iTunes Charts

Essentially, what began as a festival performance evolved into an international phenomenon. Through her Waterbomb fame, Eunbi has secured her position as what Korean media calls a "practical power celebrity" – an artist whose influence extends across entertainment, fashion, and business sectors alike.

The Emotional Confession About Her First Waterbomb Nerves

Behind the confident exterior of the "Waterbomb Queen" lies a surprisingly vulnerable performer. In numerous interviews, Kwon Eunbi has opened up about the intense anxiety she experienced before stepping onto the stage that would ultimately change her career trajectory.

What Kwon Eunbi revealed in interviews

In a candid conversation, Eunbi confessed her initial apprehension about her 2023 debut Waterbomb performance: "It was 1PM and the crowd was thin. I was worried. But I never imagined that stage would change my entire life". When asked about receiving the invitation to perform at Waterbomb Seoul 2023, she admitted feeling "incredibly excited and nervous" as a solo artist without many opportunities to perform on such large stages.

Eunbi's nervousness stemmed partly from the unique performance environment. "It was my first time performing while getting splashed with water, so it felt fascinating and fun". Yet underneath that excitement lurked genuine performance anxiety that she would later share with fans.

How she overcame stage anxiety

Initially, Eunbi managed her nerves through meticulous preparation. "I put a lot of thought into how I could communicate with the audience and get them more excited since it was a festival for the general public". This strategic approach helped channel her anxiety into creative solutions.

Her pragmatic mindset throughout the performance helped as well. "When I watch the video of my performance now, I can tell I was having more fun than I thought". According to Cosmopolitan Korea's July 2023 interview, she was simply "happy to have gotten through it without any major mistakes".

Why this moment resonated with fans

Eunbi's honesty about her insecurities created a powerful connection with followers. Many appreciated seeing that even someone with her stage presence could feel nervous. In interviews, she shared, "Last year was my first time, and I was really nervous, but that's now a special memory for me".

Her vulnerability contrasted with her polished performances, showing fans the authentic person behind the "Waterbomb Queen" image. This juxtaposition of confidence on stage versus backstage nerves made her success story even more impactful, especially as she described the unexpected aftermath: "Everybody was calling and texting me, the views on my close-up fancams went way up and 'Underwater' slowly started to climb the charts".

The Collaboration with Lee Si-an That Surprised Fans

A surprising reunion electrified Waterbomb Seoul 2025 when Kwon Eunbi joined forces with fellow former Produce 48 contestant Lee Si-an to revive their legendary collaboration after seven years.

How the 'Rumor' stage came together

The unexpected reunion began when the two artists, who became close friends through their Produce 48 experience in 2018, decided to bring back their iconic "Rumor" performance for Waterbomb. This track is widely regarded as a representative hit song and legendary stage from the survival show. Behind-the-scenes footage from Lee Si-an's YouTube channel revealed the intense preparation that went into recreating this performance after such a long hiatus.

The preparation wasn't without challenges. Both performers dedicated themselves to detailed rehearsals, with Kwon Eunbi displaying serious focus until moments before taking the stage. Their commitment extended to outfit coordination – Eunbi appeared in a white bikini matched with a crop shirt and hot pants, while Lee Si-an showcased a red bikini paired with white hot pants.

Chemistry and performance dynamics

The longtime friendship between the performers created natural chemistry that translated to their stage presence. As Final Si-an YouTube channel footage revealed, they practiced extensively together, with Lee Si-an receiving precise direction on restraint, eye contact, and movement control to enhance the overall quality.

Even with meticulous preparation, unexpected issues arose. On performance day, Lee Si-an's in-ear monitor fell off and his pants began slipping. Yet, showcasing true professionalism, he powered through these technical difficulties without compromising the performance.

Audience and fan reactions

The response to their "Rumor" reunion was electric. According to reports, "the on-site response to the 'Rumor' stage, which returned after 7 years, was also hot". After completing their performance, Lee Si-an expressed his excitement: "The performance with Eun-bi unnie was exactly what people mean when they say it 'tore it up'".

Fans expressed delight at seeing the former Produce 48 contestants reunite on stage, given both performers have followed different career paths since their original collaboration.