Kwon Eunbi's latest single, titled "Hello Stranger", doesn't politely knock and ask if it can enter. It makes its presence known with an afro-pop heartbeat and featherlight guitar arpeggios. There's a dreamy tension here, all soft vocals and shimmering buildup, until the chorus detonates—sharp, rhythmic, and unmistakably Eunbi. Her voice doesn’t just carry the song; it leads you into a secret world lit by late-night thoughts and chance encounters, and by the time it fades out, you’re not just a listener. You’re the stranger she’s been waiting for.

Here, the South Korean K-pop star and actress takes us through "Hello Stranger", from its inspiration to how she's inviting fans (aka the RUBIs) into her secret world.

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Congratulations on your return! What inspired “Hello Stranger,” and what story are you hoping to tell through it?

Thank you! "Hello Stranger" is a song that began with the desire to express the excitement and tension that comes from encountering a stranger, along with the sincerity hidden within that moment.

The teaser with the candle and “Like a thief in the night” was quite striking—can you share the concept behind that imagery?

"Like a thief in the night" is a phrase that expresses emotions, changes, and delicate moments that come without warning. And the candle represents a light that flickers in the darkness, but never goes out—it symbolises sincerity and truth.

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You’ve mentioned this comeback invites fans into your “secret world.” What can we expect to discover there?

For this comeback, I wanted to express the emotions I had been holding onto through both the song and the performance.

How does this release differ from your previous work, like “The Flash” or “눈이와”?

While "The Flash" had an intense energy and "눈이와" focused on warmth and cosy emotions, I feel that "Hello Stranger" delves deeper into the layers of emotion, capturing a more delicate and refined feeling.

Is there a particular lyric in “Hello Stranger” that resonates with you on a personal level?

The phrase “Hello Stranger” itself is the most meaningful message to me.

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You’ve grown so much as a solo artist—how would you describe your evolution since your IZ*ONE days?

My time as a solo artist has really been a journey of looking deeper into myself. Whether I’m on stage or creating music, I find myself reflecting more on the question, “Who am I as a person?”

Your fashion and styling always stand out. How hands-on are you when it comes to crafting your visual identity?

Yes, I tend to share a lot of ideas myself. I try to contribute whenever I can because I want the concept and emotional flow to be visually connected as well.

Lastly, what do you hope fans—especially those overseas—take away from this comeback?

Through this song, I hope listeners can feel the emotion of “I’m connected too.” If my small voice can reach faraway places and wrap around someone’s heart, I think that would make me
truly happy.

"Hello Stranger" by Kwon Eunbi is now on streaming platforms worldwide.