Since appearing on our screens six years ago on hit reality television show Produce 48, Kwon Eunbi's star has been rising with no signs of slowing down. It's something she's been working on long before appearing on Mnet's hit series. Growing up, the starlet always knew that she wanted to be a singer. So she convinced her parents to enrol her into the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA)—one of the most prestigious art schools in Korea which counts the likes of Red Velvet's Joy and Seulgi, NCT's Taeyong, Jaehyun, and Mark, Bae Suzy, and former Iz*One bandmate Jang Won-young as its alumni.
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As a student, she was a backup dancer for groups like Girl's Day when Hyeri, one of the members and her senior at SOPA, encouraged her to pursue a career as an idol (an entertainer working in the K-Pop industry). After initially debuting as a member of girl group Ye-A under Shinhoo Entertainment, she later signed with Woollim Entertainment and went on to compete as a contestant on Mnet's Produce48 in 2018.
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Consistently ranking in the top 12 amongst the contestants, she'd go on to debut as a member of the girl group Iz*One with the hit single "La Vie en Rose" in 2018. She'd also go on to write and compose the song "Spaceship" off their first album BloomIz as well as "WithOne" from their third mini-album Oneiric Diary.
Today, the 28-year-old has two singles and three EPs under her belt, a flourishing acting career, and has been dubbed the "Summer Queen" of the WATERBOMB Festival after her performance went viral last year.
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ELLE Singapore sat down with the "Waterbomb Queen" to talk about her skincare tips, her summer song, what she loves about visiting Singapore, and tips for newbies heading into this weekend.
You're no stranger to the WATERBOMB Festival—what advice would you give first-timers?
Since it's a water festival, I suggest just going there and having fun!
What's your skincare routine like?
I make sure my face is cleansed thoroughly before applying a face mask once a day. For the summertime, I apply my sunscreen in layers because it's so important to protect your skin.
What song are you listening to right now for summer?
The song I'm listening to right now is Lauv's "Steal The Show" from Pixar's Elemental.
Any beauty tips you swear by?
I think natural, soft make-up is really pretty for this time of the year. Add a pop of blush on the cheeks and some lipstick, too.
Describe yourself in one word.
If I had to describe myself in one word it'd be rainbow.
What do you love the most about visiting Singapore?
I always look forward to the food—especially chilli crab! I'm definitely going to eat it when I arrive in Singapore.
In your own words, why should people attend WATERBOMB Singapore 2024?
People should attend WATERBOMB Singapore 2024 because it's a great way to cool down in this hot weather, leave your worries behind and have fun. It's also really exciting since it'll be the first time it's happening in Singapore.
WATERBOMB Singapore 2024 will be happening from 24 to 25 August 2024 at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. For more information, visit their website.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.