If you haven’t tuned into the latest single from Kwon Eunbi — former leader of girl group IZ*ONE, currently reigning among the K-pop idol queens — then what are you doing with your life? With her new track “Hello Stranger”, Eunbi switches things up with a dazzling concept: a mysterious, dreamy and almost sensual aura with a hint of Afro-pop. The song starts with guitar arpeggios and dreamy vocals in the beginning — before building up to a explosive rhythm in its chorus, highlighting her powerful voice. Much like a siren, Eunbi’s aura in the song’s music video is electric, showing off her goddess-like figure in a red dress and accompanied by sexy and charismatic choreography.
Eunbi began building her solo career back in 2021 after IZ*ONE disbanded, gaining newer fans with her dance pop and ‘warm-toned’ tunes — her most recent works also include a ‘city pop’ style song “Like Heaven”, a collaboration with rapper Paul Blanco. And now with “Hello Stranger”, Eunbi is ready to make her comeback with a captivating concept and intense charm.
Following the release of “Hello Stranger”, we spoke with Kwon Eunbi about her new single, the new concept for her latest comeback, and what it’s like to be a solo K-pop female solo artist today.
Congratulations on “Hello Stranger”! How do you feel about the release of the song, and what has been the response to it so far?
First of all, I’m truly excited and grateful to be greeting everyone with a new song after some time. Since its release, many fans have told me things like, “This is such an EUNBI style song,” and “This concept suits you so well,” which has really encouraged and empowered me.
Sonically, how does “Hello Stranger” reflect your current musicality and presence as a K-pop artist?
I believe this new track showcases a different side of me compared to my previous work. It blends a dreamy yet groovy Afro-pop rhythm with performance elements that express deep emotions. Vocally, I also aimed to deliver a more nuanced and emotionally rich expression this time.
The release of “Hello Stranger” marks yet another iconic comeback for you, especially as it features a dark yet still feminine vibe, and showcases a sexier, bolder charisma. This concept is quite a shift from your previous work. How would you like to express this concept and the song itself through your performance?
I wanted to express a concept that balances strength and delicacy, even in a darker mood.
You also continuously captivate the audience not only with your melody and powerful vocals, but also through your performance. How do you create that deeper connection with your fans, and what is your favourite thing about it?
I think sincerity is the most important thing. I’m always deeply touched when RUBI can truly feel my heart. Communicating with my fans is both healing and a huge source of strength for me.
This year also marks your fifth year since your solo debut. Can you briefly share with us how your journey has been so far?
Time really flew by. When I first debuted as a solo artist, everything felt new and a bit scary, but over time, I was able t o build experience and find my own color. I feel that I’ve become stronger both as an artist and as a person in the past 5 years.
How has your relationship with music evolved since then? Did you feel pressure to constantly ‘reinvent’ yourself in terms of sound or visuals?
In the beginning, I did feel some pressure to always present something new. But with time, I’ve come to realize that what matters most is sincerity.
Since the release of your last solo album Lethality and also your “Waterbomb” live performance, you have been making comeback after comeback with your hit singles. In this era where the solo K-pop artist market is getting more competitive, can you expand o n what it is like to be a strong female solo artist today? What are the pros and cons, and how do you continue to improve yourself as an artist?
As a solo artist, you carry a lot of responsibility, but at the same time, you have the freedom to express yourself fully. From the stage to visuals to interpreting the song everything reflects my own thoughts, which means I put a lot of consideration into every detail. The upside is being able to express my true colors. The downside? It can feel a bit lonely at times.
What can fans expect from Kwon Eunbi in the near future?
I want to keep evolving and challenging myself. Musically, I also want to try out new genres.
Watch the new music video for Eunbi’s latest single, “Hello Stranger” HERE.