The highly anticipated Waterbomb Festival returned to Seoul in 2025, showcasing a variety of energetic performances. Among the talented artists, Kwon Eun Bi, affectionately termed the “Waterbomb Goddess, ” captured attention as she once again ignited a vibrant discussion about artistry and expression.
Dressed in a striking red crop top paired with a white bralette and denim shorts, Eun Bi electrified the audience with spirited renditions of beloved tracks such as “Door, ””Hello Stranger, ”and “Rumor, ”the popular hit from Produce 48. She shared the stage with Lee Si An, enhancing the performance’s dynamic appeal.
However, it was her captivating cover of Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love”that truly became the highlight of the night, quickly trending across social media platforms as audiences lauded her charisma, energy, and striking stage presence.
Perceptions of Performance: Sexy or Excessive?
Despite the enthusiasm from her fanbase, Kwon Eun Bi’s performance was met with mixed reactions. Some critics claimed she blurred the line between sensuality and suggestiveness, pointing to her outfit and performance style. A common critique was:
“There’s nothing left to the imagination. It’s not sexy anymore, just vulgar.”
Others suggested that her performance echoed previous years without much innovation, leading to claims that the show felt forced and lacked depth.
Nonetheless, her supporters quickly came to her defense, arguing that the festival is known for its lively and liberated atmosphere.“Male idols go shirtless, while female idols wear bralettes. Why is only Eun Bi facing criticism?” questioned a fan, pointing out the prevailing double standard regarding public perception of male and female artists.
Many argued that the backlash stems from societal body bias, where idols, particularly those with fuller figures like Eun Bi, are subjected to more stringent scrutiny in comparison to their peers.
A Transformative Chapter in Her Career
Regardless of the controversy, it’s evident that Eun Bi’s association with the Waterbomb Festival has marked a pivotal moment in her career. Since her breakout performance in 2023, she has become synonymous with this summer festival, skillfully merging charismatic appeal with a strong commitment to her craft.
Behind closed doors, her rigorous dedication shines through as she reportedly practices choreography even in unconventional settings like the bathtub, complemented by her disciplined fitness regimen to meet the festival’s signature “wet performance” aesthetic.
In a previous interview, Eun Bi reflected on her anxiety during her initial Waterbomb performance: “It was 1 PM and the crowd was thin. I was worried. But I never imagined that stage would change my entire life.”
Indeed, her life took a significant turn. Reports indicate that her income surged dramatically post-performance, achieving a remarkable 3:7 income ratio compared to her pre-Waterbomb earnings. Now fully in charge of her solo ventures, she made a substantial investment by purchasing a 2.4 billion KRW ($1.69 million USD) building in Seongdong, one of Seoul’s most affluent districts.
From her humble beginnings in 2014 to her rise to fame through Produce 48 and IZ*ONE, Kwon Eun Bi has transformed herself into a leading solo artist, with hits like “Underwater”reflecting her confident and bold persona.
Now venturing further, she owns her café and continues to build her brand around empowered sensuality and vibrant energy. In a recent interview with Super Junior D&E, she remarked on the unpredictability of success: “You never know when or where you’ll explode. I didn’t expect a summer stage to change my life, but it did.”
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