Insights from Kwon Eunbi’s Journey on “Hobo Uncle Soogeun”
In a captivating episode of the popular YouTube series, Hobo Uncle Soogeun, Kwon Eunbi joined comedian Soogeun at the well-known Daehan Kukjang restaurant in Apgujeong for a delightful meal. During their conversation, host Lee Soogeun explored Eunbi’s rich history in the music industry, particularly her experiences with the girl groups Ye-A and IZ*ONE before she transitioned to a solo career.
Facing Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
As they enjoyed their meal together, Soogeun posed a poignant question: “There must have been a lot of hard times after debut. When was the hardest time?”This inquiry prompted Eunbi to reflect on her career, revealing her debut as a member of Ye-A back in 2014 under the stage name Kazoo. Unfortunately, Ye-A disbanded after just two years when their label, Shinhoo Entertainment, folded in 2016, which forced her to re-enter training.
“I debuted when I was 20, but it didn’t pan out as I had hoped. Those four years of training afterward were incredibly tough,”Eunbi candidly shared, indicating that the real struggle began post-debut.
Choices and New Directions
The discussion then shifted as Soogeun inquired whether Eunbi had ever contemplated pursuing paths outside of idol life. “I didn’t attend university until I was 24. By the time I turned 25, I felt the pressure of age compared to other trainees. I began to worry about what I would do next and decided to focus on my education,”she explained.
Eunbi went on to reveal that she took the entrance exam for Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts and secured a spot in their program. While she planned to complete her studies and support herself financially, an unexpected opportunity arose during her freshman orientation regarding the project Produce 48. “So, at 24, I participated in that show and ended up debuting,”she recounted.
Eunbi’s Rise to Fame
In 2018, Kwon Eunbi re-debuted as the leader of the girl group IZ*ONE, captivating audiences with her talent over three successful years until the group’s disbandment in 2021. Following this phase, Eunbi launched her solo career, establishing herself in the industry and earning acclaim, notably being crowned the “Waterbomb Queen”for her exceptional performances at the renowned Waterbomb Festival.
For further insights into Kwon Eunbi’s remarkable journey and her reflections on the challenges faced in the music industry, check out the full episode of Hobo Uncle Soogeun.
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