Singer Kwon Eun Bi is shedding her Summer Queen and Water Bomb Goddess titles to embark on a fresh challenge. She’s set to drop her new digital single “DEJAVU” after a 16-month hiatus.
“DEJAVU” is a vibrant disco-pop track that offers a brief escape from the monotony of daily life. Kwon’s vocals glide over rhythmic bass lines and upbeat guitar riffs, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy while capturing a fleeting sense of excitement.
Through “DEJAVU,” which embodies a strange yet familiar allure and heart-fluttering sensations, Kwon aims to create a memorable scene that will resonate with listeners for years to come.
Following her move to RBW, Kwon has focused on revealing her authentic self in preparation for her comeback. Ahead of the single’s release on Thursday, she sat down with reporters at RBW’s headquarters in Seoul’s Gwangjin district to discuss the significance behind “DEJAVU” and her long-awaited return.
Continuing from our previous interview,
– You’ve described this song as your own classic. What does that mean to you?
▶ I see it as my personal timeless sentiment. I believe I have classic feelings tied to passion and responsibility. Over the past decade, I’ve faced numerous challenges. These enduring thoughts have helped me persevere through ups and downs.
– What motivated you to bounce back after facing obstacles?
▶ My biggest motivation came from my parents, who initially opposed my dream of becoming a singer. At first, I was driven by the desire to prove myself. As I debuted, I gained recognition. Even when I faced setbacks, I believed there was nowhere to go but up. That mindset became my driving force.
– Why did your parents initially oppose your singing career, and how do they feel now?
▶ They wanted me to have a stable job. My dad loves music and dabbled in it, but he worried about its instability. They often asked, “What’s your backup plan if singing doesn’t work out?” Now, they’re incredibly supportive. They joke, “It would’ve been a huge mistake if you hadn’t pursued this!” (laughs)
– What sets you apart in the competitive solo scene this September?
▶ I believe it’s my bright energy. I’ve never felt truly comfortable on stage before. Now, I think I can genuinely enjoy performing and bring that joy to my audience.
– If this album represents the real Kwon Eun-bi, how should we view your previous work?
▶ During my IZ*ONE days, I was young and absorbed everything around me. While I had great synergy with my teammates, that period was about self-discovery. As I release my solo work, I’ve spent time reflecting on who I am. It hasn’t been easy, as I don’t enjoy being alone and didn’t delve deeply into self-reflection before. If my earlier phase was about discovery, this new chapter is about experiencing what truly makes me happy.
– Is there a dream stage you’d like to perform on as the new Kwon Eun-bi?
▶ I recently visited Mexico for a soccer event, and the energy there was incredible. I’d love to perform there someday.
– You seem close with your former IZ*ONE members. With your 10th anniversary approaching, is there a chance of reuniting like I.O.I did?
▶ We’ve discussed it while watching I.O.I’s reunion. Everyone expressed interest, saying things like “I’d love to do it” or “I hope it happens.” We’re a bit envious of their ability to reunite. We’ve talked about potentially reuniting for our 10th anniversary if the timing works out.
– What do you think the odds are?
▶ It’s hard to say since all our agencies are involved, but I’d guess there’s a better than 50% chance. That’s just my personal take, though. (laughs)
– You must feel pressure about your next success.
▶ I genuinely hope for great success, but I also believe I’m doing well already. Rather than focusing on specific goals, I’ve realized that maintaining a steady career in this industry is the real challenge. Watching long-standing artists, I aspire to have a healthy mindset and sustain my career. That seems to be the toughest goal. I’m working on not letting things affect me negatively. I want to continue performing even after marriage, maintaining a long, uninterrupted career.
– Speaking of marriage, have you given it any thought?
▶ I think about it and believe it’ll happen someday. I sometimes imagine, “Will I get married?” Then I wonder what I’d say if my future child wanted to become a singer.
– If your child wanted to become a singer, how would you react?
▶ I’d probably be against it initially. Jumping right in could be overwhelming. I believe in balancing encouragement with discipline. If they have my genes, they’d probably understand my perspective. (laughs)
– What are your plans for the rest of this year?
▶ My album is the top priority. I’ve always wanted to start a YouTube channel to share my daily life, which I find interesting. I’m also eager to perform more, especially internationally, since I have limited experience with tours and global activities. I’d love to meet my overseas fans. For now, I need to focus on preparing my next physical album. There’s still so much I want to do.
