"I Don't Want to Be Trapped as the 'Summer Queen'" Kwon Eun-bi's New Chapter 'Deja Vu' [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Kwon Eun-bi has moved beyond the title of "Summer Queen" to open a new chapter. Known for her intense performances and glamorous image, she is now aiming for transformation through more natural and comfortable music. Her resolve is to show the unique color of "singer Kwon Eun-bi," rather than remaining confined to a single descriptor.

Recently, Kwon Eun-bi shared various stories about her new song and future activities in an interview held at a cafe in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of her new digital single "Deja Vu."

"Deja Vu" is Kwon Eun-bi's first new song in approximately one year and four months, capturing a natural yet fresh first step toward starting the next chapter with her own perspective. The disco pop genre features a rhythmic bass and cheerful guitar sounds, conveying an unfamiliar yet familiar attraction and a pleasant sense of excitement.

As this is her comeback after a long hiatus, Kwon Eun-bi expressed both excitement and nervousness simultaneously. She said, "It's been one year and four months since my last comeback, so I feel nervous, excited, and tense." She added, "I worked on the album with a happy heart, and now only the day to show you a happy stage remains, so I am looking forward to it."

The most noticeable change in this comeback is the music. While she has mostly shown herself with high notes and intense performances, "Deja Vu" captures a more comfortable and natural charm.

Kwon Eun-bi expressed her affection for the song, saying, "It's a track I wanted to do as soon as I heard it, and I was satisfied. I was happy because I could capture my natural side." She continued, "People say my music has many high notes, but I tried to give a different tone in my voice to create a dreamy feeling. I wondered how I should sing to make it feel different, what image I should show. If people think, 'This isn't like the current Kwon Eun-bi?', then personally, that is success."

She further stated, "I wanted to show that songs can be listened to comfortably and fun even without high notes. It seems there haven't been many songs without high notes. I am curious about the public's reaction. I thought it would be great if they liked it by saying, 'She does this kind of thing too.' It seems fans liked it more than I expected because they looked happy with the Navy Headquarters concept. I think I fit well with my fans, and I hope to fit well with the general public as well."

This new song is also significant as it is the first music she has presented after moving her agency to RBW. Kwon Eun-bi revealed that since changing agencies, she has received more musical support.

She said, "Since it's a music company, I think I learned by hearing various opinions from Kim Do-hoon, who is both a composer and the CEO." She added, "There are many internal producers, so it was easier to get songs when we needed them, and after experiencing sessions, I feel like there has been more musical support."

She also actively voiced her opinions during the album production process. It was explained that she gave direct opinions on every detail, from the jacket and music video concept to dancers, costumes, marketing, and challenges.

Kwon Eun-bi said, "I gave many detailed opinions." She revealed, "Having sincere conversations about the album allowed us to make various attempts, which became the reason I chose this agency."

For Kwon Eun-bi, "Summer Queen" has become an inseparable descriptor. She established herself as a Yeo Reum (CEO) artist by showing a strong presence at various festivals, including Waterbomb. As this descriptor was gained through her strong presence, she also had many concerns on the other side.

Kwon Eun-bi said, "It's good to get descriptors," but added, "Rather than being trapped in that image, I wanted to show various sides. Also, shouldn't we be able to show more?"

She conveyed, "I think what was shown was bigger than the music until now. In the future, I want to show more music. It's not about letting go of the descriptor; I want to keep it but also show new sides."

She also said, "When I was active with IZ*ONE or as a soloist, my charisma and what I showed were similar, so the image seems to have solidified. But I still have many things I want to do." She added, "I think being confident, natural, and breathing together with the audience are Kwon Eun-bi's unique charms."

Kwon Eun-bi said, "There are parts where I think I should release a summer album because of the descriptor, but I think what I want to do is stronger." She conveyed, "It itself is a grateful thing that such a descriptor has been attached to me. Since everyone feels music differently, I want to show various sides."

She also openly shared her true feelings: "When people ask, 'Why isn't there a summer album?', 'Why isn't she at Waterbomb?', or 'Why isn't she active?', it makes me grateful that they are expecting me, but sometimes my heart feels heavy."

So, what descriptor does she want to gain anew through this activity? Surprisingly, Kwon Eun-bi pointed to her vocal strength. She said, "I want to hear people say, 'Your voice is better than I thought.'" She expressed her wish, "I hope descriptors related to 'honey voice,' tone, or voice are created."

Kwon Eun-bi revealed her honest desire to be recognized through music. She said, "I am well known by my name, but I think I am still lacking in terms of music." She added, "'Underwater' is what I am well known for, but even that, there are people who don't know it. As a singer, I have the ambition that albums and songs should be successful."

The standard of success Kwon Eun-bi envisions is music that many people can enjoy together. She said, "I think the standard of success is having songs that people can sing along with." She added, "If many people enjoy it, I think that means it was successful." As a specific goal, she conveyed, "There were times when I entered the digital chart at 99th or 100th place, and I want to enter the ranking. Just achieving that would be a great success."

In the future, she plans to consistently release albums containing her own stories beyond digital singles. Kwon Eun-bi revealed, "I am preparing for a physical album to be released." She added, "From the next album onward, I want to include as many songs as possible and consistently release albums." She also noted that she is currently working on both song creation and session work, saying, "In the past, because there was a concept, I couldn't include my story much."

As stage experience accumulated, her attitude toward music also changed. He said, "Going through the process of filling the stage alone for three minutes made me feel that I have grown compared to when I started." He added, "In 'Deja Vu,' I think you will be able to feel various emotions a bit more, so I am looking forward to it."

For Kwon Eun-bi, who continues her solo activities, the IZ*ONE members are a sturdy support. She said, "Solo activities can be lonely, but I empathize with my members when we talk." She added, "When we meet on stage after a long time, we become each other's support." They continue to stay in touch through a group chat, and she mentioned that they also meet up when Japanese members come to Korea.

She also showed a positive stance on the possibility of IZONE reuniting. Kwon Eun-bi revealed, "While watching I.O.I activities, we said we wanted to try it too." She added, "We have had positive conversations that if there is an opportunity when IZONE reaches its 10th anniversary, we would like to try it."

She cited her parents and fans as the driving force that allowed her to continue on the path of a singer. She said, "My parents who opposed my becoming a singer were the biggest driving force." She recalled, "I think I developed a mindset that I must succeed and a stubborn determination to make it happen somehow." She continued, "After I got fans, I think I started activities thinking about them." She expressed her gratitude, saying, "They always support me and love me so much, so I am grateful."

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*This content was translated by AI.