We’ve witnessed the evolution of South Korea-based artist Kwon Eun-bi for several years, and after contributing to a collective sound – she’s prepared to show what she’s capable of when standing solo. 

As a well-versed trainee, the singer has been a part of two groups, Ye-A and the widely known IZ*ONE, she has amassed seven years of trainee and performance experience combined. Her talent has even been discoverable through her television appearance and pursuit of stardom on the juggernaut star-making series Produce 48 (placing seventh overall) covering all avenues of creativity. 

Now that Kwon Eun-bi has the ability to look back on her experiences, she’s made the choice to sign with Woolim Entertainment to begin the next marvelous chapter of her versatile story. The singer and dancer offers up her first official mini-album OPEN to fans, taking on six tracks that tell a story of individuality. Starting out in modern jazz territory, the album isn’t limited to one style – with Kwon Eun-bi expressing her intrigue and passion for Latin music, emotional ballads, and cheery pop, all embedded within this introductory mini-album OPEN.

Feeling authentic to her album title and lead single, OPEN portrays Kwon Eun-bi in the most unfiltered way we’ve witnessed – a plausible outcome to years of diligence for her craft. It’s this stroke of solitude that opens the window to her hopes, aspirations, and musical interests, all things that fans have eagerly anticipated throughout her career. 

With the genuine energy of OPEN now out in the world for all to enjoy, we spoke to the IZ*ONE group member turned soloist about her journey, and what it truly means to begin this brand new chapter. 

This is your first mini-album and that’s such an exciting accomplishment, so congratulations first and foremost! What was the most important thing message you wanted to convey through your first solo project?

Kwon Eun-bi: It would be to show everyone the new Kwon Eun Bi! I want to show my growth and varied colors through my solo music. 

You’ve worked alongside two groups prior to your solo work, and that really helped make you such a versatile artist! What was your favorite aspect of both making music in a group – and as a soloist?

Kwon Eun-bi: When working in a group, it feels safe and it’s always fun when I have my members around. Working as a soloist is sometimes lonely but at the same time, it’s also a good thing because I can show a lot of varied performances too.

Your new mini-album OPEN provides a balance of this fresh, yet experienced take on a lot of styles – what song would you say felt like the most natural to you for this re-debut era?

Kwon Eun-bi: I think the song that feels most like me is “Door”? I think that it’s probably the ‘most me’ as I show a natural performance when I’m doing “Door” on stage, and I really enjoy getting to perform it as well. 

A couple of the songs on OPEN have a really incredible and alluring jazz undertone to them, which isn’t an easy sound to accomplish! What was probably the best and also, the most complex part of mixing mainstream pop and jazz on songs like “Open” and “Door”?

Kwon Eun-bi: The best thing about mixing jazz and pop is that it highlights the voice so it’s heard very clearly. On the other hand, the difficulty is that the genre itself is difficult, so I also have to practice singing a lot.

“Blue Eyes” felt like a chance for you to make something that feels energetic but also has a lot of soul and maturity to it too. When it comes to those differing styles in music, which are you typically more interested in creating?

Kwon Eun-bi: I prefer songs that are more easy-listening, so I’d like to recommend “Blue Eyes” to everyone as it is a song that you can comfortably listen to any time and everywhere!

Your final two songs add a sweet ballad moment to the mini-album, a great way to close out your first solo project! After looking back at the album as a whole, what part of this would you say feels like a highlight during this time of your life?

Kwon Eun-bi: I feel like “Rain” is the career highlight for me so far. I participated in writing both the song and lyrics for “Rain” so I could show more, and as it was also a new challenge for me – so it feels like a personal highlight.

Now that you’re through your first release, are there other concepts you’re eager to pursue or present in your next comeback?

Kwon Eun-bi: The next time I definitely want to show a mature and cool look with my comeback!

You have a lovely, supportive fan base that has been with you through a lot, and they’re so excited to see you take this next step – what has that support meant to you through the evolution of your career?

Kwon Eun-bi: I think that fans’ support is the real driving force behind all of my performances. I feel like I can perform well because of my fans, and for that, I’m thankful.

In conclusion, if you were going to introduce this album to anyone who hasn’t heard it yet – what do you want them to know about OPEN?

Kwon Eun-bi: OPEN is the album that shows all of my new colors. If you want to know Kwon Eun-bi, then you really have to listen to OPEN!

Check out OPEN by Kwon Eun-bi now, as well as the music video for her new single above.