Kwon Eunbi Gets Real About Her Flopped Debut And Despair Of Becoming A Trainee Again

Idol Kwon Eunbi recently opened up about the reality of debuting without much success and the inevitable return to trainee life.

On October 7, KST, Eunbi appeared as a guest on MBN’s Chuseok special show, Donmakase. During the episode, she talked candidly about her initial debut and the challenges that followed after it fell through.

“I debuted once in 2014, before the audition program,” Eunbi said, referring to her debut before appearing on Produce48. She admitted that the lack of popularity led to the group’s disbanding soon after.

In 2014, when Eunbi was 20, she debuted as a member of the girl group Ye-A, under the stage name Kazoo. The group disbanded around mid-2016, forcing her to return to the trainee life. She recalled, “After training for about four more years, I went back to audition programs and became a part of IZ*ONE.”

When host Hong Suk Chun asked how she handled the inevitable hardship and darkness that came with her first failed debut, Eunbi admitted that the path to re-debut was not easy for her. She implied that it was a period of “despair,” but she also emphasized the importance of perseverance in those moments.

Everyone needs moments of despair. I think I’m able to persevere now because I went through those times. Back then, I held on to the conviction that I had to persevere, and I had many friends and family members who supported me. I’m grateful that so many people recognize me now.

— Kwon Eunbi

Despite facing major challenges, including a failed first debut, being considered “too old” for a second chance, and having to restart her career after IZ*ONE and prove her worth as a soloist, Eunbi has truly persevered through every single curveball thrown her way.

Meanwhile, Eunbi recently sparked concern with her social media post, which she removed abruptly. Read more here:

“Cry For Help?” Kwon Eunbi’s Abruptly Deleted Photos Trigger Heated Reactions