Kwon Eunbi's performance at the 2025 WATERBOMB SEOUL festival has become a major topic online, not only for her dynamic stage presence but also due to troubling reports of sexual harassment among attendees.
The annual WATERBOMB festival, held at Kintex Outdoor Global Stage in Seoul from July 4 to July 6, featured a star-studded lineup, with Eunbi—often called the "Waterbomb Goddess"—as one of the most anticipated performances.
Videos and photos of Eunbi's performance quickly spread across social media, drawing millions of views and sparking heated debate. While many praised her bold stage outfit and energetic dancing, others criticized the performance as being "too sexual," with some comments reflecting deeper issues of misogyny in the K-pop industry. Her popularity soared, with a significant increase in her social media followers and her songs climbing various music charts in Asia.
Amid the excitement, serious concerns emerged when a viral post alleged that Eunbi was sexually harassed during a university festival performance in Daejeon. According to the post, a male attendee shouted an inappropriate comment at Eunbi while she was interacting with the audience.
The incident was reportedly witnessed by several people, and a video was said to have circulated on a campus forum. The poster chose not to reveal the university's name to protect current students but described the moment as deeply upsetting and indicative of repeated harassment faced by the artist at public events.
Other festivalgoers also shared their own stories of harassment and assault at WATERBOMB events, including being targeted with high-pressure water guns or subjected to crude remarks. These accounts have fueled a broader conversation about safety and respect at large-scale music festivals in South Korea.
Kwon Eunbi's agency, Woollim Entertainment, responded by announcing legal action against those responsible for sexual harassment, defamation, and the distribution of manipulated obscene images of the artist. The agency stated that police investigations are underway and promised to pursue strong criminal measures against offenders, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior.
Fans and advocacy groups have called for better protection for performers and stricter enforcement of conduct rules at public events. The ongoing discussions highlight the challenges female artists face in the spotlight and the urgent need for safer environments at entertainment venues.
