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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kwon Eunbi allegedly harassed during university show, claims viral post following viral Waterbomb performance
As Kwon Eunbi's viral Waterbomb performance continues to spark conversation online, a troubling account has sent shockwaves through her fan communities. Once celebrated for her stage presence and dubbed by fans as the 'Waterbomb Goddess,' the former Iz*One member is now at the centre of heated discussions after a post claiming she was sexually harassed at a recent event went viral. Alleged sexual harassment incident resurfaces online According to a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), a netizen came forward to describe an upsetting moment involving Kwon Eunbi during one of her university festival performances in Daejeon. As reported by Koreaboo, the original poster (OP) claimed to have witnessed the incident firsthand and said Eunbi was sexually harassed in front of the crowd while she attempted to interact with fans. The OP described how Eunbi was holding out her mic toward the audience, when a male student suddenly shouted a crude and inappropriate remark about her chest, loudly enough to be heard by both the idol and those nearby. They added that the incident occurred at their former university and that a video of it was uploaded to the campus's online forum, though they declined to name the school to avoid causing harm to current students. Translationg: It's honestly heartbreaking what Kwon Eunbi has to go through. When she performs at university festivals, she constantly gets sexually harassed. At a festival for a certain university in Daejeon, she tried to interact with the students, holding the mic and asking… While the post couldn't be verified, it had the internet in shambles. Fans and non-fans alike expressed their anger at the harassment, disappointment at the silence from the university, and concern for Eunbi's well-being. Why Kwon Eunbi's Waterbomb performance went viral? This account has reignited the wider debate around Eunbi's now-infamous Waterbomb performance. Over the weekend, the idol went viral for her bold outfit, a wet white tank top paired with hot pants, and a sultry choreography that stood out even among seasoned performers at the event. Some fans applauded her confidence and how she owned the stage, while others felt it was too risky for a crowded festival. i think it's highly disrespectful how waterbomb is still called waterbomb and they haven't changed its name to 'kwon eunbi's festival' yet Still, the criticism wasn't just about the outfit. Many were left wondering whether Eunbi had full agency in her styling decisions or if pressure from industry expectations played a role. The incident at the university festival has only added to those concerns, with some arguing that the idol's provocative public image may be making her a target for harassment she never signed up for. Who is Kwon Eunbi? Kwon Eunbi first gained popularity as the leader of IZ*ONE, the project group born from the Mnet survival show Produce 48. After the group disbanded in 2021, she launched a solo career that's been steadily gaining attention for her charisma, unique voice, and versatility. Known for balancing sweet ballads with dance-heavy tracks, Eunbi carved a niche for herself as a soloist to watch. Her recent transformation into a sultry stage performer has surprised many but also brought in new fans who admire her fearlessness. However, it remains to be seen if she'll take action against the alleged recent harassment. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Squid Game' Star Jo Yuri Drops New Single As Show Dominates Netflix
Ahead of releasing new single "Growls and Purrs," singer-actress Jo Yu-ri attends the screening of ... More "Squid Game 3" at The Plaza Hotel on June 18, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) As the third season of Squid Game earns its ninth day atop Netfix's Top TV Shows chart following its June 27 release, one of its breakout stars Jo Yuri is simultaneously pushing forward with her music career with a new single 'Growls and Purrs.' As a standout Squid Game star playing the desperate, down-on-her-luck Kim Jun-hee (a.k.a. Player 222), Jo Yuri earned widespread recognition for her acting but the 23-year-old first ventured into entertainment through music. In 2021, the Busan, South Korea star competed in the girl group competition series Produce 48, landing in third place and ultimately earning a spot in the girl group IZ*ONE that performed together until 2021, where they landed two Number One albums in Korea, along with a Number One album and two Number One singles in Japan. Jo broke out on her own as a soloist with several singles and EPs to her name. Her latest track, 'Growls and Purrs,' marks her music return ahead of her new EP, titled Episode 25, out on July 14, 2025. While Jo has experimented with everything from whimsical synth-pop on 2021's 'GLASSY' or feel-good rock-pop on 'Love Shhh!' from 2022, this latest track is a noticeably more mature style for the superstar. The easy-listening, jazz-tinged track allows Jo to step into a different kind of sonic soundscape, using lyrical motifs that describe her atypical way of loving, much like the way one's pet cat or dog might act. A significant part of this musical evolution can come at least in partial thanks to Jo writing 'Growls and Purrs' with Cloud, who also produced the track. Alongside his work in bands like The Volunteers, singer-songwriter-producer-keyboardist Cloud has kept his pool of collaborators small, working extensively with acclaimed singer-songwriter Yerin Baek on several of her albums, including massive hits like her 2017 breakout solo cuts 'Bye Bye My Blue' and 'Across the Universe,' as well as her Number One smash 'Maybe It's Not Our Fault' from 2019. Cloud recently signed with Blue Vinyl, the independent agency that Baek set up after she parted ways with her original agency, JYP Entertainment, which is home to huge K-pop acts like TWICE, Stray Kids and ITZY. Cloud has also collaborated with other female K-pop soloists, including Chung Ha, Hyolyn, Fei of miss A, and now Jo Yuri. 'Growls and Purrs' also comes paired with a 'VHS Diary' visual that showcases Jo through a raw, lo-fi, and colorful visual in an unexpected yet fascinating telling of the track. Viewers see the pet theme of 'Growls and Purrs' played out as Jo embraces several cat motifs, such as staring into a fishbowl, playing with a feathery cat toy, and knocking over tiny household items. Alongside the unexpectedly raw visuals, it's also refreshing to hear Jo Yuri take on this style and contribute to the songwriting. To date, the star only has a small amount of creative credits on her musical works, like co-writing the song 'Opening,' off her first EP titled Op.22 Y-Waltz: in Major, and 'SOMEDAY' from IZ*ONE's 2020 album BLOOM*IZ. With Squid Game looking unlikely to relinquish its hold on the Netflix charts anytime soon, Jo Yuri dropping 'Growls and Purrs,' as well as Episode 25, this week should all prove to be a savvy move to make this year an even bigger one for the singer-actress. Watch Squid Game star Jo Yuri's 'Growls and Purrs' music video below:
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jo Yu-ri, Squid Game's player 222? Net worth, educational qualification, and more
When Jo Yu-ri first appeared on television, it wasn't in a drama or a film. It was on a talent survival show. She was young, maybe a bit unsure, but her voice carried something clear. Now, years later, she's appeared in one of the most globally talked-about dramas: Squid Game, and her performance has left people stunned. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Jo played Player 222, a pregnant woman named Kim Jun-hee. In the deadly world of the show, her character felt fragile at first. But as the story unfolded, she became one of the strongest presences on screen. There wasn't anything loud or over-the-top about the role; it was quiet, emotional, and incredibly human. A different kind of fame Born in Busan in 2001, Jo didn't grow up on film sets. She came from the competitive world of K-pop. In 2018, she was chosen to debut in IZ*ONE after placing third on the show Produce 48. That group became huge almost overnight. Concerts, albums, fan meets it was all a blur. But in 2021, IZ*ONE ended, and the members went their own ways. Some idols disappear after that kind of group disbandment. Jo didn't. She released her first solo song, Glassy, not long after. It was a bright, hopeful track, a contrast to what she'd go on to do in Squid Game. Acting with no formal training One thing that surprised people: Jo isn't a trained actor. She didn't go to a film school. She wasn't in musicals or student plays. Her experience was mostly music videos, stage shows, and reality content. So when fans saw her in such an emotionally heavy role, they were taken aback in a good way. In an interview with People, Jo said she cried for a long time after filming her final scene. It had taken a toll on her. That moment in the show, when her character gives up her life to save her newborn, isn't easy to forget. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Viewers around the world said it was one of the most devastating scenes in the entire series. What she earns, and what's next? Jo Yu-ri hasn't publicly shared what she earns, and there's no official number. Still, given her years in IZ*ONE, her solo work, and her recent drama success, many believe she's earned somewhere around $1–3 million. That includes music sales, digital streams, endorsements, and now, acting contracts. She's also signed to various brand deals in fashion and beauty. Her image is clean, warm, and quietly confident, making her a natural fit for that world. This year, she's expected to release another solo album called Episode 25. From what's been hinted at in interviews, the tone may be deeper, maybe even a little darker. Understandably so, after a project like Squid Game. She didn't just show up in Squid Game; she left an impact. The kind that gets people to ask, 'Who is she?' and then go looking for her past work. Jo Yu-ri might've started out as a singer. But now, she's something more.
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Squid Game 3: Jo Yu Ri reveals finals message of her character Player 222, wants to act in a Bollywood musical
At just 23, Jo Yu Ri is making a powerful impression in the star-studded ensemble of Squid Game Season 3. Known for her K-pop roots and rising solo career, Yu Ri steps into her most emotionally intense role yet as Jun Hee (Player 222), a mother-to-be navigating the brutality of the deadly games—and an unexpected reunion with her boyfriend, the bankrupt crypto scammer Myung Gi (played by Si Wan). Despite being new to scripted acting, Yu Ri's performance is already turning heads. She brings raw emotional depth to a character grappling with pregnancy, survival, and heartbreak, all within the series' violent dystopia. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN from Seoul, Yu Ri opened up about the emotional and personal challenges of portraying Jun Hee. 'My biggest worry,' she shared, 'was whether those who've actually experienced pregnancy and childbirth would find my acting off or unconvincing. That thought stayed with me, so I did a lot of research.' Yu Ri's preparation was deeply rooted in empathy and realism. 'I asked my mom, a gynecologist, and a friend who had recently given birth. Their stories and advice helped me shape Jun Hee in a grounded and respectful way.' While Squid Game has brought her international attention, Yu Ri is no stranger to fame. She first rose to stardom by placing third on the hit survival show Produce 48, earning her a spot in the now-disbanded girl group IZ*One. Since launching her solo career in 2021, she's also contributed soundtracks to popular K-dramas like See You in My 19th Life, My Lovely Liar, and Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. Her acting debut came in 2022 in the web series Mimicus, where she played a young teen chasing her dreams. Post-Squid Game, she's felt a shift in the kind of recognition she receives. 'Earlier, my fanbase was mostly younger,' she notes. 'But after Squid Game, people across different generations started noticing me. That felt incredibly rewarding.' When asked about future aspirations, including work beyond Korea, Yu Ri is enthusiastic. 'If I ever get the chance to visit India, I'd love to be part of a musical film,' she says. 'I know how popular musicals are there, and it would be a dream to take part in one.' As Jun Hee faces devastating choices in the final installment of Squid Game Season 3, what message would she want to leave behind for Myung Gi? Yu Ri pauses for a moment. 'She's not someone who says much. But I think she would have told him, 'Please protect our baby.' She says that line to Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae) in the show, but I feel like that message was truly meant for Myung Gi.' Squid Game Season 3 premieres June 27 on Netflix.
