From July 4 to 6, 2025, the sprawling Kintex Outdoor Global Stage in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, transformed into the pulsating heart of summer music and culture with the much-anticipated 'Waterbomb Seoul 2025' festival. This annual water-themed celebration, renowned for its energetic performances and immersive experiences, drew thousands of fans eager to beat the heat with music, dance, and refreshing moments sponsored by global brands.
One of the standout moments came on the festival's third day, July 6, when singer Kwon Eun-bi took to the stage, igniting the crowd with a performance that was both sultry and electrifying. Known affectionately as the 'Waterbomb Goddess' since her breakout appearance at the event in 2023, Kwon Eun-bi lived up to her reputation. She sported a striking red checkered crop blouse tied to reveal her toned abs, paired with blue shorts and a belt that accentuated her slender waist. Her look was completed with dark western boots and layered pearl necklaces, crafting a hip, carefree cowgirl aesthetic that perfectly matched the festival's lively vibe.
Kwon Eun-bi did not hold back, delivering a setlist that included her hit tracks and a special duet with Lee Si-an, a fellow star from Netflix's popular series 'Solo Hell 4'. The crowd also roared in approval as she performed a dance routine to Beyoncé's iconic 'Crazy In Love', showcasing her versatility and stage charisma. Ahead of her performance, Kwon Eun-bi shared a glimpse into her rigorous preparation on social media, revealing a diet consisting of smoked quail eggs, yogurt, triangle kimbap, and dietary fiber drinks—highlighting the dedication behind her flawless physique.
Beyond her musical achievements, Kwon Eun-bi made headlines last year when she acquired a building worth 2.4 billion won in Seoul's Seongdong-gu district, signaling her growing influence and business acumen. Looking ahead, fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming solo concert, '2025 KWON EUNBI CONCERT THE RED', scheduled for August 23 and 24 at Yonsei University's Grand Hall, promising more unforgettable performances.
Meanwhile, the festival's official sponsor, Coca-Cola's Sprite, turned up the cool factor with an innovative presence that blended brand experience and entertainment. From July 4 through 6, Sprite operated a large-scale sampling zone styled as a 'Sprite convenience store' behind the main stage, offering festival-goers the chance to taste the refreshed Sprite lineup, including the new 'Sprite Zero Chill'. This sampling area doubled as a shaded resting spot, providing much-needed relief from the summer heat.
Sprite's activation went beyond simple tastings. Attendees were immersed in dynamic water-themed zones designed to evoke the brand’s signature crispness. The 'Sprite Stage' featured a giant structure shaped like a Sprite can, from which refreshing water cascaded, creating a playful and invigorating environment. Nearby, the 'Sprite Dispenser Zone' invited visitors to enjoy the beverage in novel ways through large dispensers, stimulating both sight and touch.
Complementing these sensory experiences, the festival's food and beverage area offered a selection of spicy delights such as ramen, tteokbokki, and dakgangjeong—sweet and spicy fried chicken—that paired perfectly with Sprite’s refreshing taste. A Coca-Cola company spokesperson remarked, "Waterbomb is the festival where Sprite’s refreshing spirit shines brightest. Through our extensive sampling and water-based interactive zones, we aim to deliver a special cooling experience amid the summer heat."
Adding star power to Sprite’s sponsorship, Karina of the globally popular girl group aespa, who also serves as a Sprite model, performed a solo set on July 5. Karina captivated the audience with a powerful stage presence mirroring her dynamic Sprite commercials. She also made a surprise appearance at the 'Sprite Stage', engaging directly with fans and amplifying the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
On the festival's opening day, July 4, the sensational girl group ITZY made their debut appearance at Waterbomb Seoul 2025, immediately asserting their dominance as K-pop's leading performance queens. The five members—Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna—brought their signature energy and flawless visuals to the stage, delivering a high-octane set that thrilled the crowd despite it being their first time at the event.
ITZY’s performance showcased songs from their newly released mini-album 'Girls Will Be Girls', launched just weeks earlier on June 9, 2025. They opened with the album’s title track and its b-side 'Kiss & Tell', then seamlessly transitioned into fan favorites like 'WANNABE', 'SNEAKERS', 'DALLA DALLA', and 'Not Shy'. This year marked a milestone for ITZY as they released their first full-length album and mounted a comeback that resonated worldwide. Their mini-album topped the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart, while the music video for 'Girls Will Be Girls' soared to number one on YouTube’s Music Video Trending Worldwide list, underscoring their global appeal.
With their commanding stage presence and infectious energy, ITZY solidified their title as 'Summer Queens', captivating audiences and setting the tone for the festival’s opening night. Their dual performances of 'Girls Will Be Girls' and 'Kiss & Tell' highlighted their versatility, blending a strong, hip vibe with playful, bouncy choreography.
As the festival wrapped up on July 6, the synergy between electrifying performances, immersive brand experiences, and enthusiastic audiences was undeniable. 'Waterbomb Seoul 2025' not only celebrated music and summer fun but also demonstrated the power of collaboration between artists and brands to create unforgettable moments.
With Kwon Eun-bi’s sizzling finale, Karina’s dynamic solo, ITZY’s commanding debut, and Sprite’s innovative activations, this year’s Waterbomb festival etched itself into the memories of all who attended. As summer continues, fans and festival-goers alike will be counting down the days until the next chance to dive into this vibrant fusion of music, culture, and refreshment.
