Stream “WINNER” on Spotify!

Around the world, people from all walks of life possess remarkable abilities, whether it’s creating stunning art, baking elaborate desserts, or dancing with Michael Jackson’s grace. Yet, not everyone chooses to fully embrace or share their gift. As Benjamin Franklin asserts, “Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” One individual who has achieved something incredible with her talent in singing is Eunice Kim, a junior at Yorba Linda High School who goes by the stage name “KJiwon.”

Eunice began her journey as a singer when she was only three years old. When her parents recognized her strong musical instincts, they encouraged her to explore instruments like piano and violin. This early exposure to musical instruments deepened her understanding of music and helped her grow as a vocalist. Today, she is proficient in several instruments, including three types of guitars, drums, and ukulele. As for her start as a singer, she was inspired by a random song on the radio where the artist exhibited impressive vocal techniques, including riffing and runs. After mastering those skills, Eunice realized singing was not just a hobby, but a dream she wanted to pursue.

Passionately working toward becoming a renowned music artist, Eunice debuted on September 27th, 2024 with the song “WINNER.” With rigorous vocal training, about 16 hours a week, Eunice made the first leap in what is now the beginning of a fulfilling music career. Although she does most of the work independently, she has an entire crew helping with ideas, photos, lyrics, and producing. 

Most of her lyric writing is created on the spot and based on her life story and the emotions behind it. “WINNER” underwent over 123 demos before it became the song it is today. Eunice (11) explains, “I scrapped papers and numerous documents to find what words fit best with the song. Then, I composed the actual melody using piano and electric guitar. I originally went for a high school vibe with the original composition, but as time progressed, I found interest in Latin-style trap beats, which became the main point of the instrumental.”

Over the years, Eunice faced criticism from people who never believed she could make it in the musical world. “When I was younger, people told me, ‘Your singing sucks’ and ‘You’ll never reach your dreams,’ but I learned not to worry about the critics and continued to practice and grow every day,” Eunice (11) reveals. Her parents knew she loved to sing but had no idea of the true extent to which she was pursuing it. They were the first to listen to “WINNER” a few hours before it debuted, marking the first time they had heard one of her self-composed songs. 

In Eunice’s upcoming projects, her songs will take a new direction, differing from what she usually sings and having somewhat of a K-pop quality. The homecoming project promoted on social media (Instagram: @k.jiwonn) will take place next year, and she is working on a song to ask a mystery person to prom. One of Eunice’s aspirations is to reach a hundred thousand plus streams on Spotify. As she slowly builds an audience, she dreams of performing in major music events such as the VMAs and being featured on the Billboard charts.

Putting your all into an unclear future can sometimes be demanding, but Eunice does so with an inspirational passion. All while balancing schoolwork and her social life, she demonstrates how people can chase their dreams without allowing age to be a restriction. Her audience is excited about what she has in store, and Kjiwon is sure to take the stage as a rising star.