A top girl group member candidly opened up about the emotional struggles she faced as a K-Pop idol
On September 7th, the YouTube channel Chim Chak Man uploaded a video featuring Girls’ Generation (also known as SNSD) member Hyoyeon.
In the video, Hyoyeon appeared and showcased her characteristic frank and cheerful storytelling, discussing various topics including her activities with Girls’ Generation, her life, and her values.
When asked about the recent status of her fellow Girls’ Generation members, Hyoyeon said, “The members are very busy. Even so, we meet at least once a month.”
Chim Chak Man then remarked, “Don’t you ever feel like you want to see them less if you meet too often? There needs to be a proper frequency.” Hyoyeon agreed, saying, “That’s right. It’s definitely necessary.”
She continued, “If you don’t see each other, you end up wanting to see them more. You either meet during those times or not at all,” adding, “I think seeing each other once every two to three months is already quite often.”
Although Girls’ Generation has maintained a close friendship over many years of working together, the fact that each member is active in their individual fields means giving each other ample space is key to sustaining their long-lasting relationship.
In the video, Hyoyeon also honestly shared about the unexpected reality she faced during her early days after debut.
She said, “I dreamed of becoming a singer and performing on stage, but the early days after debut didn’t get the good response I expected. It was different from what I imagined,” and added, “I thought everyone would like me. When you have a dream, you don’t expect anyone to dislike you or criticize you.”
Before debut, she was full of confidence. Hyoyeon recalled, “I was very confident in the beginning. I had been a trainee for a long time and thought I danced well,” and she reflected, “‘I’m going to show my world now’ was my mindset when I debuted.”
However, the reality she faced after debut was harsher than expected. She revealed, “When I first appeared, people said my dancing was too much. I didn’t hear the things I wanted to hear about my looks or dancing,” and said, “There were many people who didn’t like me. I was 19 then.”
Having to confront public judgment about her appearance and skills at such a young age was not easy, but Hyoyeon revealed she endured it in her own way.
She said, “That period lasted quite long. But my personality is such that I only listen to what I want to hear. I filter things myself,” adding, “Because I knew the effort I put in, I was confident that I would be recognized someday. I didn’t acknowledge those people who didn’t like me.“