Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon Opens Up About Early Career Challenges and Overcoming Critics
Hyoyeon shares her debut experiences with fellow member Seohyun on ‘Jjanhyung Shindong’
Reflecting on Beginnings
On October 16, the YouTube channel ‘Jjanhyung Shindong’ featured Girls’ Generation members Hyoyeon and Seohyun as special guests. During the episode, the two artists shared candid moments from their early career days.
> “SM Entertainment invested heavily in Girls’ Generation during our debut,” Hyoyeon recalled.
Seohyun chimed in, recounting the extensive lessons they took during that time:
– Acting
– Language
– Vocals
– Jazz Dance
– Girls’ Hip Hop
– Poppin’ Dance
Learning from Experience
Seohyun, reflecting on her time in the K-pop industry, mentioned how she approached personal growth. “I tried to overcome my introversion by reaching out to senior artists, asking for their contacts, and even arranging one-on-one meals,” she said.
She added, “This habit made things easier over time. However, I realized I neglected those who truly supported and loved me. I found myself often connecting more with difficult people. This led me to the conclusion that expanding social circles isn’t always beneficial.”
Valuable Advice & Light-hearted Moments
Host Shindong, recognizing Seohyun’s proactive efforts, remarked, “Without such active attempts, you might never have realized these lessons.” Nearby, fellow guest Jung Ho-chul asked Hyoyeon for her thoughts on the advice, to which she humorously replied it was “quite long.”
Hyoyeon added with a smirk, “I’ve saved countless of Shindong’s life quotes, but today felt a bit mundane,” evoking laughter all around. Unfazed, Shindong responded, “She’s the kind of woman I need in my life.”
Confronting Criticism
Hyoyeon also opened up about the harsh critiques she faced regarding her appearance at the start of her career. “It was incredibly upsetting to hear negative comments about my looks,” Hyoyeon confessed. She acknowledged the impact of public opinion but emphasized her popularity.
Seohyun supported her bandmate, mentioning, “Girls’ Generation had many anti-fans. Critics captured moments when Hyoyeon couldn’t always perform perfectly.”
Despite the challenges, Hyoyeon remained resilient, stating, “I decided to prove myself through my skills. I thought, ‘They simply don’t see my worth.'”
Conclusion
Throughout their careers, both members of Girls’ Generation have learned and grown, not only artistically but also personally, inspiring fans around the world.
