A decade on, K-Pop queens Girls’ Generation talk about the secret to their long-lasting success
ON the surface, K-Pop is seemingly mesmerising. In reality, it’s a ruthlessly competitive industry where only the strong survive.
Eight-member girl group Girls’ Generation not only made it big but managed to stay strong together for 10 years. That’s a feat no other girl group has pulled off.
Now considered the queens of K-Pop with a lasting influence worldwide, the group debuted under the highly successful talent agency SM Entertainment in 2007.
The girls recently celebrated their 10th anniversary on Aug 5 and are extremely thankful to their loyal fans, affectionately called Sones.
Girls’ Generation, which comprises leader Taeyeon, Tiffany, Yuri, Sunny, Seohyun, Yoona, Sooyoung and Hyoyeon, has charmed fans not only with its stage presence and catchy songs but also with its unique musical concepts and the fascinating personalities of its members.
With six award-winning studio albums and four hit EPs, the group has entertained with a long list of popular songs including Gee, Genie, The Boys, Oh! and / Got A Boy.
CNN dubbed the group a national phenomenon in South Korea and the “Asian version” of British girl group Spice Girls.
The group cemented its popularity among Americans when it was invited to two US talks shows — The Late Show With David Letterman and Live! With Kelly — back in 2012.
To commemorate its 10th year, Girls’ Generation dropped its sixth studio album, Holiday Night, on Aug 7. The members promoted it through their fanmeet concert titled Holiday To Remember, two days earlier in Seoul.
Reaching your 10th anniversary is an incredible feat. How do you feel about it?
Taeyeon: I am really proud and find it meaningful that we have made it this far together.
Seohyun: 10 years have already passed and it was indeed a long time. But because I had the members beside me, I was able to make my bad days into good ones. We motivated each other and gave one another the strength. I believe that is the reason why we were able to come this far.
Yoona: I’m extremely happy that we have become the group that we are today. Thank you everyone for giving us so much love!
Sunny: I didn’t notice that time has gone by so quickly! I am immensely happy for us. When I look back, I feel like there were moments when I was sad that I could not show my best performances.
Hyoyeon: I’m really proud of us reaching 10th anniversary and I am also thankful to the members. I really want to thank Sones for staying by our sides!
Yuri: I’m thankful that I was able to spend my youth full of passion along with the members, my eight lifelong friends, without regrets. I also want to thank and congratulate our fans for the 10th anniversary, since we were able to shine this bright because of you.
Tiffany: Congratulations to both the girls and the fans for 10 years. I still find it unbelievable and amazing that we were able to reach such a milestone and I’m honoured. Also I had a fun time celebrating together at our fan meeting.
How did you celebrate your 10th anniversary together?
Sooyoung: Aug 1 was Tiffany’s birthday and it was close to our anniversary, so we had a birthday party with an all-pink (Girls’ Generation official colour) dress code for her as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. We also celebrated with champagnes.
Taeyeon: We always wanted an album for our 10th year anniversary and our members have talked about this a few years ago. And we had a special event where we were able to spend time together with fans who have supported and loved us for 10 years, which was the fan meeting on the 5th.
Seohyun: We have prepared our new album that was released on Aug 4, celebrating our 10th anniversary and we also worked hard when we prepared for the fan meeting. We were able to show our fans the entire history of Girls’ Generation on one stage at the fan meeting.
Yoona: First, we held a special fan meeting to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Additionally, we had a delicious meal and our own party to celebrate this happy and special occasion together.
Sunny: We celebrated our 10th anniversary with fans at our fan meeting, Holiday To Remember!
Hyoyeon: For the 10th anniversary, the members and Sones celebrated together at the fan meeting. We created a lot of memories by singing our hit songs and reminiscing about the past.
Yuri: We had a small celebration party. We had our fan meeting to celebrate this occasion with fans who have supported and helped us to reach where we stand today. We worked really hard to make the fan meeting the best night for our fans. I hope they all loved it.
Tiffany: We started off the celebrations on my birthday. We had a very, very fun night. I think the biggest celebration was the Holiday To Remember fan meeting. At the fan meeting, we prepared a lot of music, both old and new, and we partied all night long together.
Are there any tips or secrets to staying together for 10 years?
Taeyeon: We respected one another and made sure to understand each other a lot. I believe we were able to reach 10 years together because we were brave and strong every step of the way. We grew up together and we are a team no matter what.
Seohyun: We communicate with each other a lot. Everyone is different. We made a lot of effort to understand one another and made sure to listen to everyone’s opinions.
Yoona: I think it was really important that we understand one another. We were able to come this far because we made sure to respect and understand one another well during all these years.
Sunny: Being considerate is the key. We always make sure that we are always considerate to each other. Whenever I felt that they were being understanding, I felt really thankful. I truly think that it was how we bonded and that we were able to make it this far together.
Hyoyeon: It was possible for us to be together for 10 years because we understood each other. We made efforts to understand and be considerate to one another. I think the Girls’ Generation of today was possible because of all that we have achieved together, walking towards our goal hand-in-hand.
Yuri: As a member of Girls’ Generation, I really felt that we all did our best to understand one another so we were able to lean on each other. And it was through the love and support of each other and Sones that made it possible for us to stand by each other for 10 years.
Tiffany: I’m so proud of the 10 years. It was not easy but I think Girls’ Generation members showed each other a lot of sacrifice, dedication and responsibility. But most of all, love is definitely the reason why we are still going strong. We’ve been together long enough to know and support each other and I think that’s how it got us this far.
Throughout the 10 years, when was your happiest moment?
Taeyeon: There are so many memories. We made a lot of memories during the 10 years, and there were so many moments where I felt happiness from the smallest things. Even when I look back, they’re all happy memories for me. If I were to choose a memorable moment, then it would be when so many of our fans loved our album. I also remember making memories when we did our concert tour.
Seohyun: I will never forget how I felt on the day we first performed our debut stage. It’s really hard to just pick one happy memory. But if I have to pick one, then I think I was the happiest being on stage with my members every single moment.
Yoona: The happiest moment was the time when we held our concert and the time when we won the grand award. There are so many memorable moments, but the most memorable moment was when we first debuted. I also remember making lots of memories together when we went overseas for photoshoots.
Sunny: I still remember the moment when we said goodbyes to our audience at our first concert. I will never be able to forget what I felt that moment.
Hyoyeon: The most memorable and happiest moment was when Girls’ Generation went on a world tour. I was happy to be able to meet and sing to our fans worldwide.
Yuri: As a member of Girls’ Generation, I was happy every single day and every single moment was memorable. There are so many happy and good memories that I made.
Tiffany: During the 10 years, we have had such an amazing time because there were so many memories and so many things we were recognised for, thanks to our fans along the way. But if I have to choose, then it has to be our first debut back in 2007. And the other memorable moment would be our 10th anniversary. These two moments are the dearest to me.
For the 10 past years, Girls’ Generation has worked on various concepts and music genres. Which song and concept is your favourite?
Sooyoung: For me, it would be our first album Into The New World. These days, we are listening to the songs from our first album again and I feel like this was the album that showed Girls’ Generation identity the most and it is also my most favourite album.
Taeyeon: I love the song Party. It is a refreshing song and isn’t too conceptual and that you will never get tired of listening to. I feel like the song best represented Girls’ Generation’s true selves.
Seohyun: Our first album Into The New World was definitely the album that showed the bright and cheerful members at the time of our debut.
Sunny: When I think back, I feel like the style, the dance and the overall concept for the song Oh! best suited us. Of all the albums, I love our 6th album that celebrates our 10th anniversary the most.
Hyoyeon: I liked the song and the concept of I Got A Boy the most. I really like the unique concept and the powerful choreography of the song. There’s also a twist in the music when the beat changes, so it’s one of my favourite songs.
Yuri: I loved all of our songs and album concepts. But of all the songs, I liked Genie a lot because I remember that the concept of the song was very extraordinary and the song was good too. And I also loved our debut song Into The New World.
Tiffany: I have a lot of favourite songs but in terms of personal style, I still look back on our sub-unit TTS (comprising myself, Taeyeon and Seohyun). I was directly involved with its production and I’m still really, really proud of what we had put together, not just visually but musically at that time and age. But for Girls’ Generation, the bar and the standards are different from what I personally like right now. But as I look back on everything, I have to say that it’s Into The New World because it represents the message and the story behind this group. Visually I find that Gee and Genie from the 2009 era is what made Girls’ Generation such an iconic image.
Please tell us a bit about your upcoming 6th full album.
Sooyoung: For this album, we really wanted to focus on expressing the true style of Girls’ Generation. When we were selecting the songs, our decisions were not centred upon trying new, adventurous concept, but we chose songs through which we can give back the best of us to our fans and show good performances. That is the reason why I feel that the songs from our new album are meaningful and contain messages filled with our gratitude and appreciation to fans for supporting and loving us for 10 years. Also, we chose our title song because it best defined Girls’ Generation and through this song, we will be able show our energy that fans are hoping to see from us.
Taeyeon: Since this is our 10th year anniversary, we wanted to show more than just one concept. That’s why we chose to do double title tracks for this album and filmed both music videos. I thought about our fans a lot while working on this album. So I was constantly thinking about whether our fans would think of our songs. I really do hope that everyone love our songs.
Seohyun: We have double title tracks for our album and we have a different concept for each title song. Holiday is about celebrating our 10th year anniversary together and shows our energetic and fun side. All Night is dreamy, but exciting at the same time. This title song will show a new side of Girls’ Generation and will make you want to dance along with us.
Sunny: When we were recording our songs for the new album, I recorded each song as if the members and I were telling stories to our fans. I feel like this album comprised songs that best represents us.
Hyoyeon: Our news song will make you think of Into The New World and Party right away. They’re full of energy and will make you say it’s a Girls’ Generation song! Hope you love and listen to them a lot!
Yuri: Our new album is very party-like. Everything sparkles! So, stay tuned for more!
What is Girls’ Generation to you?
Taeyeon: Girls’ Generation is like a “nation” to me. I did my best to represent Girls’ Generation well in every move I made, and I have become who I am through Girls’ Generation. That’s why Girls’ Generation is like a nation to me. One that I am proud of and that I cherish.
Seohyun: Girls’ Generation is more than a family to me. They are my loved ones that I have spent more than half of my life with.
Sunny: Girls’ Generation to me is… youth. Love. Friendship. And home.
Yuri: Girls’ Generation to me is… the centre of the world.
Tiffany: To me, Girls’ Generation is family. It is a place where I can call home. Girls’ Generation is everything to me and they have been everything for the past 10 years. It’s just who I am. I can’t function, I can’t see myself, or explain myself without Girls’ Generation.
Any message for your juniors?
Taeyeon: Without hard work and effort, it will be hard to do everything that you wish to do. It’s important to always make a lot of effort and there will be times when making decisions won’t be easy. You should never forget that if you want to be the best, then you have to work hard for it and do well at it too.
Seohyun: I hope that you all give your best in everything that you do. It’s important to be positive and make sure you are healthy. If you are in a group, then make sure to always talk to your members a lot. Understanding one another is the most important factor as a group.
Yoona: It takes time and effort to be a good team. By understanding and respecting one another will definitely help you to become a strong team.
Sunny: You need to believe in yourself. There will be times when things are hard that makes you wonder whether you’re doing a good job and the future may seem unclear at times. When this happens, make sure to believe in yourself, your team and the staff; and build the courage together to face obstacles. Don’t only think about yourself. I believe in karma; what goes around, comes around. Being in a team means that you need to work together. Make sure to think about the person who is beside you. Then, you will be able to go towards the right direction. Stay Strong. Fighting!
Yuri: “But cheer up, we’ve come this far, this is nothing, let’s turn the world upside down.” (Lyrics of Girls’ Generation song Way to Go!)
“Opportunities will avoid you if you hesitate, stand tall and face it!!” (Lyrics of The Boys>)
Sooyoung: Sones have been with us for 10 years since the beginning and I feel that they know us as much as we know our members. Even though we don’t say anything, when Sones look us in the eyes, I feel like they already know how we are feeling. At times, I feel like Sones are like family and they have become an important part of us. And I believe that the closer we are, the more considerate and respectful we should be towards one another, and our Sones have done so for the last 10 years beside us. For this, I admire and respect them, and I hope that Sones continue to stay beside us in the coming years. Also, they have done so much for us during the 10 years. I truly believe that we have made this album with Sones, so we all have done an amazing job. Thank you.
Taeyeon: I’m really thankful for Sones for loving us more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you for being by our sides for the 10th year. I hope we continue to stay by one another and share a lot of happy and good things. I really, really love you all. And thank you!
Seohyun: Sones are the reason why we were able to sing for 10 years. You have been our strength and made us shine the brightest when we were on stage. Let’s stay together forever! I love you.
Yoona: I truly believe that we were able to become the group that we are today and celebrate our 10th anniversary due to Sones’ ever-lasting love and support. Let’s continue to love each other as we do now~ Thank you everyone and congratulations to our Sones as well!
Sunny: I’m so thankful and sorry at the same time. I have kept a special place in my heart for Sones. I wish to have our 10th anniversary year to be the happiest moment for Sones. I love you.
Hyoyeon: Sones! We were able to shine brighter and brighter because of you! Our dearest Sones, happy 10th anniversary to you too and thank you. Please continue to love and support us! I love you!
Yuri: No words can describe what I want to say to Sones. No other words are necessary. I just want to sincerely congratulate our Sones’ 10th anniversary. Please continue to be with us!
Tiffany: Thank you for 10 years, thank you for everything. Holiday Night is truly and whole heartedly dedicated to you, our fans, especially. I hope you all enjoyed the fan meeting as I was so excited to show you our performances!
**Transcript provided by Universal Music Malaysia