[Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs

[Fenrir]

Well here we go again!

My first accomplishment was MM x Tsunku 2 book and now I'm working on GG Memoirs! I know.. I'm crazy... I thought I had enough with one book.. but nooo... they had to release a Japanese book. orz

Anyways, the book is actually mostly text with only a few color photos in the beginning of the book. This is a great book for those who are just getting to know Girls' Generation, as it starts from their beginnings and examines each member and their accomplishments over the years. For those Sones who have been around for a while, take a trip down memory lane and maybe you'll find something new.

I plan to have it finished by their anniversary in August, but we'll see how that goes. ^^;
I'm hoping to release each chapter or sub chapter on a weekly basis and I'll just be updating this thread as I go, so keep checking back!

Major props goes to my editor, Yuu-chan! Thanks for helping out!

Girls' Generation Memoirs
Written by: Girls' Generation Research Group
Published by: Soryusha Publishing

Translated by: Fenrir (aka arghninja@ssf)
Edited by: Yuuyami (aka Reyu@ssf)

(Updated 8/14)

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - The Birth of Girls' Generation (scroll down)
Chapter 2 - Getting to Know Them More
Yoona
Sooyoung
Yuri
Seohyun
Jessica
Taeyeon
Sunny
Hyoyeon
Tiffany
Chapter 3 - Girls' Generation Touching Stories
Part 1
Part 2
Chapter 4 - Girls' Generation Cutie Phrases
Chapter 5 - Girls' Generation News
Chapter 6 - Misc. Info related to the Girls




Girls’ Generation Memoirs

Chapter 1

The Birth of Girls’ Generation

Homepage appearance of a new group

Resonating singing with polished dancing. Girls’ Generation takes that place as a girl group who is not your typical idol and is popular among the people. The girls first showed themselves on July 16, 2007. On the official SM Entertainment homepage, the 9 girls’ photos were shown to the public as the new girl group that was debuting in August.

There was a growing anticipation of the talented girl group, like Yuri, who already started activities as a model, and Sooyoung, who already had experience as a singer.

Furthermore, on the 18th, through community sites like Daum and on the official homepage, it was announced to the public that they would have a documentary filmed before their debut. On the 29th, the documentary program, “Girls Go to School,” aired on Mnet, showing their history starting from their auditions up to their debut. Girls’ Generation grabbed people’s attention even before their debut.

Trainee Generation who dashed out of training camp

Girls’ Generation, who appeared on “M Countdown” on July 19th and performed their debut song, “Into the New World” before an audience for the first time, officially debuted about 2 weeks later on August 2nd. Soon after, their first album, “Girls’ Generation,” was a hit and reached number 1 on SBS “Inkigayo” charts in November. From this, the girls that became a popular idol group steadily climbed the steps to stardom after this. And that success is backed by the number of years cultivated from their strict trainee days.

Each member of Girls’ Generation worked hard on their lessons for various length of time as SM entertainment trainees.

Jessica, Hyoyeon, and Sooyoung each trained for about 6 to 7 years. The member with the shortest length of time, Tiffany, still trained for 3 years. Sunny was a trainee for 9 years when combined with the time when she was under another agency.

While each of them lived together in training camp, it was dance and singing practice day in and out. Because lessons were normally strict, it was expected to be more than 12 hours or longer every day. It was so strict that Taeyeon confessed on a variety show, “Star Golden Bell,” that she ran away from the training camp in Seoul and went back home. Tiffany, Taeyeon’s roommate at the time, looked back upon it and said, “I was so surprised coming back from practice to find Taeyeon’s belongings gone.”

Super Girls and the Member’s Vision

Trainee Generation improved their dance and singing skills and also learned the necessary languages in order to flourish overseas while living together in training camp.

Also, the Trainee Generation that were close in age, singing level and etc, were put into temporary groups and did activities together. The members of Girls’ Generation were also put into the temporary group, “Super Girls,” and did their lessons.

However, at the time, Super Girls was not 9 members, but 14 members. Formed in 2005, Super Girls afterwards went through some member changes and had some bumps and detours, but debuted as Girls’ Generation in 2007.

Well then, what happened to the girls who did not make it into Girls’ Generation? One girl who shared so much with the members of Girls’ Generation as a SM Entertainment trainee, Soyeon, is currently an active member of the 7 member vocal group, T-ara. Soyeon confessed on Korea’s cable channel Ntv program where while riding and chatting with the taxi driver called “Taxi” that she was a SM Entertainment trainee and was a member of Girls’ Generation predecessor group, Super Girls. Moreover, she told the bare truth that because she was weak-willed she withdrew from Super Girls and she was jealous of the earlier debut and success of Girls’ Generation.

Also, it wasn’t only Soyeon that could have been in Girls’ Generation. Placing 1st in the singing category in SM Entertainment 2003 auditions, trainee Lee Hwan Hee, and Stella, a girl personally scouted by SM Entertainment founder Lee Sooman, were both members of Super Girls. They definitely did not quit the group because they lacked the skills. Like Soyeon, they had the abilities, but left the group for other reasons.

Main member contender who was accepted to a prestigious university

While a main contender as a member of Girls’ Generation, Jang Ha Jin, quit as a trainee of her own free will. As a girl who loved singing and dancing, she passed SM Entertainment’s audition when she was in 6th grade and became a trainee. For 3 years, while going to school, she commuted from her home in Ilsan to the training place in Seoul and took on the strict lessons. Even becoming a trainee, she told her parents that she would not fail school and even during her commute her study guides never left her hands.  And in middle school, her average grade was 95.

After Girls’ Generation debuted, Ha Jin appeared on KBS “Imagination Plus” and showed a picture of her with the members of Girl’s Generation. Overcoming the tough lessons together, one can definitely feel the bond of friendship between them.

If she had continued on as a trainee, she could have also debuted as a member of Girls’ Generation. However, it became progressively difficult to balance between the harsh lessons and school work. In the middle of all this, Ha Jin failed to get into the special high school for elite training. Because of this failure, she quit being a trainee and immersed herself in her studies. Now, Ha Jin is studying at the prestigious university, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). She does not regret quitting as a trainee at that time. And she cheers with all her heart for the success of the members she shared much with.

A member of the hot new group was also a contender?!

Co-ed, a 10 member group consisting of 4 girls and 6 boys, debuted in Korea in September of 2010. Their agency, Core Contents Media, is the same agency handles T-ara and Supernova.
One of the members in Co-ed who handles the solo parts with her overwhelmingly powerful singing voice, Chan Mi, was actually a contender to be in Girls’ Generation. At the time of Co-ed’s debut, Chan Mi’s SM Entertainment trainee photo circulated around the internet.

In the photo, Chan Mi was wearing a beige dress that the other fresh Girls’ Generation members were also wearing.

Because Chan Mi had quite a bit of talent and like the other Girls’ Generation members, Chan Mi’s voice and dancing were acknowledged. Regardless of her being only a trainee, with her talent and cute looks, an official Heo Chan Mi Fan Café was made. However, with unknown reasons, at some point in time, Chan Mi quit being a SM Entertaiment trainee, joined with Core Contents Media, and debuted as a member of Co-ed.

Also like Soyeon of T-ara, Chan Mi became rivals to friends she once shared a deep bond with. In Korea, attention is gathering on Co-ed about how much they can catch up to Girls’ Generation and what kind of activities they will be doing from now on.

Strategy of targeting teen females

Through the great success of legendary idol group H.O.T., SM Entertaiment started their idol training in 1997. Of course with boy groups as well, they also put in effort with girl groups and in the time up to 2000, about 40 girl groups debuted. However, the boy groups showed their results as it was, but nobody could say what was needed for a girl group to be successful.
Around the same time, Boa of SM Entertainment hit a big break. It was an era of authentic artists. Taking this hint, SM Entertainment planned for an idol girl group that could both sing and dance. That was Girls’ Generation. Up until now the biggest difference between idol girl groups and Girls’ Generation is the demographic of their fans. Up until now idol girl groups’ targets were male fans, but in contrast, Girls’ Generation’s target is females. Moreover, young teen females that are the same generation as the members.

Kenzie, SM Entertainment’s composer, created the song, “Into the New World,” an energetic song, but with a melody that shows the delicate and pure heart of female teens. This song was chosen to be Girls’ Generation debut song. Also, in their first album, “Girls’ Generation,” they covered the King of Live, Lee Seung Cheol’s 1989 hit song, “Girls’ Generation.” Kenzie boldly did the arrangement of Lee Seung Cheol’s “Girls’ Generation.” They also changed it to pop lyrics that relates to female teens. That kind of targeting worked amazingly and Girls’ Generation got their break in one hit.

After all the strict lessons, the girls who practiced hard for their skills, danced and sang songs that emphasized with girls of the same era. Since their debut, this concept hasn’t changed and they ushered in a girl group boom in 2009. Their group name “Girls’ Generation” means a girl’s era has come. Who would have thought that it really has become like their name right now in the K-pop world.

Passing SM’s Audition and becoming trainees

The members of Girls’ Generation aimed to be idols from when they were kids. Their background varies, such as becoming trainees after passing the SM’s public auditions that are held periodically or becoming trainees after being scouted.

Among that, there are contestants who compete and winners in SM Entertainment sponsored SM Best Youth Contest get their hands on a ticket to becoming a trainee. Those contests are separated into many categories and if you win first place in that category, it means you are one step closer to debut. Leader Taeyeon became a trainee after winning SM Entertainment’s Eighth Annual Best Singer Contest in 2004 when she was 15 years old. Yuri became a trainee after getting the grand prize in SM Entertainment’s 1st Annual Best Dance Contest in 2001 when she was 12 years old.

Back story of Japan’s Debut

Reason why Girls’ Generation was successful in Japan

Why did Girls’ Generation have a breakthrough in Japan? There are two reasons for this. First, through the spread of the internet and exchange between Japan and Korea, the difference of values have decreased regarding the values Korean and Japanese females have on make-up and fashion. Because of this, Korea’s sense of “pretty” became Japan’s “pretty” and Japan’s “cute” became Korea’s “cute.” Furthermore, cute Korean girl groups do more than sing and dance than Japanese idols. Even among them, with looks and talent, the top class of Korea’s entertainment world, the 9 members of Girls’ Generation, already had a high level of attention before their Japan debut and it was enough proof that a breakthrough was obtainable.

The second reason was the presence of their seniors, Boa and Tohoshinki. Boa, who debuted in Japan in 2001, and Tohoshinki, who debuted in 2005, had a big breakthrough and interests in Korean artists were high in Japan. These are definitely the reasons for Girls’ Generation breakthrough.

The agency’s vision intertwines Japanese debut

On August 25th, 2010 at Tokyo’s Ariake Coliseum, Girls’ Generation had their first Japanese public performance: Premium Showcase Live. Approximately 22,000 fans gathered for a total of 3 performances and over 1000 people of mass media crowded around. Also in the following month, on September 8th, “Genie” was released and finally their Japanese debut was achieved. “Genie” first appeared at number 5 on Oricon’s Daily Chart. For a foreign artist Japanese debut, it was extraordinary.

However, one month before Girls’ Generation’s Japan debut, there was another girl group who debuted. That group was the 5-member girl group, Kara. In Feburary 2010 at Akasaka Blitz, Kara held a live performance and quickly gathered attention. Also, when their debuted was decided by Universal Sigma, an official fanclub was established. Furthermore, they had tireless activities before their debut, such as the commemoration sale release event for their special limited edition CD in Japan. And they accomplished their Japanese debut with the release of “Mister” in August.

Girls’ Generation debuted in Japan following Kara’s footsteps. So exactly how did it become like that? That is due to the different visions of the agencies the two 2 groups are attached to.
Girls’ Generation belongs to SM Entertaiment and Kara belongs to DSP Media. These two agencies have a rivalry going on between each other. For example, when SM Entertainment debuted H.O.T., in opposition, DSP Media debuted Sechkies. And again, in recent times, against Tohoshinki, SS501 debuted.

DSP Media has been following SM Entertainment up to now, but in regards to the big project of a Japanese debut of a girl group, DSP Media had a motive to be one step ahead of SM Entertaiment no matter what. Japan’s market still sold CDs more than Korea, where download sales were mainstream, so DSP Media wanted to get Kara selling before anybody else.
On the other hand, in opposite of DSP Media’s fierce offensive, SM Entertainment decided to take more care in Girls’ Generation’s development in Japan. That is because they had a painful experience in the past.

In 1997, SM Entertainment debuted the 3 member girl group, S.E.S., in Japan. However, the results were an utter failure. They did not get a break in Japan and because they shifted activities to Japan at the height of their popularity in Korea, the passion of the Korean fans began to cool down during that time. In order not to repeat that failure, SM Entertainment took extra care in choosing the song, the details of their debut event and most importantly, the length of time of their Japan debut before sending Girls’ Generation over.

Japan in August is immersed by Girls’ Generation

Girls’ Generation debuted in August of 2010 and Japan was dyed completely by them. Giant billboards of their debut song, “Genie,” were up in Ginza and Roppongi, and life sized stands of the girls were put in brand name record stores. As it was in the middle of summer vacation, many students stood in front of the panels and posters and took many photos as they pleased.
Girls’ Generation is gradually establishing that position of not your ordinary idols and is becoming a group that teen girls look up to. Admired in Japan, there are quite a few female copy dance groups out there.

[britpoper]

Nice ninja
Saw it first via SSF twitter, since a couple hour before I just visit jphip and this thread still not exist

[ebc]

I haven't read yet but just say'n sankyuuuu~

[tamatron]

Thank you Fen and Yuuyami! You guys are awesome!

[writerjunkie]

I just read the whole thing. lol @______@

Thanks Fen for making this and posting it here. ^____^ Man, this must have took you a while to make. lol

[Rayle]

It's such a propaganda train.  GG being their break, really? Are they gonna talk about the DC blackouts at all?

But it's so impressive that you're taking the time to translate an entire book for us!  Thank you so much.

[Fenrir]

Whee~ Onto chapter 2, which is all about the girls themselves. I'll be posting up each girl a week, so keep looking to see if your favorite member has been posted or not.

Small disclaimer: Anything written is from the view point of the author, which in this case is the SNSD reasearch committee, so if they got any info wrong or mistaken, it is probably because of the info they found when they wrote the book.

With that onto the first member: Yoona!


Chapter 2

Getting to Know Them More: The 9 Member’s Cute Secrets

Yoona
A prank-loving, cute, and naturally beautiful girl

Profile
Name: Im Yoona
Birthdate: May 30th, 1990
Height/Bloodtype: 166cm/B
Hobby: Watching movies
Education: Dongguk University, Theatre Major
Specialty: Acting, Dance
Strong point: Calming the environment, natural and bright
Weak point: Uncomfortable around strangers

Number one among males?! Yoona fans rapidly increasing even among celebrities!

Even among the top females, Yoona, who starred in a record breaking 41.5% viewer rating KBS big hit drama, “You Are My Destiny” in 2008, was awarded Best New Artist and Netizen Award at KBS Baeksang Arts Awards and her name recognition soared. Even on stage and being in the center singing, her high popularity can also be said to be natural. There are many popular members in Girls’ Generation, but it is be possible that the most popular in group could be Yoona.

And speaking of her popularity, it is not only among the normal male fans that like her, but it extends to Korean male talents as well.

A lot of males, such as singer Lee Seung Gi, Jo Kwon of idol group 2AM, badminton star athlete Lee Yong-dae, and more, have named Yoona as their ideal girl and we can imagine how this girl is the charming female.

Of course, when male celebrities hear that Yoona herself will also be appearing as a guest on the show, there is no end to the super happy male talents. Not only entertainers, but even people related to the industry as well, the circle of “Yoona-pen (Yoona fans)” is certainly expanding.

Incidentally, Yoona, who has so many people supporting her, recently announced that she did not have any particular boyfriend. Many Yoona-pens, including entertainers, were relieved.

Crying while watching KimuTaku’s drama! The reason for those tears

Yoona, who is often placed in the center in Girls’ Generation, also does activities as an actress.
The girl that has charmed so many people is captivated by a certain Japanese male. Also hugely popular in Korea and synonymous with cool, that male is SMAP’s Kimura Takuya.

Not only has Yoona watched all the dramas that Kimura Takuya has appeared in, but she’s even confessed on a variety show that he is her ideal guy!  Anyways, she has fallen in love with KimuTaku’s charm. There may be people out there who might think that this means she is just a fan of KimuTaku, but her feelings towards him is not wishy washy.

When they were in Japan, Yoona, who was rooming with Yuri at the hotel, still hadn’t come back by 3am. And when she returned to the room, her tears were flowing. When Yuri, who thought this to be strange, asked, “What’s the matter?” Yoona replied, “I met Kimura Takuya.”  When Yuri asked for details, Yoona saw him on a variety show, and while watching, she felt sad and couldn’t stop her tears from flowing. Moreover, she mentioned, “Since I like him so much, and because I couldn’t understand Japanese, I couldn’t understand what he was saying and felt sad.”

You can see the cuteness, her pure-heartedness, and the strength of her love towards KimuTaku and if seen from a male point of view, it definitely makes them envious.

Wanting to become a person who can take on responsibility

Since the group debuted from an amassed amount of strict lessons, every member is diligent and full of hard working people who all have the same goal.

And Yoona is always strongly aiming for the top. Her motto is becoming a person who can take on responsibility. On the bright stage where the spotlight is shining on her, that motto doesn’t seem to fit her and is quite the sober reply, but when you think about it and how it relates to her job, those words exude wonderfulness.

For Yoona, Japan was a new place to do her activities, and when answering the interviewer, she replied, “Boa-sempai and Tohoshinki-sempai were able to speak in Japanese when they debuted in Japan. But I’m still not good in Japanese, so it’s frustrating,” while biting her lips. Yoona shows a glimpse of her resolution and professionalism in doing activities in Japan from now, “I want more people to know about Girls’ Generation, so in order to have that happen, I have to learn more Japanese,” and shares her goal, “Someday, I want to appear at Tokyo Dome.”

A hidden side, the frail image is the exact opposite of Yoona

There are many fans who think that the proportions of Girls’ Generation members are the ideal figures.

Showing even more style in a stylish dance, their slim figures are so admirable that it makes males want to protect them and makes females envious and think of wanting to be just like them.

Among the owners of those polished and slender bodies, the number one girl played to have the weakest image is Yoona. However, she is actually number one in strength in Girls’ Generation.

She became known as the member with superhuman strength due to a certain TV program. On that show, she arm wrestled with a fellow male talent that appeared on the show and astonishingly won by a mile. And when the show aired on TV, that strong arm suddenly became well known among a lot of people.

And because she has so much power rivaling that of males, the original role of men carrying the heavy luggage during moving time has been assigned to Yoona. Therefore, even if you saw Yoona carrying the heavy luggage, it is not because they are bullying her, so please be calm Girl’s Generation fans.

However, even after hearing that story and looking at her slim body, one can’t help but wonder where she hides all that strength.

A secret complex of a too beautiful girl

Giving out a remarkable light on stage, Yoona continues to rise in stardom. Even though attractive, beautiful, and talented complimenting words have piled on one after another, she has to take in negative words from a lot of people. However, she is your typical girl after all. When comparing to other people, she has two small self-conscious complexes.

Those two points are “having a long neck,” and “big hands and feet.” For many people they may think that these two points are nothing big. On the contrary, there is a rising opinion among female fans that are jealous of her long neck because she has small face, but for Yoona, herself, she hates her long neck.

Also about her feet being big, she worries to the point that she seldom goes bare feet because she thinks her feet are not small and pretty.

However, it is naive for an adolescent girl to not like some parts of herself; but instead, fans who love Yoona are still increasing.

Incidentally, for the opposite complex, the part she likes and pays most attention to in regards to her appearance are those big eyes. Certainly, if one looks into those round bright eyes, it will not only be males, but females will also start to like her!

Girls’ Generation Center is actually weak at singing?

Lead dancer and vocal Yoona is often appointed to be the center of the group, but in actuality, she is weak in singing. In her profile, dance is listed under her specialty, but singing is not. There also is a lack of confidence in that area.

The phrase “weak at singing” in a way is a controversial remark. For that phrase to come about, it is not to the level where people are saying she is tone deaf, but where fans point out she “occasionally goes off key,” or her “voice is unstable.” However, many fans who like “high, cute and unique voice” support Yoona’s cute singing voice.

Incidentally, her favorite songs also include her seniors in the same company and also debuted in Japan, Tohoshinki’s “Magical Castle,” and J-pop artist, Utada Hikaru. Also, recently, she especially has interest in Exile and it seems she borrowed the Exile DVD from Sooyoung to watch.

The girl who dislikes speaking is actually a tomboy?!

There are many ways and phrases to compliment a girl and this is one of those phrases: “You are as beautiful as a flower.” If it comes to the day where a Japanese guy would say this phrase in front of a girl he likes, it is supposed to be embarrassing and he would not be able to sleep the night before. However, if it was in front of Yoona, it might come naturally for anybody to say that phrase to her.

That cute Yoona has a strong fear of strangers. Her character is completely different in front of people she does not know. Though in front of people she knows, she is often called “elementary school boy.”

The real Yoona loves pranks and is the owner of a strong, candid personality. Her mouth opens wide when laughing which is completely different from her lady-like appearance. She is a bright girl who is like a boy running around the school grounds full of energy.

By the way, other than her unique big mouth laugh, there are other various episodes regarding her mouth. Some episodes are “mouth wide open while sleeping,” “asking her what she is eating and opens her mouth wide to show you,” and “during meal times she opens her mouth wide when she’s excited.”

Even with that, the fans fall in love more and more with un-idol-like playful Yoona, an “elementary school kid” with a personality of a young boy and a fond nickname of “alligator,” thanks to her big open mouth.



Next week: Our giant shikshin, Sooyoung

[tamatron]

I don't know how you can do this, Fen. I tried to translate it to Thai and got bored after one and a half paragraph.

[ebc]

weee~ the best one first : D

[Fenrir]

I don't know how you can do this, Fen. I tried to translate it to Thai and got bored after one and a half paragraph.

LOL

Some parts do get boring, but I just grind along. lol I guess I find translating interesting? And having a book on SNSD sure helps for me at least to keep interest. Haha

Keeps my Japanese skills from going down the drain too I suppose.

[daigong]

WOW MAD PROPS so amazin Fen this looks so deep. and GJ Yuu-chan too

lol @ SNSD research committee, aka fangirls?

can't wait for some Soo!

[thatonezombie]

I should cross-reference this material with Lupe Fiasco and Wu-Tang just in case.

[Mieko.]

Some parts do get boring, but I just grind along. lol I guess I find translating interesting? And having a book on SNSD sure helps for me at least to keep interest. Haha

Keeps my Japanese skills from going down the drain too I suppose.

Who doesn't? lol

And this is how the vicious circles keep going, you get japanese and me english, i'll be sure looking forward for the rest, thanks a lot 

PD: May I ask if i could take this and translate to spanish?

[Fenrir]

^Sorry for the late reply. I don't mind it being translated to Spanish, but all I ask is not to forget to credit properly. ^^;   Thanks!


What? It's been a week already? o_o Where did the week go?? Oh, right. The shikshin ate it.


Sooyoung

A dependable older sister who is fluent in Japanese and has eye-catching beautiful legs

Profile
Name: Choi Sooyoung
Birthdate: February 10th, 1990
Height/Bloodtype: 170cm/O
Hobby: Movies, listening to music
Education: Chung-Ang University, Theatre Major
Specialty: Japanese, dance, acting
Strong point: Candid older sister-like
Weak point: Rough (around the edges)

She actually debuted in Japan on “Asayan”

Debuting in Korea in 2007, Girls’ Generation waited for the right time to inevitably debut in Japan in 2010. There is one member, Sooyoung, which one should look closely at. Perhaps you might remember seeing a young girl that she looked like before. It would be natural to think, “I might have seen her somewhere” and, actually, Sooyoung debuted in Japan about 9 years ago.

In December of 2001, 11 year old Sooyoung was chosen from 8698 Japanese applicants and 7194 Korean applicants for the Korea-Japan Ultra Idol Duo that was aired on the same popular TV show that gave birth to Morning Musume: TV Asahi “Asayan.” And thus, she debuted in a group produced by Kawamura Ryuichi called, “Route 0.” The name of the group was to help bridge Japan and Korea together, but the actual activities itself, unfortunately, was short-lived. They released 3 singles. Looking back at that time, Sooyoung commented happily, “It is a wondrous feeling being able to come back to Japan again.”

Being able to debut again in Japan under Girls’ Generation, Sooyoung, who hates doing things half-heartedly, studied day after day with her members to master Japanese perfectly in order to appear on dramas, movies, and variety shows.

If you want to know more about her, look for Route 0 CDs and DVDs and it might be interesting to compare it with the Sooyoung now!

Not only Japan, but wants to succeed in America as well!

Listing Japanese as her specialty, at the Asia Song Festival, she greeted in Japanese and is able to answer back in Japanese for the interview. Also, she has speaking capabilities as she was presenter for the quiz show, “Fantastic Duo,” and when Girls’ Generation is promoting in Japan, Sooyoung is leading the other members along. When they were chosen to debut in Japan, Sooyoung took on the role of the teacher teaching the other members about Japan.

Tiffany mentioned, “Sooyoung teaches a lot of various things about Japanese entertainment. Because of that chance, we are able to have more interest in Japanese.” It might also be her influence that the other members also like Japanese drama and movies.

However, even in that situation, Sooyoung has started to learn English recently. Sooyoung laughed, “Even though this is time where I should be studying Japanese right now.” “However, it is also a dream to do activities in America as Girls’ Generation someday,” said Sooyoung, with her eyes not only focused on Japan, but already facing the world.

The Queen of Eating in SNSD; Fans call her “Shikshin”

With a stylish body that outshines models, Sooyoung stands 170cm tall and weighs about 48kg and even among the members, she has the top class style. Having that kind of excellent proportions, it is hard to imagine that she is a big eater with her kind of body.

In Korea, regardless of how thin a body you have, girls who eat the same amount as a guy are fondly nicknamed “shikshin.” It wouldn’t be strange to call Taeyeon, who seems to eat a lot as well, “shikshin” but Sooyoung eats even more. That’s why among the girls, when talking about “shikshin,” they are talking about Sooyoung.

When the big eater goes to a barbecue by herself, she is able to make short work of eating multiple person portions. Also, there was a promised playful episode where when Sooyoung finds food and thinks of moving closer to it, the members would sing the famous Jaws BGM where Jaws is closing in on its prey from the movie “Jaws.” If they become even more popular in Japan, we might just be able to see her big eating skills on gourmet food program.

Days with strict lessons is bound to make anyone eat a large amount of calories, but even eating that much there should be fat at some point… Even so, Sooyoung, who doesn’t gain weight no matter how much she eats, is the owner of a body that all girls from around the world dream of.

A kind-hearted older sister. Confident and manages everyone too

Girls’ Generation is a 9 member group. All 9 are good friends and live together. However, because all 9 members are close in age, it is quite difficult to come to the same agreement.

However, the big household of Girls’ Generation, surprisingly, the role of a leader is non-existent. In this circumstance, Taeyeon is the leader, but as of now she has stepped down from that role. In place of that, there are many times where Sooyoung, who is confident, has experience being a MC and radio DJ, and skilled in speaking, plays the mediator role many times.

Sooyoung has a diplomatic, lively personality, but she also has a boisterous rough side. She also is timid and nervous, but has a heart of gold. When Taeyeon got into an argument with the other members and locked herself in her room, Sooyoung was the first person to visit Taeyeon in her room.

Perhaps because of that incident, many among the fans see Sooyoung as having the essence of a leader. Whether or not she is leader-like, she takes the initiative in speaking on variety shows and interviews with an older sister feel and Tiffany, admiring Sooyoung, commented, “I want to become interesting like her.”

Her older sister is Soojin, a female actress. Rumors of being too pretty

Sooyoung has an older sister. Furthermore, that sister is famous within activities for those who know Korean entertainment very well. The name of the older sister is Soojin. She is a charming actress with big eyes, white skin, and long straight hair. There was a big talk about how close she looked to beautiful Song Yuri, a former member of the 4 member girl group Fin.K.L.

It was in 2007 when the fact that Soojin is Sooyoung’s older sister was brought to the limelight. A picture taken with Sooyoung was spread on the internet and it became a hot topic on how her cuteness does not lose to Sooyoung as well.

Last year, Soojin appeared on the show called “Introducing a Star’s Friend,” with Sooyoung, but they were all surprised how she had become even more beautiful from the time in the photo that was on the internet. The other talents who were co-starring also did not hide their surprise. And there became talk of how it was not an exaggeration that she was the most beautiful among the history of female entertainers.

6 months later, she passed her final auditions for the role of Gloria in the musical, “Jack the Ripper,” and will be performing. Once again the Korean media has become excited.

Since the two sisters get along very well, for the fans that follow Sooyoung, why don’t you try following Soojin’s activities as well?

A surprise birthday present from fans

The countries are different, but in both Japan and Korea, the fans want to make their idols happy. Especially when it is a birthday, without universal limits in both countries, the fans deliver large amount of presents to the entertainment agency office.

Of course, Girls’ Generation fans send presents to the girls, but the power of their activities are tremendous and people know of the amazing presents they send to the girls’ birthdays.

For Sooyoung’s birthday in 2010, not only Sooyoung, but the people around her were caught off guard with the birthday present that was sent.

First, they created a Sooyoung look-a-like figurine standing on top of a custom made cake and donated 1 million won (approx. 72,000 yen) in the name of “Choi Sooyoung College Tuition” to her university. Not only that, but fans gathered 214 receipts of blood donations to Korea’s leukemia foundation, donated 32 boxes of ramen that SNSD sponsored to Korea Incheon’s welfare facility, and on top of that, donated 2 million won to Sooyoung’s hometown handicapped infant hospital and visited directly to do volunteer work.

Another thing they did was advertise a fan message in a newspaper, “Sooyoung! Congratulations on your 19th birthday! Even though this world can be dark and harsh, please enjoy your time with SNSD!”

Sooyoung is Vietnamese decent? The rumor due to her beautiful legs!

Whether it is their singing, dance or looks, Girls’ Generation charm point differs for each person, but in Japan, the girls are often called the “beautiful legged girl group.”

Within the group of jaw dropping legs that caught the eyes of many people, Sooyoung is named the person in charge of long legs. And she charmed all the male fans with her long slender legs.

Since she has outstanding style, when there was a survey with the topic, “Which singer fits the best as a jeans model?” Sooyoung shined at an impressive number 1 with over 50% of votes. It seemed most of the opinions of Sooyoung was that she is tall, sweet, and has long slender legs that fits perfectly as a jeans model.

Coincidentally, those legs caused a small problem. There were rumors spreading that Sooyoung was Vietnamese.

SM Entertainment came out and denied the issue saying that it was not true, but because Sooyoung has slim long legs, resounding looks, and tan skin, rumors still spread, wondering if she was really South East Asian. Moreover, so-called concrete information, such as her maternal grandmother was a 2nd generation Vietnamese or somebody on her mother’s side is South East Asian, surfaced like wildfire and confused many fans.


Next week: Yul on a kkab

[kkabbekky]

Yes Kkabyul next \o/

[Fenrir]

For you tama!

I have no witty comment to say. I used it all up with the shikshin eating up the week. I must refill by eating some yul on the kkab, kkabyulyaki, or just plain Ma.  ._.



Yuri
A beautiful, healthy, and sexy dark skinned girl

Profile
Name: Kwon Yuri
Birthdate: December 5th, 1989
Height/Bloodtype: 167cm/AB
Hobby: Listening to music, reading
Education: Chung-Ang University, Theatre Major
Specialty: Chinese, swimming, sports
Strong point: Talks a lot, Athletic
Weak point: Is actually timid

Full of mischief, a daughter who plays pranks and creates an uproar

Putting in all her effort on variety shows and being the MC on music programs, even if an idol, Yuri gives her all.

However, it might be because of her strong feelings in making sure that people have fun, she has the strangest behaviors and she is notorious for her pranks. Well then, let’s introduce 2 of Yuri’s famous pranks played on the other members.

Among the members, Tiffany is often teased, so the first one is about putting fake bugs on Tiffany’s bed. Seeing that Tiffany ran out of the room without thinking, crying. Of course after the prank was found out, without saying, Tiffany was furious.

The second one is about tying all the member’s shoelaces together. And Yuri, who tied them all together, did not follow them especially and quickly ran away from the place. Of course the other members were all furious.

Yuri also has some peculiar behaviors. First, when she is angry at a member, she starts writing a memo. And while looking at it, she lay out all the complaints and she even writes down the responses of the other member.

Yuri’s unique actions are really beyond imagination.

Health maniac who drinks Ma juice every day

In order to maintain beautiful looks and to do activities in the entertainment world, health is a very important thing. With extraordinary promotions, one would think that Girls’ Generation would certainly have health management, but without any restrictions on food, they normally have pizza delivered about 3 times a week.

Girls’ Generation have meals that cannot be said to be healthy, but only Yuri is quite the health nut. Not only does Yuri love healthy foods, she drinks grinded Ma juice mixed with milk, honey, and apples. This seems to be one of her beauty care she has continued doing since she was little.

Also, the most important thing for your health is exercise. Other than the lessons, Yuri’s hobby is exercising her body and she’s especially interested in yoga. In the variety show called “Invincible Youth,” where representatives of K-pop girl groups are gathered and the idols are challenged to their limits, Yuri even had her own corner called, “Yuri’s Yoga Classrom.”

Incidentally, this segment was well loved. Yuri, with her eyes and mouth wide open, stuck out her tongue as far as it could go and looked up; this odd move called the “Lion Pose” is a very un-idol-like performance and made everyone laugh with her foolishness.

However, because she takes this into consideration so much, that might be how she is able to maintain a sexy body.

Fans are also jealous of her “pearl skin”

One barometer of an idol’s popularity is the penetration of their nickname. For example, at the time when Morning Musume was at the peak of their popularity, each person had their own unique nickname.

Of course, each Girls’ Generation member have their own unique nickname that fits perfectly with their personalities and fans are familiar with.

Among those nicknames, one is quite different when viewed in with a Japanese sense. Yuri’s nickname is decisively “Black Pearl.” The origin of that nickname is due to her dark skin being smooth. For females, they must be very happy when they are praised for their beautiful skin and Yuri is also quite pleased with the nickname.

Yuri, who boasts that smooth skin, is an advertisement model for a skin care brand along with Sooyoung and Tiffany. They are the most beautiful group out there.

A girl who is a lady-like devil in front of the guys

Yuri can be said as the person in charge of Girls’ Generation sexiness. However, recently in a reverse role, she often tells gags on variety shows using her body to create laughs and popular among both males and females because she’s funny and creates a good mood.

Still, Yuri, who is loved by fans, has two completely different characters when she is front of men and when she is front of women.

The change in attitude is so unnatural that the members all pointed it out on a talk show called “Shin Dongyup & Shin Bongsun's Champagne.” When the topic of who makes a 180 degree change in front of males came out, Yuri ended up being number 1. Yuri replied frankly that she acknowledges it a little. Jessica revealed, “When Yuri is front of us, she is lively, but when there are males around, the tone of her voice changes to more lady-like and her laugh becomes higher.”

Those type of girls are typically “girls you hate” from other females, but because Yuri has a charming personality and even admits her change in attitude in front of guys, the other members do not hate her for it.

Also, a lot of her male fans seem to find that behavior cute.

The energetic girl is actually an introvert?

“Thanks to Yoona and Taeyeon, Girls’ Generation became famous. I’m really thankful to those two,” Yuri commented modestly, while she herself is acting and doing solo activities. Showing her supple dance with her long legs and arms and being energetic on T.V. shows, Yuri is arguably one of top among the group in popularity from the fans.

However, it may be difficult to imagine from the image of a lively girl who is loved by all, but Yuri is actually the type who cannot say things assertively. Even if it is something she hates, there are a lot of times she keeps things bottle inside without saying her displeasure and when the members have a fight with Yuri, they would think “It was about that from back then?!” when Yuri brings up all the things from the past.

She is that kind of girl, but it is completely different from dealing with family. Yuri would always be fighting with her brother and revealed a Polaroid photo of the two of them together on the variety show, “Haha Mong Show.” Also, her brother’s appearance looks so much like Yuri that they could be twins, Yuri said laughing, “Since I’m becoming to look more and more like my brother, I’m worried about my future.”

Although she seems to say what she is thinking, she is actually a type that pays a lot of attention to what is said around her. Even though she is on T.V., when there is a time she says something weird, let’s support her and tell her to keep fighting.

I want to eat takoyaki (fried octopus balls) in Japan!

When traveling abroad, food is one of the most important people look forward to and when Girls’ Generation is doing activities in Japan, food is also one of things they look forward to. On Fuji TV music program, “Sakigake! Ongakubanzuke Eight,” when asked, “What interest do you have in Japan?” more than half the members answered with wanting to eat Japanese food, such as ramen, sushi, or oyakodon (chicken and eggs over rice). Among them, only Yuri gave a slightly different answer. “Even in Korea, my favorite is takoyaki, so I want to eat a lot of takoyaki in Japan.”

Actually, Yuri has come to Japan many times. She knows Japanese food in detail and is a maniac for the things she likes.

Asked about what their goal is after the live at Ariake Coliseum, the other members responded of having a concert at a large venue like Tokyo Dome, but only she replied a little differently, “I want to do a live in the surrounding areas outside of the capital, even if it is on a smaller scale.”

Coincidentally, Yuri’s hobby is being connected with pop culture. If Girls’ Generation has their nation tour we might be able to see Yuri fully enjoying Japanese culture.

In Korea, she is the female singer that fits on the [baseball] mound the most

As Girls’ Generation second main dancer, she got her chance to debut after winning the first prize in SM Entertainment’s first annual Youth Best Dancer Contest (2001) and has so much athletic ability that fans said, “How about changing into an action heroine?” It seems that Yuri likes exercise and she wrote even on her profile that her specialty is sports and swimming.

And for a survey held on a music portal site with the topic on “which female star fits best as a pitcher,” Yuri was chosen to be the number one choice.

Whether this may be related or not, but in 2007 at the Kia Tigers VS Doosan Bears baseball game, Yuri threw an admirable underhand opening pitch. She was given the nickname “BK Yuri” after the former major league player known for his underhand pitch, Kim Byung Hyun.

Furthermore, for a survey held on the music website, Monkey 3, Yuri was again chosen number one for a female artist that best suit as a figure skater and for awhile was called “Kim Yuna of the entertainment world.”

Yuri, who fits both baseball and figure skating, her almighty sports character is deeply rooted in the hearts of the Korean people.


Next week: For justice! Innocent? maknae

[daigong]

mmm dark skin girls <333

THANKS FEN!

eta:

sOOOOOOOOOooo phew I'm taller than her

[Rayle]

Coincidentally, Yuri’s hobby is being connected with pop culture.

ONE OF US! ONE OF US!   

[Fenrir]

Seohyun
A healing innocence that anybody wants to protect

Profile
Name: Seo Juhyun
Birthdate: June 28th, 1991
Height/Bloodtype: 168cm/A
Hobby: Listening to music, reading
Education: Dongguk University, Theatre Arts Major
Specialty: Chinese, English, Japanese, playing the piano
Strong point: Modest
Weak point: Too serious

Complete self-management! The serious and pretty “model student”

When it comes to females, anybody should have an interest in beauty. It is all the better when you combine the point of becoming a “pretty” idol.

And there is no other serious initiative girl as pretty as Seohyun. Because of her diligence, even the members call her the “model student.”

Well then, just how much is she a model student? First, she sleeps at midnight. According to Seohyun, skin cells rejuvenate at night, so she aims to go to bed by midnight. However, the members find it “too thorough” and seem unpopular among them.

Also, she tries not to eat instant food and fast food. From the start, she likes healthy food beyond anything.

But she seems to dislike hamburgers and carbonated items and when she saw Sunny eating a hamburger she blurted out without thinking: “If you eat those kinds of food, you will die.” Sunny rebutted, “It’s not like it’s poisoned, so it’s alright to eat it as much as you like.”

It is amazing how diligent she is as well as her strong self-restraint she puts upon herself and that is one her biggest charms. However, her overly serious personality sometimes baffles the other members.

The diligent girl’s favorite book genre is self-improvement

When it becomes the time where students apply for university every year, the topic of entertainer’s education comes up. A sudden interest in broad and miscellaneous knowledge within Japan’s entertainment world occurs and for example, even idols pursue a general education. People with various knowledge spheres appear on T.V. shows as well as talents whose main sell point is their higher education.

On the other hand, in Korea, where society is based on academic background, entertainers also pursue an academic background.  Among them, Seohyun is famous for her intelligence and former portal site Bugs conducted a survey, “Who fits the image of a lawyer the best among entertainers?” and Seohyun shined as number one.

Fitting that image, she studies on her own without any one telling her to, is currently attending university, and juggles both school and entertainment activities.

Her hobby is reading. She especially likes getting up early in the morning to read.

What kind of books does she like to read? It seems like she likes to read self-improvement books that not a lot of young girls typically read. There may be people out there wondering why she reads those books and you will understand once you hear the reason. She was separated from home and entered society at a young age; she didn’t ask her parents for advice even through tough times and instead, read self-improvement books during that time and solved her problems.

When you hear this reason, even if you are not fan, you will want to cheer her on.

Popular idol now, but at one time conservative too

Idols are doing activities in the glamorous world of entertainment. That fashion attracts the eyes of a lot of females and a lot of fans often copy the girls’ hairstyles, clothes, bags, shoes, and more.

Nevertheless, Girls’ Generation right now is stylish and has become a fashionable icon, but Seohyun was conservative a little before now.

In those days, even if she was just buying one set of clothes, she would ask the advice of the other members.

However, she finally developed some fashion sense to pick out items by herself and now worries about the clothing for the photo shoot the day before the shoot. She finally has some interest in being fashionable.

Seohyun, who is a model student, was at first too serious and did her very best at dance and singing lessons without paying attention to the fashionable trends that girls her age would have interest in.

A traditional innocence that does poorly with males

It is an unspoken rule in the entertainment world for idols not to be associated with any males, but recently a lot of idols have broke the rules and is making wide spread clamor.

From the view point of fans, however, they do not want to see their idols going out with anybody. The innocent idol that caters to those feelings is Seohyun.

She has an austere personality and it seems she never dated before. More than anything, it seems she is uncomfortable around males.

Even her own members scold her on that topic: “You’re already 20. Aren’t you avoiding boys too much? We can see the strong dislike for them. Be a good girl,” she did not listen to them and replied, “It’s not that I dislike them, I have no interest in them.” In these days, she is a unique pure girl.

Even though that is said, she is still an adolescent. It’s not that she has no interest whatsoever, but she wants to get married by 30.

However, many males who still support her. Tohoshinki’s mood maker Junsu, who is in the same agency, is also said to have taken interest in her straight forward personality.

In Japan, she might be one of the endangered “pure and innocent idols.” Naturally, one after another people’s hearts are healed by that pure-heartedness.

An unexpected side of her she does not show in front of the camera

Whether in private or at work, everybody knows of the serious and diligent Seohyun, but living with the other members at the dorm she shows a completely different side.

Jessica mentioned, “You always have a lady-like manner, but at the dorm you say a lot of complaints.  It’s unlimited sayings of ‘I’m tired’ or ‘I’m angry.’” However, Seohyun replied, “It is because I was influenced by you.”

On T.V. she is reserved and does not stand in front often, but privately, she seems to say whatever is on her mind. When Yuri said, “For the first 3 months, no matter how many times I tried talking to you, you never replied back,” Seohyun rebutted, “I thought you were scary.”

Also, when Seohyun dyed her hair, the wig she had for work was left out in the living room, so when Sunny and Sooyoung came back from work late at night it scared them to death. Seohyun, who is said to be too serious, sometimes show a careless side like this as well.

Because Seohyun is the youngest among the members, she is called “maknae.”  She gets a lot of attention of really being like a younger sister from all the members and said happily, “I always wanted an older sister, so I’m really happy to be able to have 8 older sisters.”  All the more reason of when the older sisters of Girls’ Generation are not around she might unconsciously show a side that she normally does not.

The ideal Akiba-er?  Her favorite things are anime and manga

From Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon to Neon Genesis Evangelion, Japanese animation has surpassed national borders and extremely popular. In countries around the world from adults to kids, they are all glued to the T.V. watching.

That is also the same in Korea. Starting with Sunny liking the super popular comic even in Japan, “One Piece,” even members of Girls’ Generation are fans of Japanese animation and comics.

It is known that among the members, Seohyun likes anime, especially “Keroro Gunso,” and has even tackled voice acting for the Korean dub of “Keroro Gunso.” Furthermore, actively taking part in voice acting, she also dubbed the Korean version of “Despicable Me” as the younger sister, Edith.

Seohyun, who also likes Japanese comics, is a fan of “Nodame Cantabile,” and she is a fan of Ueno Juri, who played the role of Noda Megumi in the drama. For that reason, when Ueno Juri was visiting Korea to promote the movie “Nodame Cantabile,” she also appeared as a guest on the virtual marriage show, “We Got Married.”

Pure-hearted Seohyun, who likes anime and comics, is without a doubt Girls’ Generation’s cutest.

The root of Seohyun’s seriousness comes from her mom!

She uses honorifics even with members of Girls’ Generation and still modest even though she is popular now. No matter how busy she gets, she still attends class at Dongguk University and never neglects her school work.

The reason for her seriousness could be due to her parents.

Seohyun’s family is just her and her parents. Therefore, as the only child, she was raised very preciously. It is known that Seohyun’s mom is the director of a piano school and Seohyun is also skilled in playing the piano thanks to the coaching from her mother.

Also, she was very thoroughly taught about food and finance, and there was an episode during their trainee days where Yuri borrowed money for the bus fare from Seohyun, who rode together with Yuri, and afterwards, she kept a record down to the 10 won she is owed.

Korea is more passionate towards education than Japan. There are questions on how to train kids to keep studying and if the child is raised to be a diligent good kid like Seohyun, there are sure to be many moms out there that want to know training process.



Next week: My bias >.>

[tamatron]

ALL HAIL FEN!
Thank you so much for translating, esp. Yuri's part.

Next week: My bias >.>

Why is Shin Bongsun in this book?

sOOOOOOOOOooo phew I'm taller than her

Dude, Yuri isn't tall at all . 167 is cheating. She's 165 at most.