JPHiP Forum

House of Seoul => Girls' Generation => Topic started by: Fenrir on May 03, 2011, 08:41:23 AM

Title: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on May 03, 2011, 08:41:23 AM
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 (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg889674#msg889674)
Sooyoung (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg891401#msg891401)
Yuri (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg893784#msg893784)
Seohyun (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg897232#msg897232)
Jessica (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg900171#msg900171)
Taeyeon (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg903096#msg903096)
Sunny (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg905737#msg905737)
Hyoyeon (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg908793#msg908793)
Tiffany (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg912044#msg912044)
Chapter 3 - Girls' Generation Touching Stories
Part 1 (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg915345#msg915345)
Part 2 (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg918373#msg918373)
Chapter 4 - Girls' Generation Cutie Phrases (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg922909#msg922909)
Chapter 5 - Girls' Generation News (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg926141#msg926141)
Chapter 6 - Misc. Info related to the Girls (http://forum.jphip.com/index.php?topic=29218.msg929440#msg929440)




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.
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: britpoper on May 03, 2011, 12:31:09 PM
Nice ninja :D
Saw it first via SSF twitter, since a couple hour before I just visit jphip and this thread still not exist XD
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: ebc on May 03, 2011, 01:24:07 PM
I haven't read yet but just say'n sankyuuuu~
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: tamatron on May 03, 2011, 03:48:33 PM
Thank you Fen and Yuuyami! You guys are awesome!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: writerjunkie on May 03, 2011, 04:03:29 PM
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
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Rayle on May 03, 2011, 05:29:38 PM
It's such a propaganda train.  :lol: 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!  :bow: Thank you so much.
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on May 10, 2011, 04:52:02 AM
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
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: tamatron on May 10, 2011, 09:54:42 AM
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. :-\
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: ebc on May 10, 2011, 10:03:21 AM
weee~ the best one first : D
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on May 10, 2011, 10:11:48 AM
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. XD
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: daigong on May 11, 2011, 03:11:08 AM
WOW MAD PROPS so amazin Fen :bow: this looks so deep. and GJ Yuu-chan too :heart:

lol @ SNSD research committee, aka fangirls?

can't wait for some Soo!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: thatonezombie on May 11, 2011, 06:18:17 AM
I should cross-reference this material with Lupe Fiasco and Wu-Tang just in case.
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Mieko. on May 11, 2011, 07:47:56 AM
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. XD

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?
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on May 17, 2011, 07:34:26 AM
^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
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: kkabbekky on May 19, 2011, 06:24:44 PM
Yes Kkabyul next \o/
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on May 24, 2011, 07:01:59 AM
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
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: daigong on May 24, 2011, 07:19:15 AM
mmm dark skin girls <333

THANKS FEN! :heart:

eta:

sOOOOOOOOOooo phew I'm taller than her
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Rayle on May 25, 2011, 05:16:47 AM
Quote
Coincidentally, Yuri’s hobby is being connected with pop culture.

ONE OF US! ONE OF US!  :panic:  :wub:
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on May 31, 2011, 08:14:30 AM
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 >.>
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: tamatron on May 31, 2011, 09:02:22 AM
ALL HAIL FEN!
Thank you so much for translating, esp. Yuri's part. :P

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 :lol:. 167 is cheating. She's 165 at most.
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on June 07, 2011, 09:08:28 AM
Excuse me while I go watch Gorjess sing "Almost" at the Japan concert and melt into a puddle of goo. Again.


Jessica
Knocking out even Mr. Nice Guys! A cool and strong princess

Profile
Name: Jessica Jung
Birthdate: April 18th, 1989
Height/Bloodtype: 163cm/B
Hobby: Movies, listening to music, shopping
Specialty: English, singing, playing the piano, dance
Strong point: My pace and cool
Weak point: Mood swing between good and bad is intense

Everybody loves her free and uncontrolled self!

Girls’ Generation has an overwhelming number of cute performances. However, removing that harmony, their dance and singing is different and each of the members’ varying charms has charmed the fans.

Even among the members, boasting top class popularity, Jessica has gathered popularity with her cool beauty and looks and frank words. With a frank talk of “being part of an idol is hiding one’s claws,” fans burst out laughing at her unique speech.

Also, Jessica would leave a number of cynical comments on fan sites. In response to one fan’s comment, “Jessica-unnie, come play with me,” she replied, “Go learn how to play by yourself,” and in response to another: “My older sister is teasing me, please scold her,” she replied, “Older sister, hwaiting!” Another fan wrote in English, “Your English is really good,” she cut it down in a single sweep, “Do you want to die?”

Fans who read these happily comment, “Jessica is the best in Girls’ Generation!” or “I also want to receive a cynical response like that,” and with that unique sense of humor, the already high stocks will go even higher.

Jessica has the motto, “Follow your heart.” Not only do boys in trouble want to be scolded by a beauty, there is no doubt that many girls who admire her “walk my own path” style have also appeared.

Her younger sister is Krystal. The older sister’s kindness who Krystal confides in.

There are a lot of instances where a famous person’s family member is also famous and Jessica’s younger sister also works in the entertainment field.

That sister is Krystal, who is also in the same agency working in a multi-national 5 member pop dance group called f(x).

Jessica was first to debut, but actually, it was Krystal who was scouted first. 9 years ago, when Jessica was 12 and Krystal was 7, Krystal was scouted first and during a discussion with her parents and the agency, Jessica, who was sitting in at the meeting, was also scouted.

Also, it is known that the two sisters get along very well. In the waiting room of a concert they were both attending, one would observe them playfully teasing each other and there is no lack of skinship between them. Krystal said about Jessica, “Our personalities are very different; Jessica is very lady-like while I’m rough, but even if we are far apart, I think we are similar too. We are very close.”

Jessica also loves her sister very much. She says some hard things, but is also very sweet to her sister.

For example, when Krystal debuted, Jessica went to go meet her and personally congratulated her. Furthermore, in the waiting room after the performance, Jessica encouraged her sister to keep doing better while wiping the sweat off of her face.

The Sica Effect?! Jessica’s enigma

It’s an idol’s job to sing the song and dance the dance on stage, but recently, there have been an increase of idols doing other activities, such as dramas and attending variety shows.

Not only does Girls’ Generation take part in music activities, each of the members shows their own talent within various branches.

With strong words and ‘follow my own path’ personality, Jessica, who is popular among men and women, displays a horrifying talent on talk shows.

That talent is when ever Jessica says something, even though it is to make the place livelier, it suddenly becomes cold. What she says is interesting, but for some reason when she says something, the other members keep silent and that awkwardness creates big laughter for the viewers and audience. We do not know why everybody is silent all at once, but during the time when this has occurred often, this specialty was given the name “Sica Effect,” and has become her trademark. Incidentally, the “Sica” in Sica Effect is her nickname.

Hearts thump when the Ice Princess shows her kindness at times

It’s not unusual to see idols spread themselves in variety shows or to challenge dubbing for a movie. And to fit that, there are plentiful idols with various character personalities participating in those activities.

Speeding to the top of the entertainment world is Girls’ Generation and, Jessica, who is called the “Ice Princess,” says things without any expression and has what we call a princess character. Also from her tough words image, she also has the nickname, “Sickal.”

She is known for her sharp-cutting character, but underneath she is also famous for being nice and Yuri gave her the name “warm ice” to describe her personality.

Also, because the real Jessica is very feminine, this is not something imagined from her usual character, but sometimes she has cried in front of people.

In December 2009, on the stage of Girls’ Generation first solo concert that occurred in Seoul, Jessica cried. “It was our first concert, so there were so many emotions flowing and I was able to hold back the tears, but my Mama was in the audience. When I made eye contact with her, I was unable to hold back the tears.”

When Jessica, who is usually a strong girl, suddenly shows a softer side, anybody should feel jumpy. Having that heart thumping gap between her characters is one of Jessica’s most charming points.

Jessica was attacked by a fan in Vietnam

Securing an explosive popularity in Korea, Girls’ Generation debuted in Japan in 2010 and the girls are also popular in Thailand. Their second album, “Oh!” reached number one on album sales charts in various countries, such as Thailand, Taiwan, and Philippines and there are many passionate fans of Girls’ Generation in various Asian countries.

In one of those global activities, when Girls’ Generation visited Vietnam, an unbelievable incident occurred. Somehow, a female fan hugged Jessica while she was on stage.

This incident occurred in 2009 in at the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Concert. Girls’ Generation participated in the celebration of the 17th anniversary of Korea’s and Vietnam’s diplomatic relations and sang their hit songs, “Gee” and “Sowoneul Malhaebwa (Genie).”

During the end stage photo shoot opportunity a female fan suddenly rushed the stage and hugged Jessica. The girl who hugged Jessica was immediately pulled off stage by the guardsmen.

Jessica was surprised, but later found the incident amusing.

Coincidentally, in Korea, this event, in good will, was reported as “Their popularity is amazing even in Vietnam” and “Popular not only with males, but females as well.”

Being late, the staff is left in a rushed state! Fast asleep in the bath tub

From the fans’ point of view, Jessica is seen as a cool girl, but actually from long ago, she has had a very troublesome habit. That is once she falls asleep, it’s quite hard for her to wake up.

Due to that sleeping habit, it even caused trouble for work. Even though 2 hours have passed since the gathering time for a program recording, Jessica still did not show up. The staff were in a great panic! For a moment, they were planning to call the police, but Jessica was found at home, sleeping in the bathtub with a tooth brush in her hand.

For Jessica’s credit, this was an extraordinary example and her over-sleepiness is usually never this bad.

However, she has a hard time waking up and always the last to wake up among the members. For the all the members who live together, there are some living rules. One of those rules is whoever is the last to get up in the morning has to clean up after eating breakfast. Therefore, it is pretty much decided that it is Jessica’s job to clean up after breakfast.

Other never ending episodes related to her sleeping are sleeping for more than 16 hours on her day off and when they are going to be late for work the members would throw her off the bed. This is a surprising side of her when all we see is the charming Jessica on stage.

Jessica’s troublesome habit she does when drinking alcohol

In Japan and Korea, there are many times idols are wished for their cute looks and other pureness. However, the Girls’ Generation members have declared that they drink alcohol in their private time.

In Korea, the minimum drinking age limit is 19 and usually there is tolerance for drinking alcohol, but when they remarked they drink, the fans were surprised. Among the members, when it was known that Jessica has a troublesome habit when she gets drunk, the fans were shocked.

Even though drunken habits can be bad, there are various types, such as those who become more confident or become maudlin, but in Jessica’s case, when she is drunk, she becomes a telephone addict. She starts making phone calls to all kinds of people. Moreover, Jessica, herself, does not even remember making those calls.

Jessica, who got drunk after drinking, called her mom that day. She made a promise to her mom that they will meet the next day and when that day came, Jessica completely forgot about the promise and with a confused looked, asked her mother, who came to visit the dorm, “Mama, why are you here?”





Next week: A-dorkable leader
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: ebc on June 07, 2011, 10:06:48 AM
Woohoo! drunk jess sounds very awesome hehehee

Weak point: Mood swing between good and bad is intense

XD I think I've seen this happen

Thanks fen!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on June 14, 2011, 09:22:38 AM
Taeyeon
Doing solo activities as well, she is the pseudo leader of Girls’ Generation

Profile
Name: Kim Taeyeon
Birthdate: March 9th, 1989
Height/Bloodtype: 162cm/O
Hobby: Watching movies, listening to music,
Education: Jeonju Art High School
Specialty: Singing
Strong point: Earnest and responsible
Weak point: Timid

Aspiring for a chance to be just like Boa!

Taeyeon, who dreamed of debuted in Japan as well, was great influenced by another artist who had many hit songs flying to the top in Japan named BoA. BoA is the senpai (sunbae) to Taeyeon, who is also in SM Entertaiment, and debuted in Korea in 2000 and Japan in 2001.

In 2001, after knowing BoA debuted in Japan, Taeyeon said, “It was a big shock to me in a good way.” Taeyeon was still only in elementary school at the time.

Taeyeon mentioned, “Boa is really skilled in dancing and singing, so I’ve always looked up to her. She also speaks Japanese fluently. I have always wanted to be like BoA and have activities in Japan and around the world someday when I debuted.”

At that time, becoming a person like Boa became Taeyeon’s big goal; not only in Girls’ Generation who sing, dance, DJ, and be in variety shows, but also having an active role as a solo artist presently.

Girls’ Generation debuted in Korea and continued on to Japan. Taeyeon, who was full of spirit, thinking, “It’s finally time,” on their debut in Japan is now one step closer to her senpai, BoA, whom she admired since elementary school.

Succeeding even as a solo artist?!

In 2008, when conducting a survey on the theme of “Which female idol group member would succeed as a solo artist,” pushing aside many female idol group members, Taeyeon shined at number one.

And even in a survey conducted in 2009 on “which entertainer who is approaching coming-of-age this year is the most promising star,” Taeyeon was chosen number one.

Taeyeon’s singing prowess is exceptional and as a solo artist, grabbed attention as a new star in the original soundtrack sphere with her two big hits in 2008, “If” for the KBS drama “Hong Gil Dong,” and “Can You Hear Me?” for the MBC drama, “Beethoven Virus.”

She also appeared on radio shows as a DJ for “Kang-in’s and Taeyeon’s Chin Chin Radio” from April in 2008 and “Taeyeon’s Chin Chin Radio” from April in 2009.

She also has a vigorous challenging spirit. She also appeared in the same show that Seohyun is in; the popular variety show, “We Got Married.” Although she said, “I didn’t really know who my partner was, so I was really nervous at first, but because the members were with me, I was a little relaxed,” a part of her has the ambition to challenge new things.

Even the members appreciate Taeyeon’s clear singing

When speaking of Taeyeon, you think of “singing.” To say the least, Taeyeon has talent. In Girls’ Generation she is the main vocal and has a lot of solo activities as well.

In a survey on a community site on the topic of “which girls’ group singer has the most singing prowess,” Taeyeon was picked at number one, pushing aside many girl group vocalists.

The reason why she was chosen at number one is because of her skill in singing. Everybody gave high praise about Taeyeon’s singing abilities stating, “Her pitch stability and rich emotional expressions are her forte” and “She has plenty to singing prowess to even debut solo.”

Hyoyeon also acknowledges Taeyeon’s voice saying, “Taeyeon’s vocals are amazing. It’s a very clear voice and when she sings, we become relaxed.”

Capitalizing on her singing power, she is also taking on the challenge to perform in the musical, “Taiyou no Uta.”

Practice was so tough… she ran away back home

In the Japanese entertainment world, a lot of idols and comedians debut and disappear at any time. In Korea, compared with Japan, an even more strict competition unfolds.

In Korea, all idols have a training period before debut and along the way many idol candidates drop out. Even each member of Girls’ Generation had a number of years of strict lessons piled on. Taeyeon spent 5 years and 3 months as a trainee before debuting as a member of Girls’ Generation.

When Taeyeon was a trainee at the agency and because her home was so far away from the agency, she stayed in the same dorm room with fellow member Tiffany and f(x) member Sulli. Taeyeon has a diligent personality and was able to handle the strict lessons, but in reality, could not endure with the tough practices any longer and went back home on her own at one point.

With so many big activities now, such as DJ-ing and concerts, it is hard to imagine someone like her to run away back home. However, she returned to the dorm soon after. It might be because she could not leave behind her friends that also went through the same joys and sorrows and that have the same dream of standing on stage and becoming a star. It is because of those hardships that we have the shining Taeyeon now.

The reason for Taeyeon’s tears

The reason Taeyeon was chosen to be leader was because she is the oldest among all the members. With a strong sense of responsibility and becoming leader, Taeyeon felt the pressure in needing to be leader-like and pulling the group together. At one time, she was afflicted with sleepwalking due to this.

On a variety program, with hazy teary eyes, Taeyeon said this confession.

“Among 9 of us, there are 7 of us that are the same age and gathering everybody’s opinions is difficult and since we are all of the same age, it is hard for me to give out instructions to them. I already had a timid personality, but the other members thought I should have that leadership. When we had our “5 Minute Talk,” all the criticisms from everybody were pointed at me, the leader. The members spoke of their intentions with a dark expression and I couldn’t endure it anymore, so I flew into my room.”

Taeyeon cried in her room. After a little bit, Sooyoung came into the room that Taeyeon was in.

“I gathered my courage and made a proposal. Let’s get rid of the leader position.” Sooyoung and the other members agreed. From that time on, there is no leader for Girls’ Generation.

Her specialty is “sleep talking” and “sleepwalking?!”

When she was an elementary school student, Taeyeon would shock her dad by sleep walking unsteadily in the middle of the night. However, sleep walking is not the only thing surprising. Taeyeon’s extreme specialty is that she often sleep talks.

Sooyeon revealed about Taeyeon’s sleep talk, “While sleeping, Taeyeon solves math problems and greets somebody by herself.” Furthermore, Taeyeon’s sleep talk often shocks, such as, “while sleeping at night, she also makes phone calls that it’s scary.”

Taeyeon also DJ for a radio program, but she also works as a DJ in her dreams and often sleep talks while DJing.

Sooyoung is not the only one who knows of Taeyeon’s uncanny sleep talking. Yoona is constantly shocked at the fact that Taeyeon sleeps with her eyes open.

There are scary rumors and evidence that Taeyeon sleeps with her eyes open while in yoga poses.

Naturally, Taeyeon does not remember any of those things. Taeyeon suffers from sleepwalking, but perhaps it is instead the other members of Girls’ Generation that is suffering from Taeyeon’s sleepwalking and sleep talking.

Really a shy person after all

She was chosen to be leader of Girls’ Generation at first, but did not have the confidence to keep the group together and resigned as leader. She even revealed herself that she is timid. But is she really that timid?

Taeyeon spoke of Girls’ Generation concept of “wanting to become group with an open and natural image that can be loved from elementary school kids to the elderly, from male and females alike.” It is also mentioned that when the girls are all together and when they accomplish a feat; the first person to step forward usually is her. You would not think she would be timid, but…

However, the other members have said, “Taeyeon has a quiet personality, often keeps her thoughts to herself, and has lots of secrets.”

For the fans, she shows her gags, makes advances on the other members, and is bright and energetic on TV. However after the gag, she gets embarrassed and looks downward sheepishly. She really is a shy person after all?!




Next week: Shortest of them all...
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on June 21, 2011, 09:41:10 AM
T/L Note: I know it will probably come up in the comments, but regarding the "9 years" of Sunny's training, they included all the time when she entered the entertainment world starting in 1998, thus totaling 9 years until her debut with SNSD.


Sunny
She is short, but she is Girls’ Generation hardest worker

Profile:
Name: Lee Soon Kyu
Birthdate: May 15th, 1989
Height/Bloodtype: 155cm/B
Hobby: Reading
Education: Baewha All Girls High School
Specialty: Sports
Strong point: Hard working, calm
Weak point: Is often said she looks like a little kid

Her complex is being only 155cm tall!

On KBS popular variety show, “Invincible Youth,” Sunny blurted out, “I’m only 155cm tall,” which was different from her listed height.

Up until now, it was considered that Sunny was 157cm tall. After saying that line, Sunny laughed at the matter, “Ah, I said 2cm shorter.” After that confession, it became known that Sunny is the shortest among all the members of Girls’ Generation.

They can dance and sing really well! But that is not the only reason why Girls’ Generation is popular.

Their greatest charms are also their thin waists, long slim legs, and great style.

Girls’ Generation members may have bodies that anybody can be jealous of, however, Sunny has a complex of being so short.

Sunny charms many with her powerful voice as a lead vocalist. Even though she is only 155cm tall, she does not feel like she is shorter than any of the other members; her presence is strong.

However, Sunny, who has many concert and T.V. activities, is just like any other girl and also have her own worries. After that episode was shown, there is no doubt that there are more fans who love Sunny.

No special treatment!

S.M. Entertainment is one of the major entertainment agencies housing many singers and talents, such as Girls’ Generation.

The one who made S.M. Entertainment to what it is now is an important representative of Korea’s entertainment sphere, Chairman Lee Soo Man.

Actually, Sunny is Chairman Lee Soo Man’s niece. Sunny is the daughter of Chairman Lee Soo Man’s older brother Lee Soo Young.

Sunny was born into a family of entertainers. Sunny’s father, Lee Soo Young was the vocalist for former rock band, Hwaljooro. Sunny was also a member of the agency that produced popular girl group, Sugar. Also, her older sister is a manager for S.M. Entertainment. For Sunny, who was born into a household of entertainers, must have felt various pressures from her surroundings. She broke through a thousand fold of applicants to become a member of Girls’ Generation, but there are people who think that it was because she had connections she got into Girls’ Generation.

In response to those comments, Sunny replied, “I want to be acknowledged through my own abilities and efforts, not because of special treatment from my father or uncle. For that purpose, I will always put in all my effort.” She is not a specially treated idol.

I hate my real name!

She is often called Sunny, which is closely pronounced in Korean as “Soni.” Korean Americans Tiffany and Jessica are an exception, but the members of Girls’ Generation use their real name for promotions, except Sunny.

Why does Sunny not use her real name?

Sunny’s real name is Lee Soon Kyu. On a KBS program, Sunny confessed herself.

“My real name is called Lee Soon Kyu. My uncle gave me that name, but it sounds really old, so I don’t really like it,” Sunny revealed while explaining why she calls herself Sunny.

Moreover, while making an appearance on the SBS variety program, “Strong Heart,” the program production team prepared a picture of Sunny when she was in middle school before the show, but in order not to show it to the other people, Sunny broke the board that the picture was stuck to in half and crushed it to pieces.

It was because Sunny did not want to show anybody the name Lee Soon Kyu that was written on the photo. Even when the other members call her name “Soon Kyu” jokingly on other programs, her cheeks would puff out and make a pouting face.

Sunny hates her real name to that extent.

Escaping the dorm to the amusement park! Sunny’s confession

One time, the members of Girls’ Generation escaped from their dorm and went to the amusement park. The 4 members who went were: Sunny, Jessica, Hyoyeon, and Tiffany.

The 4 girls were supposedly disguised completely with masks and scarves. They wanted to ride the roller coaster, so they waited in line for one hour, however, right when they were about to get on the ride, they were told that they could not go on with masks and scarves. Even so, they covered themselves with hoods and Sunny thought they did not get found out, “Nobody took notice of us,” however…

The next day, Sunny talked about their heroic tale to the other members. Coincidentally, while she was in the middle of telling her story, the members’ glances were glued to the PC monitor. The reason why they were looking was a picture of the 4 of them clearly riding the roller coaster, and it was uploaded for the public to see.

A few days later, an agency staff that knew they went to the amusement park without wearing any make-up, scolded, “The next time you guys go out, put on some make-up at least!”

On their days off, the girls often spend their time together. Other than amusement parks, they also go shopping, eating, and drinking together. Even with complete disguises, they will get discovered, so from here on, when they go out, they will need to put on make-up?!

Sunny’s efforts are not wasted even for 0.1 seconds

There are a total of 9 members in Girls’ Generation. Not only as Girls’ Generation, but each member needs to have character appeal. For Sunny, who has a complex of not standing out because she is the shortest out of all members at 155cm, it is especially an important problem. How does Sunny manage to solve this problem?

“When appearing on T.V., I constantly pay attention to the camera and aim to not waste even 0.1 seconds.”

In other words, Sunny is always keeps on her toes when in front of the camera. Also, when Girls’ Generation is singing, she said, “For example, even during another member’s part, I don’t forget to appeal myself as well.”

Even in this part, Sunny does not relax one bit.

Also, when asked “what part of yourself that you win more than the others,” Sunny answered, “The feeling of wanting the camera to capture you more than anyone else!”

Before Sunny joined Girls’ Generation, her training period is the longest among the members. Her training period is actually about 9 years. Definitely not wanting to quit and with effort and more effort, Sunny succeeded in becoming a Girls’ Generation member through her own abilities. It is only Sunny that aims to continually to put in hard work and never forgetting to keep a professional sense.

Spending the longest time of 9 years in a group before debuting

Girls’ Generation has many fans in both Korea and Japan. The girls right now gather popularity through their performances that show their amazing dances while singing. There are people out there that might be jealous of their life, but it is not an easy life.

Doing activities as one person in that popular idol group, even Sunny had a painful past.

As of now, Sunny is part of entertainment giant, S.M. Entertainment, but for 5 years starting in 1998, Sunny was part of Star World agency. She did activities during the 5 years she was a trainee, but nothing grew from it. Nevertheless, after taking on the strict lessons as a trainee, there were plans of her debuting in a 2 person female group, but the company’s management deteriorated and they could not debut. Sunny spent 5 years worth of hard work towards debuting, but now that path has been closed to her.

However, Sunny did not quit. In 2007, she applied to S.M. Entertainment’s public auditions, passed, and transferred over to S.M. She joined Girls’ Generation as the final 9th member. The reason why Sunny is the way she is right now is because she was able to overcome 9 years of training; the longest among Girls’ Generation.

A frequent patron that top surveys?! The survey is about…

In a survey that occurred on music portal site, Bugs, Sunny came in first on the topic of “which singer has a heart that is pure and innocent like a kid.”

On the variety show, “Invincible Youth,” that Sunny appears in, she is so bright and powerful that the other members said, “She looks like a kid,” and “She’s very strong-willed.” It seems that the result of the survey was influenced by this.

Sunny is like that, but there are other surveys that she came in as number when it was not predicted that she would. The topic of that survey was “the singer who seems to easily deceived on April Fools.” The reason why she was chosen was “because she is innocent like a child, she seems easily fooled.”

The results all lead to a pure Sunny.

Sunny has that cute image, but she also has a side where she will do the tasks that nobody else wants to do, such as grabbing a snake that all the members were afraid of with only her gloved hands and bungee jumping without hesitation.




Next week: Queen... THE Dancing Queen
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: ebc on June 21, 2011, 10:20:12 AM
:o another B blood type!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on June 28, 2011, 10:06:54 AM
Almost fell asleep before posting! Queen of Dance! Can't wait to see her solo performance!

Hyoyeon
Her nickname is Dancing Queen

Profile
Name: Kim Hyoyeon
Birthdate: September 22th, 1989
Height/Bloodtype: 160cm/AB
Hobby: Shopping, watching movies
Specialty: Dance, Chinese
Strong point: Bright and honest
Weak point: A little overbearing

Extra training in a boy’s dance group

An idol group with unimaginable singing skills and perfectly matching dances for the 9 girls; this is Girls’ Generation trait. The secret to perfectly matching dance is the 5 minute meeting all members gets together for every night.

Among Girls’ Generation, the member that is most enthusiastic when it comes to dancing is Hyoyeon.

Before debuting, Hyoyeon was already famous for being skilled in dancing. She did not train in a girls’ dance class, but actually in a boys’ dance class.

Admiring her sempai of the same agency, BoA, and Amuro Namie, Hyoyeon’s dances are accurate and intense. Members and fans call her “Dancing Queen” for her skills.

There are also many passionate fans in Japan of Girls’ Generation dances. Even in Tokyo, there are a lot of openings of events that dances the choreography of Girls’ Generation. Even among them, there is a high level of attention paid to Hyoyeon’s dances. When Hyoyeon found out that a lot of Japanese fans pay attention to her dances, she had a happy smile on her face.

Hyoyeon mentioned, “I’m really happy that fans look forward to my dances,” but on the other hand, also promised, “Dance is popular in Japan, so I think fans have a sharp eye. For those fans, I want to keep challenging myself with various dances.”

She thought of quitting Girls’ Generation

When you think of dance, you think of Hyoyeon! Called the Dancing Queen, she currently acts as Girls’ Generation lead dancer.

Hyoyeon is good in dancing and her reflexes are excellent. However, she’s not only excellent in exercise. In 2004, Hyoyeon, along with Super Junior Siwon, went to China together for language studies and Chinese is one of her specialties. Also, Super Junior is Girls’ Generation sempai in the agency and their dance competition exchanges run deep.

Hyoyeon, who has good reflexes and studies, also have an honest and direct personality that the other members adore. However, she also had worries that she could not speak to anybody else. Actually, she worried about whether to quit Girls’ Generation or not at one moment in time.

“I wanted to test my dance skills that have been improving upon and debuted in Girls’ Generation. But, still, there were a lot of times I was lost. I have thought about quitting Girls’ Generation and studying abroad. But I broke through that slump. I’ve decided to do my best as a member of Girls’ Generation.”

When she was a trainee, she practiced with the boys and has a fresh personality that anybody will like. Even with someone like her, she also had times with her own worries that no one knows.

She actually failed the audition?!

Hyoyeon’s chance to enter this world was due to the influence of her mother.  Actually her mother was a fan of Korea’s overwhelming popular male idol group, H.O.T., from their debut in 1996 to their disbandment in 2001. Hyoyeon’s idol-loving mother gave her a supportive push and told her, “Try to aim for being an idol.” After that, Hyoyeon passed S.M. Entertainment auditions, trained for 6 years and 1 month, and became Girls’ Generation fourth member.

However, her road in debuting as a Girls’ Generation member was not easy.

At first, she failed to pass the audition’s initial paperwork examination. One photo caught S.M. Entertainment manger, Kim Sohyeon’s eye while he was looking at the profiles of failed applicants. “Her outer appearance was just like anybody else, but she emitted an intense impact.”

The picture that caught Mr. Kim’s eye was when Hyoyeon was only a 5th grade student. It because it caught his eye that Hyoyeon’s road to becoming an idol opened up.

Her athleticism is exceptional! Number one in the 100 meter dash!

On January 24th, 2010, SNSD appeared on KBS variety show, “Let’s Go Dream Team!” and the top winners were unveiled. The members challenged a variety of sports, such as vaulting, high jump, zig zag race, capture the flag, and other various activities, and showed a sigh that we do not normally see in sports.

Among those activities, Hyoyeon participated in the 100 meter dash. She came in first, setting a record for being the fastest among all the participants that have appeared on the show. After getting number 1, Hyoyeon thanked her mother, “After telling my mom that I will be appearing on this show, she made some traditional Chinese medicine drinks. The results of drinking the Chinese medicine can be seen.”

Furthermore, undaunted by Hyoyeon, Kara member Nicole, met in the final round of the zig zag race and the two showed a good match.

In the end, Hyoyeon barely beat Nicole and kept her place with her total points. Nicole praised Hyoyeon’s athleticism, “It’s disappointing, but Hyoyeon is really amazing!”

And the person who reached the top for the gold medal in total ranking points was the exceptionally athletic Hyoyeon. While showing a smile, she was energetic from beginning to end.

Holding the gold medal, Hyoyeon said happily, “I want to share this happiness with Girls’ Generation, who played together on dream team today.”

Right after debut, sleeping time is 2-3 hours

Bright and powerful dancer, Hyoyeon, had worries of not getting enough sleep.

In 2007, they released their single, “Into the New World,” and it was a big hit. Girls’ Generation was in great demand with T.V. appearances, concerts and album recordings. In the middle of all that, Hyoyeon muttered with slight confusion, “Everyday is tough for other artists. They said it was tough, but I didn’t understand. But now, I think I’ve come to understand that they mean a little.”

Also, she confessed about always having a lack of sleep, “The hardest part is not getting enough sleep.” It is said that on average they only get about 2 to 3 hours of sleep every day! The always energetic Hyoyeon got less sleep the more Girls’ Generation got busy right after debut.

In recent years in Korea, the busier the schedules got, the health of idols deteriorates and there have been increases in fainting. With Girls’ Generation upcoming activities, we worry about Hyoyeon’s continual lack of sleep…

Hyoyeon calls the shots?

Combining all the members, Girls’ Generation is a big group with 9 members. When it comes to details, it is always hard to get a general consensus. For times like those, there are various deciding factors.

Since all members are living together, there is major disorder for the bathrooms in the morning. Shower order is decided by “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” They have rules such as, “breakfast every morning is made by the member who wakes up first and the last person that wakes up cleans,” “definitely writing your name on underwear,” and even a rule to “not hide the person you like,” so they do not overlap with each other.

The other way they decide is by majority vote. Since they have 9 members, the opinion of the members that reaches 5 votes is carried out. Yoona affirmed that Hyoyeon is the best at collecting votes.

At meal times, when the members’ opinions on what to eat are different, Hyoyeon positively proposes, “I want to eat this! Let’s eat this everybody.” Also, with dancing and singing practice start times, Hyoyeon forcefully decides, “I’m good at starting at this time, so everybody gather at this time!”

I feel that many of you might think that Hyoyeon decides this unilaterally for the most part instead of majority vote.

However, with such a strong opinion it seems Hyoyeon leads everybody and the members follow obediently with, “I understand.”

Full of vigor and challenging spirit

Called the dancing queen, Hyoyeon has a powerful image, but actually has a kind personality. On various variety shows, she takes the initiative in not talking about herself, but for the members, she is like an older sister.

Hyoyeon has a kind personality like that, but when it comes to work, she is ambitious.

Yuri said in an interview, “We want to do activities in Japan as long as possible,” but Hyoyeon has the same exact view. Everybody is doing their best studying Japanese by taking lessons and also by listening to Japanese music and watching Japanese dramas.

Furthermore, from their debut in Korea, Girls’ Generation has been appeared on different variety shows. About their Japanese activities from hereafter, “We heard that Japanese variety shows are interesting, so we want to try and be on them too,” and they plan to challenge various kinds of genres than they have in Korea in Japan as well.

Also, Hyoyeon confessed in an interview about appearing on Japan Record Awards and Red vs White Singing Contest, “Honestly, I desire it,” showing that it is not like she did not think about it completely.

Full of energy, Hyoyeon said, “There might be a lot of goals that I want to try do to from now on. Right now, there are a lot of things I want to challenge.” There is no doubt that Hyoyeon will be showing various expressions in Japan as well.



Next week: Final member, full of eye-smiles
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: daigong on June 28, 2011, 03:22:32 PM
THANKS FEN :D

aww the softer side of Hyo!  I too look forward to her solo dances =)
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on July 05, 2011, 10:34:39 AM
Chapter 2 done!!! But 4 more chapters to go. ;_;

Tiffany
Members also acknowledge her popularity

Profile
Name: Stephanie Hwang
Birthdate: August 1th, 1989
Height/Bloodtype: 162.5cm/O
Hobby:  Watching movies, listening to music
Education: Korea Kent Foreign School
Specialty: English, Flute, Singing
Strong point: Kind and always does her best
Weak point: Poor with Korean

Vocal cord nodules and leg injuries. Bad luck!

In 2009, Tiffany complained of pain and her throat feeling abnormal, so she took a break from recording her MC duties on the music program, “Show! Music Core.”

Her agency, S.M. Entertainment announced, “She received medical treatment just about a week ago, but because it hasn’t healed completely, she will be taking a break just this time. Next week, she will return to her MC duties as normal.”

After that, her condition was identified as vocal cord nodules. Vocal cord nodules occur in occupations where the voice is often used, especially for a singer. Tiffany is also cursed with being such a hard worker that it caused her throat to hurt. And after finishing the medical treatment, Tiffany returned to the show safely.

However, that was not Tiffany’s only misfortune. At the Baek Sang Arts Awards Ceremony, in the middle of singing a song, she injured her leg. During the recording of  “Show! Music Core” the next day, Tiffany appeared in a cast. Amidst the worries of the fans, the agency explained, “The bone is not broken. We are taking extra care, so we put on the cast.” Tiffany continues to stand even if misfortunes fall upon her, like vocal cord nodules and injuring her leg, making fans worry.

After finishing the recording, Tiffany flew to Japan for work, even while wearing the cast.

Girls’ Generation is cake and desserts

Each of the 9 members in Girls’ Generation has their own personality. Besides group activities, each member has their own various activities they do, like singing, radio, or dancing.

Among them, Tiffany’s activities stand out. Including her solo activities with her characteristic singing voice, she was the MC for “Sonyeon Sonyeo Gayo Baekseo” in 2007 and “Show! Music Core” from 2009.

And during an interview, Tiffany said this about Girls’ Generation: “I think the members of Girls’ Generation are like fruits and sweets. Every single one has a different shape and taste. Because each member has their own activities and if the members were fruits, I think even eating them separately, it would be delicious.”

Tiffany expressed the members’ individual activities as fruits.

Laughing, “The members are ingredients and when making a cake or dessert, it becomes Girls’ Generation,” showing a great power when all the members gather together.

Also, “I want to keep showing the fans that Girls’ Generation cake’s sweet charm,” she pledged, offering an unchanging performance for the fans from now and beyond.

Excellent at English, but poor at Korean?

Korean-American Tiffany and Jessica’s specialty is English.

Sooyoung constantly reveals, “I’m jealous that Tiffany speaks English so well.” Sooyoung is envious of Tiffany’s English speaking capabilities, but on the other hand, she is teased by the other members for not being able to speak Korean well.

Also Korean-American, Jessica, started studying Korean at 12 years old. On the other hand, Tiffany started studying Korean when she was a high school student.

Even on KBS variety show, “Hello Baby,” she is often teased by the other members with her not-so-perfect Korean. However, Tiffany has been studying Korean with all her might and, now, her Korean have become much better than when she first started. She is truly a hard worker.

Girls’ Generation even debuted in Japan. Right now all members are currently studying Japanese.  Tiffany not only has to study Korean, but also study Japanese well, making her more and more busy.

Tiffany’s charm that the members acknowledge

With a style that anybody is jealous of, Girls’ Generation charms the fans. Especially, their slim and long beautiful leg dance is the highlight.

And on a survey carried out on a community site, Tiffany shined as number 1 as the female artist who has the most attractive thighs. She had an overwhelming support of 4,755 votes out of 11,657 gathered.

There were many fans who voted commented, “Tiffany’s cute face and sexy body has capture the hearts of male fans.”

Furthermore, the exceptionally stylish Girls’ Generation members also acknowledged Tiffany’s charms, “Tiffany is the most popular among male celebrities.”

The reason is “because Tiffany is the only member who was asked for an autograph by male celebrities.” Tiffany, herself, also admitted to that fact, “I was asked for an autograph from Chun Jung-myung. I couldn’t believe it at first.”

By the way, Chun Jung-myung is not the only person who requested an autograph from Tiffany. Jo In-seong of the same agency also has asked Tiffany for an autograph. The number 1 in popularity is decided with Tiffany?!

Lead vocalist also had lots of solo activities

Tiffany is a Korean-American who was born in Los Angeles, USA.

In October 2004, when Tiffany was singing on stage at a Korean festival held in Los Angeles, coincidentally a staff from S.M. Entertainment saw it, scouted her, and Tiffany became plunged into this world.

And after, as expected of Tiffany whose skill in singing was recognized and scouted, she also did solo activities.

Tiffany participated in the original soundtrack of the drama that aired on SBS, “Jamyeonggo,” and sang the solo song, “Be Myself.” The drama was not necessarily a big hit, but Tiffany’s song brought attention.

Also, she did a duet with K.Will singing “A Girl, Meets Love.” At that time, Tiffany said happily, “Since debut, this is the first time I’ve sung a song with somebody else that is not a member, so I’m nervous, but because K.Will-senpai is a great singer, I’m really happy to be able to have a duet together.” Furthermore, Tiffany boasted proudly, “I hope a lot of people will love this song for a long time.” Each member of Girls’ Generation is very good at singing. Among them, lead vocal, Tiffany’s skill is also acknowledged by the members.

Studying through “Tonari no Totoro” (My Neighbor, Totoro)

After debuting in Japan, the thing that bothers the girls most is the wall of words. “If we are able to communicate through more words, we would have more confidence and we can also appeal ourselves more,” so currently, all members are in the middle of studying Japanese.

Holding American citizenship, Tiffany is excellent in English, but knows next to nothing for Japanese. However, thanks to Sooyoung, interest about Japan grew. “Sooyoung taught me a lot about Japan. Because of that chance, I have an interest in Japan,” Tiffany said, looking up to Sooyoung, who is skilled in Japanse.

“Sooyoung is great with Japanese. Not only that, her speaking power in making people laugh is outstanding. I also want to become an interesting person like Sooyoung.”

Tiffany studies Japanese through “Tonari no Totoro.” Tiffany, who loves Director Miyazaki Hayao’s works, said, “I study by watching anime. I’m still a beginner, but I’ve slowly come to understand the solo lines. I watch it on repeat countless of times.” She studies Japanese through Studio Ghibli’s films.

In the close future, not only Japan, but Girls’ Generation may also advance to English-speaking countries. Tiffany, who can speak English fluently, would not even need to study.

Tiffany’s weak point is kids?

Girls’ Generation suddenly became mothers?

Girls’ Generation members directly visited families with special circumstances, such as college students, dual income families, celebrity husband and wife, and multinational families, and looking after a child in one day, the members of Girls’ Generation appeared as regulars in the childcare experience variety show, “Hello Baby.”

On “Hello Baby,” the members played the role of mothers every time and tried to connect with children, but only Tiffany’s behavior changed. While the other members were having fun with the baby, they played with the toys, but there were many times Tiffany kept her distance from the other members.

Tiffany is actually poor with kids. Bright and reliable Tiffany’s strong point is taking care of the other members, but is not good in taking care of babies.


*****************************************************************************
Girls’ Generation’s kind seniors and close juniors

Girls’ Generation agency, S.M. Entertainment, is Korea’s industry leader in entertainment production and has various groups and musicians under them.

For Girls’ Generation, their seniors include BoA, Tohoshinki, and Super Junior. Among them, Tohoshinki are important seniors who encouraged them at every opportunity since their trainee days and leader Yunho taught all the members of Girls’ Generation the importance of teamwork. Even after debuting, Girls’ Generation, who adores Tohoshinki as their seniors, was in charge of the insert song of Yunho’s drama, “No Limit ~ Heading to the Ground.” Taeyeon said with great happiness, “It would be great to help Yunho-senpai’s drama shine through our song.”

For their juniors, there is Jessica’s younger sister, Krystal, who is a member of f(x) and the 5 member guy group, SHINee. SHINee has a close relationship with Girls’ Generation to the extent that they even appeared as guests in Girls’ Generation’s concert. Even among them, same aged Jessica and SHINee’s Onew are especially good friends and in the mini album, “Genie ~Tell Me Your Wish~,” they recorded a duet song, “1 Year Later,” together. Both of their skills as a singer are top class among their groups. You can hear their perfect harmony. Onew calls Jessica, “Jessica-senpai,” when in front of other people. However, they are good friends of the same age. It seems during their private time they chat without using honorifics.
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: daigong on July 05, 2011, 03:24:55 PM
WHOA there's more?! MAD PROPS FEN! <333

aww poor Tiff. Hello Baby really brought out their comedic classics!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on July 13, 2011, 06:43:32 AM
The rest of book is about Girls' Generation as a whole and all their funny, sad, scary, and heart-warming moments!

Chapter 3

Part 1

Girls’ Generation touching stories

The nine brilliant girls who debuted


As S.M. Entertainment’s treasured kids, Girls’ Generation accomplished their striking debut on August 2nd, 2007.

The day before their debut, they continuously played the music video of their single, “Into the New World,” every day and the girls themselves jumped from station to station. Moreover, they had vigorous activities, such as appearing at various music events and at a professional baseball game between the Doosan Bears vs. the Kia Tigers where Yuri and Sooyoung opened the game.

That was well worth it as their debut song, “Into the New World,” was played on air for a total of 247 times on T.V. and radio in the 5th week of August (Aug. 27th – Sept. 02) and on the comprehensive weekly chart, they were decorated with an impressive number one. Also, for a tally on a portal site, they were number one for 7 days straight as the most looked up singer in Korea; they surged to the top that teenagers took interest in.

It is not only the level of attention they got. The girls’ CD, “Into the New World,” recorded the highest sales for a new artist within the month of August and won August’s Digital Music Award for the New Artist Award organized by Korea’s top SNS (Social Networking Site), “Cyworld.”

After debuting for 2 months in October, “Into the New World” finally reached the top of the 100th show of music channel M.net’s “M.Countdown!” For the girls, this is their first time getting number one on a music program. Incidentally, that day, the members all gathered at the dorm and shared the happiness, throwing a yakiniku party with the staff.

In November, they released their album, “Girls’ Generation.” The title track, “Girls’ Generation,” is a remake of Lee Seung-cheol’s hit song. On KBS2 TV, “Music Bank,” they appeared together with Lee Seung-cheol, increased their popularity even more, and ranked number 1 in the 3rd week of November (Nov. 12th – Nov. 18th) on the weekly charts.

The girls’ rivals were JYP Entertainment’s popular girl group, Wonder Girls. With “Into the New World’s” ‘hello dance,’ group of the times, Girls’ Generation and with “Tell me’s” ‘twisting dance’ by the explosively popular Wonder Girls, they were compared to each other as the same girl group. And then Girls’ Generation showed their ‘doll dance’ for “Girls’ Generation” and Wonder Girls showed their ‘fan genie dance’ for “I Babo.” Together with Wonder Girls, Girls’ Generation became the group of pulling in the girl group world.

Participating in charity activities

One of the reasons the girls are loved by their country is their positive participation in charity activities.

In December 2007, it was announced that Girls’ Generation gave 1,000,000 won (Approx. 73,000 yen) worth of uniforms to a home where disadvantaged boys and girls were living. They negotiated with Elite Uniforms, who they were modeling for, and were able to receive the donation for it.

Also in December of that year, Girls’ Generation, along with Kim Jong-seo, Kim Jang-hoon, Super Junior, and 14 other groups, announced the album “Light.” The all profits from this album will be donated to disadvantaged people.

Furthermore, in a product collaboration between Girls’ Generation and Family Mart, one part of the sales made from “Girls’ Generation Rice Ball” will be donated to social welfare committees. And in the 3800 Family Mart located throughout the country, it sold 200,000 pieces in one month and was able to donate 1,000,000 (Approx. 73,000 yen) to Myeongjeong Children Welfare Center. The fans applauded them as the members said, “We’re really happy to be able to participate in such a meaningful event through ‘Girls’ Generation Rice Ball.’”

In April of 2008, they took part in the 2008 World Youth Volunteer Week Anniversary and carried out volunteer activities with about 50 other youths.

For the Happy Energy Campaign, to improve the problem of Ethiopia’s daily use water, Girls’ Generation started fundraising activities in June 2009. “Just like when Ethiopia helped us during the Korean War, this time we want to lend our strength to Ethiopia,” they mentioned as their motivation for participating. Since this campaign, it is said that the number of youths that participate in charities have increased in a positive way.

In December of this year, the members put up the costumes they wore in “Genie –Tell Me Your Wish’s” music video for a charity auction intended to donate all proceeds. Yoona’s personally autographed skirt went for 2,010,000 won (Approx. 146,000 yen), Tiffany’s shirt sold for 1,010,000 won (Approx. 73,000 yen), Seohyun’s Capri’s and Sooyoung’s belt went for 945,000 won (Approx. 69,000 yen) and 456,000 won (Approx. 33,000 yen) respectively.

If Girls’ Generation puts in this much of their effort in charity activities, then the girls’ fans will naturally start to volunteer as well. In 2010, on Tiffany’s birthday of August 1st, Girls’ Generation volunteer fan group donated a large amount in Tiffany’s name.

Girls’ Generation friendship record

Graduating from S.M. Entertainment’s trainees, Girls’ Generation is loved by their friends and seniors from their trainee days to their debut.

When they have not debuted yet and were still trainees, Tohoshinki’s Yunho gave them advice, “Value teamwork. When a problem occurs, discuss it thoroughly.” Also, BoA, who is like an older sister and adored by the members, told them, “Don’t be nervous.”

Around the time when they were called the female Super Junior, Girls’ Generation also received advice from Super Junior personally. Not only did they learn from Super Junior the know-how on stage and on T.V., they also learned how important it is to have conversation between each other and to have a considerate heart for fellow members.

They also have a connection with the girl group, Wonder Girls. Debuting only two months after, both have appeared together in front of an audience over 10,000 people. Even after that, they have been compared to each other over various things that rival composition was created.

So then, what do Wonder Girls really think about Girls’ Generation?

In June 2008, during the recording of “The Star Show” that Wonder Girls appeared on, the MC, Park Suhong, asked them, “What do you think about Girls’ Generation?”  “Girls’ Generation is a good rival. If Girls’ Generation is on the news, it becomes a Wonder Girls topic too, so it’s like becoming an advertisement,” they laughed. Among them Sun Mi really likes Girls’ Generation and revealed, “Girls’ Generation is really refreshing and charming. I especially like Taeyeon-unnie.” Even if they are rivals, Girls’ Generation is also loved.

Moreover, celebrities who state they are Girls’ Generation fans are not small.

Kim Seung-soo, who played an enthusiastic performance as Prince Daeso in ‘Jumong,’ said on MBC’s popular variety program, ‘Come to Play,’ “Since Girls’ Generation is on a break, I’m depressed.” In March 2009, on SBS’s music program, ‘Kim Jung-eun’s Chocolate,’ Hwang Jung-min, a well known actor in movies like, ‘Blades of Blood’ and ‘Private Eye,’ replied, “Girls’ Generation. Especially Yoona,” when asked by the MC, Kim Jung-eun, “Which female celebrity do you want to meet?” It was reported that right before his 100 day break, enlisted Kim Jeong-hoon confessed to his friend, “After joining the military, I’ve come to like Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon.”

While receiving all this kind of support from many artists, Girls’ Generation have been able to walk step by step on this journey so far.

Dashing out to the world, Girls’ Generation

Debuting in 2007, Girls’ Generation has also suddenly become popular in Thailand. A sign of their popularity can be seen with a video uploaded to an online video site. On the video site, there is a video uploaded that shows a group of Thai girls doing the complete dance to Girls’ Generation’s debut song, “Into the New World.”

Tohoshinki and Super Junior also have already done activities in Thailand and representing Korea’s girl group, Girls’ Generation also grew popular. Fans who copy their performance appear one after another.

The following year in April, the girls’ album, “Girls’ Generation,” was released in Thailand. In June, the recorded song, “Kissing You,” on “Girls’ Generation” was number 1 on Thailand’s hit chart on the music channel, MTV, for 3 straight weeks (from May 10th to May 30th). At that time, the girls had not done a Thai concert yet.

In September 2008, SM Town Live 2008 Asia Tour was held. SM Town is a music event where artists from S.M. Entertainment gather and this year was the first time they had a performance overseas. In 2008, they had performances in Seoul, Shanghai, and Bangkok and of course Girls’ Generation, Tohoshinki, Super Junior, SHINee, and others all appeared.

In 2009, because of Tohoshinki’s disbandment troubles, SM Town was on indefinite postponement (in reality, called off), but in 2010, to let out all that power that gathered during that time SM Town Live 2010 World Tour was held. Starting in Seoul, they had concerts at Asia’s major cities, such as Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Tokyo and it was a big success. Along with other S.M. Entertainment artists, like Kangta, BoA, U-Know, MAX, Super Junior, SHINee, f(x), and TRAX, Girls’ Generation performed enthusiastically in front of their Asia fans.

In June 2010, they announced that Girls’ Generation would finally advance to Japan. “Our Japanese debut single will be released in September. After that, we plan to promote while going back and forth between Japan and Korea,” the girls explained.

From the beginning of their debut, they set forth their target, “If we become popular in Korea, next, we want to go out to Asia or the whole world. Of course, we want to be recognized in dancing and singing, but also in other various fields, like acting, MCing, and DJing.” The girls’ dreams are coming true.

Things that let the girls grow

Girls’ Generation has stood on many stages and through those stages they were able to grow. In this corner, let’s chase after the girls’ stages.

The first time one of their performances made big headlines was four months after their debut during an event with a co-performance with the Wonder Girls in November of 2007. In a special opening invitational exhibition before the super match, Federer and Sampras, emperors of new and old tennis, had a showdown, and gave over 10,000 fans something to go wild about. As a ‘Wonder Girls vs Girls’ Generation Super Match,’ this performance became K-pop’s epic making historical event.

Entering 2008, they appeared on big live stages one after another, like the Love and Hope Concert, White Love Concert, and Dream Concert. From August, they also appeared on stages overseas, like Shanghai and Bangkok for SM Town Live 2008 which started in Seoul.

For the Asia Song Festival 2008 that occurred in October, they performed on stage with other foreign artists, like Taiwan’s Fahrenheit and Japan’s Berryz Koubou, and broadened their outlook. From around this time, the girls became even more aware of the world.

Taking a break doing music promotions for awhile as a group in 2009, they did not stand on major stages all together, but they each did activities in their specialty fields, such as singing, acting, or MCing; saving their strength.

In August 2010, with the DVD, “Arrival of SNSD Japan Commemorative Edition ~ New Beginning of Girls’ Generation,” Girls’ Generation advanced to Japan. Roughly 22,000 fans rushed to Ariake Coliseum.

And not having any time to take a breath, participating in SM Town 2010 World Tour concert, the girls flew to America. At the Los Angeles concert, the girls performed their song and dance in front of about 15,000 people. With the pressure of performing on this stage in front of an audience that was over 70% non-Korean, the group that received the most applause was, of course, the girls.

A revealing tearful episode

Valuing abilities and looks from childhood times, the members of Girls’ Generation already left their parent’s home and lived together in dorms since training times. The girls continue even now to still live together in a dorm, but do they not miss their families as well?

That time actually happened in 2009 on SBS’s popular music program, “Kim Jung-eun Chocolate,” where all members appeared on the show.

At the beginning of the show, they sang, “Genie –Tell Me Your Wish,” and then a talk corner with a plan of having the audience ask for wishes from the members. One of the requesters that appeared was a female wearing a mask to hide her face. “My daughter is around the same as you guys. However, since she is unfriendly, please be a model for my daughter,” requested the woman and Sunny and Seohyun accepted the request with a smile.

The woman also had one more wish and wanted her daughter to hear the letter she wrote personally. When MC Kim Jung-eun started reading the letter in her place, Taeyeon promptly chimed in.

“Among us, the word “mother” is forbidden. Please stop reading [the letter].”

The girls, who have grown up in the dorms since little, normally avoided talk about family and mothers. In order not to be lonely or sad, it is a Girls’ Generation rule. Furthermore, it is possible that Taeyeon wanted to stop the reading because she was anxious over Tiffany, who does not have a mother.

However, Kim Jung-eun continued reading the letter. And after she was finished reading letter, at the same time, the requester who had her face hidden by the mask was strongly embracing a tearful Seohyun.

Yes, the requester is actually Seohyun’s mother. When she realized it was her own mother, Seohyun rushed to her mom while crying. All the other members broke down crying in their seats and hugged each other.

At the end, Seohyun’s mother thanked the other members, “Thank you for always loving my only daughter like she is younger sister. I think of all of you as my daughters and support you.”

Usually always with bright smiles; with their feelings of being separated from their families, this was brief moment where you can see their feelings of taking care of each other.

Girls’ Generation’s charms are?

Girls’ Generation stands at the top of female dance groups. As it is known, the girls’ activities just does not stop at singing and dancing. Naturally beautiful and with bright characters, their active roles continue to grow as they are chosen to be CM models, be appointed for event PRs, and more. From debut to Girls’ Generation now, let’s check out the activities they have done to become national idols as a group.

2 months after their debut in November 2007, Girls’ Generation quickly launched a unique hit. In collaboration with Family Mart, donations from a portion of the proceeds from “Girls’ Generation Rice Ball” gathered attention and a total of 2,000,000 pieces were sold in 3800 locations of Family Mart across the nation.

In March 2008, it became big news that they were the models for Yukyung Technologies’s portable multimedia player, Viliv. The streets of Korea were painted in Girls’ Generation with advertisements wrapped around buses and of course T.V. CMs and street posters.

With this CM, the girls’ cute looks were once again appraised by teenagers and taking that in, a photo book was released. The photo books were organized into 3 volumes called “Houkago (After School) 5 P.M.;” starting with Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, and Seohyun making an appearance in “Dokidoki (Heart Pounding) Date,” and continued with Jessica, Yuri, and Sooyoung in “Popular School Girls,” and Yoona, Sunny, and Tiffany in “Come Play at My House.”

That same year, they were appointed as models for “Mabinogi,” an online game also well known in Japan. In August, the game’s title song sang by Tiffany, Jessica, and Seohyun, “Mabinogi (It’s Fantastic!),” was released through music portal sites, such as Soribada, Melon, and Jukeon. As a result of that, internet lovers, Netizens, became fans of the girls.

Furthermore, in July 2009, all the members graced the cover of fashion magazine, “Ceci.” It was the first time in Korea that a female group made it to the cover of a fashion magazine; proof that they even grab attention in the fashion world.

In December 2009, at MBC Entertainment Awards, Girls’ Generation won the big prize for acting. Not only in singing, they are also recognized for T.V. dramas and radio.

From 2009 to 2010, along with Super Junior, they had a big promotion as Seoul’s tourism ambassadors. They were very popular among the tourists who visited Korea from all over the world.




Next week: Part 2!

Start of chapter 3 marks the halfway point, so a small thanks for those who have been reading up to now. ^^
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: ebc on July 13, 2011, 09:44:16 AM
:o halfway! how big is this book!
Don't work too hard! You're the best fen!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on July 20, 2011, 04:33:26 AM
Update before heading off to vacation for a week, so we'll see when the next update will be ^^;

Chapter 3

Part 2


From stage costumes to private life
The secrets of Girls’ Generation’s fashion and make-up

[size="5"]Trendy Generation[/size]

Girls’ Generation becomes dolls?!


Girls’ Generation released their first album, “Girls’ Generation,” in November 2007. At the time, the album jacket photos caused quite a stir.

In the jacket photo, there were 9 mannequins lined up. However, they were not dolls, but Girls’ Generation disguised as dolls. They wore accessories with fashion that matched each of the girls characters. Almost as if they were like Barbie dolls. Even in the MV, the members that were disguised as dolls charmed the fans with doll-like expressions and movement. Furthermore, the cute and trendy doll-like figures were quite popular that real Girls’ Generation dolls were sold later.

Jacking the front cover with rainbow colors!

Girls’ Generation does not only influence fans through only dance and singing. They have tremendous influencing power from fashion to lifestyle.

In 2008, Girls’ Generation was selected to be the ad models for Italian sports band ellesse. The ad’s concept was “Rainbow Friends.” Each of the 9 members had their own color theme and the ad presented 9 different kinds of dreams and friend’s story.

A representative of ellesse said, “Through Girls’ Generation, we want to show a different ellesse to young people from their 10s to their 20s.

Girls’ Generation vs. Wonder Girls?! Rivals even with fashion

Wonder Girls and Girls’ Generation are idol groups that represent K-pop. Because of that, Wonder Girls and Girls’ Generation are always compared to each other. Even in fashion, the 2 groups are symmetrical: the rough sexy appeal of Wonder Girls compared with innocent Girls’ Generation.

A representative of the fashion world commented, “Everyone in Girls’ Generation wears clothing that matches while in Wonder Girls, all 5 members’ clothes are different. Girls’ Generation appeals to innocence and sexy clothing emphasize Wonder Girls. You can see they are completely different, but the strength of influence on young people and on brand name sales are the same.”

Leave any kind of genre to them!

One of Girls’ Generation’s charms is their clothes. The costumes that Girls’ Generation wear has become a point where it will obviously be a big fad among young people.  With the release of their mini album, “Gee,” in January 2009, Girls’ Generation lead the fashion with pastel color skinny jeans and the phrase, “Girls’ Generation Gee Look,” was born. Also in the same year in June, they changed to marine girls with the 2nd mini album release, “GENIE –tell me your wish.“ The cute and sexy marine look became a fad.

Certainly, Girls’ Generation is the fashion leader no matter what kind of genre it is.

Cute in T-shirts! Tweety Appeal

In June 2009, Girls’ Generation have been appearing in a lot of extravagant clothes up to now, but on this day, they appeared in a rough style of jeans or short pants and t-shirts. The participating members showed off Warner Bros. popular character in “Looney Tunes,” the attention grabbing fashion icon, Tweety.

At the multi shop opening event of Tweety merchandise, including jewelry, bags, clothes, watches, and shoes, Girls’ Generation appeared as models showing off Tweety.

20 page exclusive!  Prominence in the fashion world too

In April 2008, they chosen to be advertising models for Italian sports brand, ellesse, and became Korea’s young female fashion icons. Girls’ Generation jacked the cover of a fashion magazine. In 2009, Girls’ Generation was chosen to be the cover models for Korea’s top female fashion magazine, “CeCi.” The first time for all members of an idol female group to adorn the cover of a fashion magazine was Girls’ Generation.

Also, in the magazine was a 20 page exclusive on Girls’ Generation and this was the first time in the history of CeCi to have this many pages for a cover model.

Seducing with rouge make-up! Eyes that show determination up with smoky eye make-up

In 2010, Girls’ Generation did a complete 180 from a sweet and clean image to sexy females. Everyone wore tight black clothes with black knee high boots. Fans were surprised and excited with the new Girls’ Generation. “Run Devil Run” is a rock style song with its theme being a warning to a male to not play around with females. The girls wore sexy black clothes for the image of the song and a complete change from the image they had up to now

Not only did the clothes change. Emphasizing dark eyes, the feature was smoky eyes and the devilish make-up became a hot topic.



From the choreographer to the doll dance
The secrets of Girls’ Generation dance


[size="5"]The Birth of Big Hit Dances[/size]

Yoona’s persistence


Girls’ Generation are good friends with each other even before debut. Yoona commented, “We knew of each other before debut and understand each other really well as members.” It is because Girls’ Generation gets along so well with each other that their dance performances are in synch. However, they also have their conflicts with each other during dance practice.

“The members are good friends with each other, but even now, our opinions over the dance choreography have conflicted. However, since everybody has good intentions, I think it’s good to voice our opinions like this and it’s important to consolidate those opinions to become Girls’ Generation,” Yoona spoke on their persistence.

Jessica’s thoughts

When you think of dance with Girls’ Generation Hyoyeon first comes to mind. Nicknamed the Dancing Queen, her abilities are for certain. However, Jessica does not lose to Hyoyeon as well. In order to show a stellar dance performance, Jessica also asks the members for constructive criticisms during practice.

Jessica explained, “Members contribute their opinions on Girls’ Generation’s concept and how to show a good appearance for this song and the like. At first it was confusing, but we’ve grown accustomed to bouncing ideas between members and coming as a whole together,” on tackling dance formation with all the members.

It’s because they had a rough training period

Korean idols have a strict training period of singing, dancing, and a mountain of other things they need to do. Girls’ Generation also endured strict practices. The longest time among the members that were trainees was Sunny at 9 years and even the shortest time, Tiffany, spent 3 long years as trainee. Taeyeon, who says she is the weakest at dancing, holds a past of not being able to endure the training and left for home once. In contrast, Yuri, who won the first SM Best Youth Dance Contest before becoming a trainee, is skilled in dance.

The members’ trainee period, experience, and abilities are all different from each other.

The origins of a big hit

In July 2007, at the time they debuted with the single, “Into the New World,” all the members were high school students. Now their sexy dances with beautiful legs are popular, but they appealed to the fans with their teenage lively energetic choreography for “Into the New World.”

It is said among the fans that the choreography for “Into the New World” is their most intense and difficult one among Girls’ Generation songs. The dances of their next releases, “Girls’ Generation,” “Oh,” and others are all big hits. The number of fans that want to copy the girls’ cute and sexy dances continues to increase.

Rebellious dance to guitar dance?

In their album, “Girls’ Generation” that was released in November 2007, the also included a variety of dances besides their cute and sexy dances. The fans looked forward to the variety of dances that Girls’ Generation would show in the album, “Girls’ Generation”, such as the cute doll dance where they moved and had expressions like a real doll, or a rebellious dance that moved like a selfish and spoiled kid, and guitar dance where as if they were really actually strumming a guitar.

Girls’ Generation, who danced a variety of dances, said proudly, “ We showed an 80’s style dance in “Girls’ Generation, but since we plan to change the composition little by little on stage from now, please look forward to it.”

The dance move has the letter “g”?!

“Gee,” which was released in January 2009 and a song about a girl who falls in love for the first time, was a big hit in Korea and created the Gee Syndrome.

The dance that appealed to the male heart was immensely popular among the fans, who said it was cute and wanted to copy the dance. There is a movement where the legs open and close while moving left and right and since it looked like a crab, it was called the crab dance among the fans. Also, the part of the chorus where they sing “gee gee gee gee,” they use their finger to write out a lower case “g.”

Dancing even in CMs!

Girls’ Generation is also quite active in CMs.

One of the CMs that Girls’ Generation appeared in is Samyang Foods’ “Samyang Ramen” CM. In order to show the appeal of Samyang Ramen to 10-20 year olds, we chose Girls’ Generation to be our spokespersons. Girls’ Generation’s bright and lively image fits perfectly with our product concept,” explained a representative of Samyang Foods. The choreography as if they are eating ramen is different flavor from their usual sexy choreography. Also, the fans call the CM song the spinney song and the dance the spinney dance.

The choreographer for Girls’ Generation is actually Japanese!

“Genie –Tell Me Your Wish-“ was a mini album that was released in June 2009. The choreographer in charge was a Japanese person named Nakasone Rino.

Nakasone Rino is a 33 year old from Okinawa. She left to America at 19 and is currently a professional dancer teaching dance in America. She was also the choreographer in charge for other groups such as Girls’ Generation senior, BoA, and f(x). The choreography’s main point is the movement of the arms and legs and Girls’ Generation’s exceptional style and perfectly matched formation stands out. Furthermore, from that leg movement, the fans call it the hacky sack dance and beautiful leg dance.

The one who gives the commands is… Taeyeon!

When dancing, it is difficult to perfectly synch 9 people. Therefore, when the girls are not in synch with each other, they call it out.

By calling it out during the dance, the 9 members of Girls’ Generation can match up their movements. The one who calls out those orders is the member who has a strong sense of responsibility, Taeyeon. Taeyeon is the one who commands to the girls, “1, 2, 3!” in the music video of “Oh!” an album released in January 2010.

However, there are times when the youngest member, Seohyun, is the one who gives out orders. Without any regard to age difference, she voices it over while they dance.

Transmitting a view of a dance practice!

The dance only version video of “Oh!” that was released in January 2010, was shown to the public on the video specialty site, Youtube, and recorded the most hits.

The video amazingly reached 273,173 views in one day. In the video, Girls’ Generation were dancing wearing super short jackets with enamel pink knee high boots. Moreover, this wasn’t at a concert, but real video of them dancing in a normal dance practice room. In a casual and cozy atmosphere, their dancing form is fresh and different from the usual dance shown on stage.

Provocative Dance!

The album, “Run Devil Run,” that was released in March 2010 is a complete change of Girls’ Generation image up to now.  Furthermore, in sexy clothes, the focus is on the devilish Girls’ Generation dance. In “Run Devil Run’s” PV, wearing black and white tight fitting clothes, the girls show a sexy dance that matches the rock tune of the song.

For the song’s theme of warning a bad boy, one can see the scheming in the dance’s choreography. In the middle of the dance, they also took a part of Korean figure skater, Kim Yuna’s performance. The dance matched with the “007” theme at the Olympics.

Sense of rivalry

It can be said that all Korean idols dancing is good. Before Girls’ Generation, idol groups like Kara and Wonder Girls have strength in dance. Even always perfectly in-synch Girls’ Generation puts in effort everyday in order not to lose.

Aired in April 2010, on MBC’s variety show, “Star Dance Battle,” starting with Girls’ Generation, other idol groups like 2pm had a battle against each other. Girls’ Generation’s Yuri, Hyoyeon, Seohyun, and Yoona performed a powerful sexy dance, but After School defeated them.
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on July 30, 2011, 08:01:42 AM
And back from vacation. Ugh. *wants to go back to Korea* Actually NY sounds good right now. lol



Chapter 4
 
[size="4"]Girls’ Generation Cute Phrases[/size]
 
Taeyeon

 
“If the nurse didn’t go out to eat, I wouldn’t have a cold”
 
That day Taeyeon’s body worsened, so they went to the hospital to get a shot.
 
However, because they were on lunch break, Taeyeon, who was refused an examination, spoke of her displeasure at that time on a late night live radio show broadcasted the same night. And when she mentioned, “Should I publically reveal that hospital’s name?” the listeners thought of her to be selfish and was angry. For Taeyeon, it was really a terrible day that day.
 
Taeyeon
 
“I quit being the leader.”
 
She confessed this line during the broadcast of variety show, “Strong Heart,” on December 15, 2009.
 
She has a very strong sense of responsibility and confided to the members that she could not endure the pressures of being the leader anymore. And the result of the continuous talk was the decision to discard the position of leader in Girls’ Generation. After that, the position of leader was gone, but as expected, Taeyeon is the core of Girls’ Generation.
 
Sunny
 
“I thought the drain cover was open.”
 
On the variety show, “Star Golden Bell,” when Super Junior Sungmin was asked the question, “Who does not look like a famous entertainer,” Sunny’s name came up. Sungmin revealed, “All night, Sunny had mucus stuck to her eyes.” Not losing, Sunny reciprocated, “Sungmin’s feet stink. Like the drain cover…” Because the two of them are good friends, they are able to have a confession battle, and had the studio roaring with laughter.
 
Seohyun
 
“About being serious, I have reason to say complaints.”
 
For the youngest and reliable member, Seohyun, the members admire her diligence in going to school. There is is no lack of serious episodes with Seohyun, but one day she promptly replied without cracking a joke to Taeyeon’s comment, “You are too serious,” with this line.
 
Of course that is how it is, but once again another serious episode with her has increased.
 
Seohyun
 
“I have this already.”
 
This is a talk that occurred during Girls’ Generation autograph session. When a fan was giving a math book as a present to Seohyun, she replied politely after thinking for a moment, “I have this already.” The fan was impressed with Seohyun’s sincerity.
 
Jessica
 
“After a shower, I wrap myself in a towel and see myself as the prettiest.”
 
After a shower, Jessica does not wear any clothes and wraps herself with only a towel. The members were curious if there was some kind of peculiar fixation she had.
 
However, when asked why she does not put any clothes on, Jessica replied, “I just don’t. After a shower…”
 
It goes without saying that all the members suddenly retorted with their own lines.
 
Tiffany
 
“Music is a language that’s understood regardless of nationality and race.”
 
On September 4th, 2010 standing before S.M. Entertainment’s own live, SM Town 2010, Tiffany expressed her goals together with Kangta, BoA, Super Junior and others. Growing up in Los Angeles, that is her global way of thinking.
 
Tiffany
 
“Our name is Girls’ Generation…”
 
When the members first heard that their unit name was Girls’ Generation, their hearts fell and were discouraged. Jessica and Tiffany came running to their senior singer, Isak, and reported while crying, “Unnie, our name is Girl’s Generation…” Did anybody wonder at that time that their name would such a major name now?
 
Sooyoung
 
“When I heard that I was debuting in a group with 9 members, I was disappointed.”
 
This shocking phrase was said on the variety show, “Ya Shim Man Man.” Sooyoung, who originally practiced in a 3 person group, thought with drooping shoulders, “a 9 member girl group would never succeed.” However, a few months after, Sooyoung would have never imagined that as a large girl group, they would gather attention and expectations starting in Korea.
 
Yoona
 
“Whoever is the cutest changes with the season.”
 
On variety show “Ya Shim Man Man,” when asked who is the cutest among the members, Yoona replied, “It changes with the season. At the time of our debut they said Taeyeon, Tiffany and sometimes I were the cutest, but now it is different.” In one moment, a big commotion occurred in the studio…
 
Yoona
 
“I can’t understand what he is saying, so I’m sad.”
 
Yoona is a big fan of Japanese idol, Kimura Takuya. However, even watching dramas, it is complete gibberish to Yoona on what her love, Kimura Takuya, is saying. While crying, she has even grieved to member, “I can’t understand what he is saying, so I’m sad.”
 
Yuri
 
“Just wait a minute.”
 
Yuri is bad at quarreling. When she gets angry, she’ll leave, write down all the things she wants to say on a list and then start quarreling. When they reply with something she did not think of ahead of time, she’ll retort with, “Just wait a minute,” and will leave again to make a new list.
 
Yuri
 
“I worried about not being able to stand out.”
 
On variety show “Ya Shim Man Man,” when asked the question, “Have you ever thought of not standing out in Girls’ Generation,” Yuri revealed, “Before our debut, I worried about not being able to stand out.” Now super popular on dramas and variety shows, the other guests could not hide their surprise at the girls’ confession. They must have thought it would be easy to stand out with Girls’ Generation as a individualistic group.
 
Hyoyeon
 
“Girls’ Generation’s dances were not enough.”
 
Aiming to be a full-blown dancer, Hyoyeon played a role as BoA’s back-up dancer. On the variety show, “Strong Heart,” when the talk became about dancing she confessed, “Around the beginning, since Girls’ Generation’s dances were just moving your arms around, it wasn’t enough.” Also, she confessed that she thought of quitting Girls’ Generation and go study dancing abroad.


Surprising troubles that occurred to members while traveling and during live recordings
 
[size="4"]Record of Girls’ Generation Incidents[/size]
 
Tiffany bawling on candid camera!

 
On Korea’s variety show “Soyeon Sonyeo Gayo Baekseo,” MC Kim Hyesung played candid camera on Tiffany. Kim Hyesung played as if he was in a bad mood and had a cold attitude towards Tiffany; even the producer had a hostile attitude and the studio played a role in having a bad atmosphere. Deceived, unknowing Tiffany was troubled at Kim Hyesung’s attitude and could not hide her anxiety.
 
Since Tiffany was so troubled by it, they ended the candid camera early , but after realizing the truth, Tiffany started bawling right on the spot.
 
Overlapping… dresses?
 
Koo Hye Sun, who played Geum Jan Di in Japan’s hit drama, “Hana Yori Dango –Boys Over Flowers-“ wore the same dress as Yoona and it became a hot topic.
 
At a charity auction show, first to appear was the yellow chiffon dress that Koo Hye Sun wore and gathered a lot of attention, but soon after Yoona’s dress, the same dress as Koo Hye Sun appeared. “It was the same dress, but Koo Hye Sun was an up-style with a black core and it was clean and all together. Yoona also had long wavy hair and with make-up styled for a young girl, the dress really showed off,” the T.V. commentators praised both girls being trendy while surprised at the coincidence.
 
Yoona lifted a skirt? The truth is…?!
 
On a music program, a video of Yoona lifting up Tiffany’s skirt was revealed to the public. Among the fans where was the rumor spreading that Yoona was bullying Tiffany by lifting Tiffany’s skirt up.
 
However, soon after, Tiffany explained, “At that time, I asked Yoona to check and see if the underpants and skirt was fastened together with the pin. She replied back that the underpants were on, but it was not fastened. And so Yoona wanted to properly check and make sure, so she lifted my skirt.” One month later, Yoona also explained the truth saying what Tiffany had said was exactly how it went.
 
High heels coming off…
 
The 9 girls always put in all their effort while singing and dancing, but it’s not always perfect. They are cute and sexy girls, but they actually show their careless side as well.
 
No matter how intense the dance, while wearing high heels, Girls’ Generation shows an elegant dance. That kind of Girls’ Generation had an incident. Seohyun’s high heel accidently came off.
 
Taeyeon has also dropped her mike that she was holding. For the fans, “the moment that she dropped her mike, the ‘oh crap’ face was cute,” and is another charming point. An occasional clumsy Girls’ Generation is good?!
 
Hyoyeon got in a car accident and went to the hospital!
 
On the night of August 4th, 2009, On the way back home after broadcasting MBC’s radio show, “Dreamy Radio Yoogun Desu,” Girls’ Generation got involved in a car accident.
 
Their agency, S.M. Entertainment, announced, “One of the cars that Girls’ Generation was riding in collided with another car in the lane next to it.
 
Furthermore, they also announced, “The car was damaged, but it was not a major accident,” and, “None of the members were injured, but during the accident Hyoyeon hit the seat in front of her. Just to be safe, she went to the hospital for an examination,” causing the fans to worry.
 
The plane that Girls’ Generation was riding was hit by lightning
 
In September 2010, the plane that Girls’ Generation was riding was hit by lightning while heading towards Japan. Tiffany said, “Suddenly, there was a loud ‘don’ noise. What the members were all surprised is when they announced a little later that the plane was struck by lightning,” and thus, surprising all the Japan-waiting media that were covering the event.
 
In Korea, it is a sign that when a singer encounters accidents, for the song will be a big hit, Sooyoung smiled and laughed, “While I was shocked that lightning hit the plane, I thought that meant our Japanese activities would go well.”
 
Taeyeon’s radio mistake
 
In 2010, Taeyeon was criticized for her indiscretion during a live radio broadcast. On MBC’s radio program, “Chin Chin Radio,” while reading a message sent from a listener, “my younger brother failed the employment exam. I want to cheer him up,” she laughed.
 
Taeyeon continued to laugh for 10 seconds and could not reply with any comment. After, Taeyeon immediately apologized. The radio personnel explained, “Taeyeon was not laughing because he did not pass the employment exam. There was a small incident within the studio and she could not endure not laughing.”
 
Yoona laughed so hard that her wig flew out.
 
The video that shows Yoona’s alligator laugh that happened during a radio broadcast was revealed to the public!
 
It occurred when Yoona was having a friendly chat with Taeyeon on the radio. During the chat Yoona roared with laughter at Taeyeon’s talk and due to the moment of her bending her neck back, Yoona’s fake bangs flew up.
 
In the video clip shown to the public, the moment Yoona exploded with laughter and bent her neck back, the wig flew up and her quelling figure was caught on camera. Taeyeon also roared with laughter at the incident. Fans who saw the video clip gave various impressions after seeing it, like “Yoona is cute even with the wig flying up and back,” or “When laughing with any kind of laughter, that type of wig will probably fly up.”
 
Seohyun gave a sad cry during live broadcast?!
 
In order to perform their big hit, “Oh!,” on ‘Music Bank’ that was broadcasted in February 2010, Girls’ Generation performed live. However, Seohyun had an incident that was unforeseen.
 
At the beginning of the song, after Seohyun sang her solo part, when she was about to move, she tripped and tumbled and without thinking gave out a cry. Because it was a live broadcast her cry was broadcasted on air.
 
There were a large number of fans who thought that it was pitiful, but cute. As the youngest member, Seohyun’s incident has been called loving cry.
 

 


What are the members’ views on love?
The secrets of Girls’ Generation’s love that everybody is curious about
 
[size="4"]We like these kinds of boys![/size]
 
Yuri says she has “no experience with love”

 
When Yuri, who has a tidy, popular, and clean image, confessed she has no experience with love, she surprised the people around her. She appeared on SBS’s variety show, “Love Generation.”  Yuri revealed, “Up until now, I have never been in love at all.” With that, models turned actors, Lee Mingi and Lee Chonhi sent a love call to Yuri.
 
On a variety show broadcasted on MBC, Lee Min Ki and Lee Cheon Hee positively approached Yuri with “Where do you live?” and “Won’t you go on a date together somewhere?” Even though she has no experience with love, there are many males that will come calling.
 
Jessica vs. Sooyoung scramble in dreams
 
Appearing in the variety show, “Sweet Night,” broadcasted on KBS, each member of Girls’ Generation revealed a male actor they liked. They decided that they let the other members know if they like a guy, so they do not conflict with each other. However, in dreams, one would think it cannot be helped if they overlap, but that does not seem to be a case.
 
Jessica revealed, “Recently, actor Go Soo has appeared in my dreams. When I talked to Sooyoung about it, it became a small quarrel.” Sooyoung is also a Go Soo fan. For example, it seems they will not yield the guy they like even in a dream… And Yuri asserted, “We can’t conflict with the guys we like even in dreams,” inviting laughter.
 
In a fierce battle tournament, who did Yoona choose?
 
On the variety program, “Champange,” that was broadcasted in 2009, Girls’ Generation had a world of their ideal co-star. The point of the tournament is to pick the co-star you like. The one who chose the favorite co-star was Yoona.
 
And in a moment, it was the finals. The final battle was Choi In Sung vs. Yeon Jung-hoon. Yoona’s ideal type was chosen to be Yeon Jung-hoon and the excitement level rose in the studio.
 
Taeyeon’s type is “a person who is like a bear”
 
Taeyeon, who appeared on the music program broadcasted by SBS, “Kim Jung-Eun Chocolate,” confessed her ideal type of guy is an older person who is like bear that is well-rounded and has a warm heart.
 
“For example, a person like Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman;” she picked a guy that is 21 years older than her and commented, “He’s quite older than me, but I still like him,” showing age has no relation to love.
 
Furthermore, she revealed, “My ideal type is a person who is positive and humorous.” Also, Sunny mentioned, “My ideal type is a calm and kind person who also cares only for me,” causing her to blush.
 
The male actor that Girls’ Generation want most to be on stage with?
 
On MBC’s variety program, “Sunday, Sunday Night,” Girls’ Generation gathered a lot of attention appearing on the corner called, “Which male actor does Girls’ Generation want to appear with the most?”
 
Jessica picked Daniel Henney with her reason being, “His specialty is speaking English, so I can act together with him,” and Hyoyeon revealed she wanted to appear together with the unique aura, Cho Jae Hyun.
 
In addition, due to the impression left by the movie, “The Chaser,” Yuri picked Ha Jeong Woo and Sunny spoke about wanting to appear with Hwang Jung Min.
 
Their ideal foreign guy
 
Girls’ Generation appeared on SBS’s music program broadcast, “Kim Jung-Eun Chocolate.” On the show, the girls were asked a question, “Who is your ideal male foreign star,” and the girls each revealed who it was one by one.
 
Holding his picture, Yuri picked Justin Timberlake, “I want to dance together with him,” and both Hyoyeon and Yoona picked Kimura Takuya. Sunny picked Kaneshiro Takeshi, Sooyoung picked Brad Pitt, and youngest Seohyun chose Johnny Depp. Moreover, Jessica revealed her ideal type to be Josh Hartnett.
 
Yoona’ s view on marriage
 
On a program, Yoona spoke about her views on marriage and it gathered attention.
 
Yoona confessed her ideal male image is a “person who is kind, but a person who appears masculine is good too.” When asked her thoughts about marriage, Yoona spoke passionately, “My dream of marriage is about loving your partner as well as living peacefully with each other,” and revealed that she does want to get married in the future. Yoona, who is said to be beautiful like a flower, has a moderate view on marriage. We are curious of the partner she would marry in the future, but there are rumors surrounding Yoona and Lee Seung Gi, who is the MC on SBS’s variety show, “Strong Heart,” of being a love interest, showing that even among the entertainment world Yoona’s popularity is high.
 
Jessica’s ideal kiss is a scarf kiss
 
On a T.V. show, Jessica confided her dream ideal kiss. She confessed wanting her kiss to be a so-called scarf kiss where the guy holds the ends of the girls’ scarf.
 
After revealing her “special kiss that she will try someday for sure,” the admirable scarf kiss became a hot topic.
 
In addition, Jessica mentioned a previous incident involving kissing, “Long ago, after finishing a lesson and in the car on the way home, I witnessed a couple kissing in front of an elementary school and accidentally cried out in a strange voice,” creating laughter around the set.
 
The ideal type of guy is a person who can fix punctures
 
Yuri revealed her ideal type of guy as a person who can fix car tires easily when a tire gets punctured. Furthermore, Yuri seems to have a fixation, “I like it when I’m able to see the muscles on his arms when he is fixing the tire,” so not only is the person able to fix punctures, but also added liking a guy who is strong and has a muscled body.
 
Also, on KBS’s variety show, “Girls’ Generation Hello Baby,” Sooyoung accidently exposed Tiffany’s ideal type of male. For those who are curious, Tiffany’s ideal male is 2AM’s Jo Kwon, who is making headlines on the variety show, “We Got Married.”
 
Sooyoung’s and Yoon’s ideal type is Lee Seung Gi
 
On KBS’s broadcasted variety show, “Girls’ Generation Hello Baby,” Yoona and Sooyoung picked Lee Seung Gi as their ideal type of guy. On this episode, it was planned that Girls’ Generation exposed a secret one by one.
 
Before wanting to invite Lee Seung Gi as a guest, Sooyoung made it known that her ideal type is Lee Seung Gi, and then Yoona also countered, “Lee Seung Gi is my ideal type.” Fireworks were dispersing everywhere.
 
However, because Lee Seung Gi only appeared this time, when Sooyoung and Yoona did not want to part even after the recording finished, it seems they complained to the people related to the show.
 
Girls’ Generation chooses Song Seung Heon
 
Girls’ Generation appeared on Shin Dong Yup’s variety show, “Sweet Night,” and all members participated in the ideal male type world cup. Since Girls’ Generation has 9 members, the ideal type was chosen by majority votes.
 
And at the final match between 2PM’s Taecyeon and Song Seung Heon, Song Seung Heon wins with 6 votes. Girls’ Generation has chosen their ideal type of guy.
 
As a representative of Girls’ Generation, Sooyoung sent a message to the winner, Song Seung Hyeon, “Please love Girls’ Generation a lot.”

Next up: Chapter 5
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: ebc on July 30, 2011, 08:07:44 AM
That's right Jess, you don't need clothes~! : D
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on August 06, 2011, 09:33:40 PM
Coming close to the end! Only one chapter left! o_o

And a happy SNSD 4th Anniversary!





Chapter 5

[size="4"]Girls’ Generation News[/size]

There is not even one day you do not see Girls’ Generation!


An idol’s popularity is in proportion to the number of CMs they appear on.  Girls’ Generation is currently in the middle of a lot of CM activities that also reflect the status of idols. And right now, they dominate all kinds of CM genres such as: cell phones, cosmetics, financial companies, drinking water, and food. They came to be known as the “CM Queen” in Korea.

A representative related to the field of advertisement explained the reason for it: “The level of how well-liked they are and the level of recognition among younger generations are high and since each of the 9 members have a different charm they appeal to a wide range of viewers and so the clients choose them.”

Furthermore, it is not only Girls’ Generation as a whole, but there is also a rush of offers for each member.

For example, Yoona is chosen to be a model for the cosmetic brand Innisfree. Yuri, Tiffany, and Sooyoung are models for skin care brand, Biotherm. And Seohyun is chosen to be the model for health care related products Johnson & Johnson Clean and Clear. 

A representative in charge of Innisfree marketing spoke of the results with high regard, saying, “Yoona, who has a good reputation, has been a model for about 6 months now and there is definitely an increase in sales with her as our model.”

Also specializing in fashion shows, Girls’ Generation gorgeous figures

The girls have facial proportions that do not lose to models. There is no way the girls would be left out of the fashion world with those beautiful faces.

Yoona, Yuri, Jessica, Hyoyeon, and Sunny participated as models in Gucchi’s Fall and Winter Collection held at Seoul in September 2010. The girls wore the new products beautifully and attracted the eyes of the audience.

Among them, the one that fans paid attention to was the highly praised Hyoyeon, who “looked like a doll.” As the self-proclaimed fashion leader of Girls’ Generation, the girl’s (fashion) sense is vivid to the point where it is called “fashion terrorist.”

Moreover, speaking of fashion shows, Girls’ Generation appeared as a guest at the fashion event, “Girls Award Japan 2010 Autumn/Winter,” held at Yoyogi National 1st Gymnasium on September 18th, 2010. When the girls’ VTR was playing, loud cheering could be heard from the audience. They also displayed a sexy performance with 3 songs, including their debut single, “Genie –Tell Me Your Wish-,“ on stage. It caused a audience of 15,000 to go crazy.

Overwhelming reaction! “We want to see the girls’ bare faces”

When talking about an idol’s job, what is the first thing that comes to mind? They have all kinds of work such as concerts, handshake meets, appearing on T.V. programs, but “going to an overseas location to shoot a photobook” is also an important job. Girls’ Generation also released a photo book that was shot at an oversea location and when it went on sale, it called for a great reaction.

In 2010, the 1st photo book titled, “Girls in Tokyo,” was released and just as the title states, the photo shoot location is Tokyo. Differing from when the girls are on stage, the book is packed with 354 pages of the girls enjoying everyday activities, such as traveling, sports, parties, and etc in a relaxed natural state; there is also a making film DVD of the photo shoot behind the scenes bundled together with a gorgeous packaging.

In addition, because of the high speed of the internet for the advance announcement of sale, 35,000 books were pre-ordered. Surprised at the popularity of Girls’ Generation, a representative mentioned, “This kind of number is record breaking in Korea.”

Coincidentally, before this photo book, Girls’ Generation released a series of 3 photo books called “After School 5:00pm” and the members were split into 3 groups of 3. These were also a best seller.

Praise also from staff! Shining through musicals

It is given that they do group activities as Girls’ Generation, but each member is also at their best doing solo activities. The girls are pulled into other works, such as CMs, dramas, or dubbing for movies, but Taeyeon and Jessica also tried musicals.

Taeyeon challenged the musical, “Taiyou no Uta [Song of the Sun];” playing the main role, Kaoru. Originally a novel by Tenkawa Aya, in Japan it was made into a movie with the main roles played by singer Yui and actor Tsukamoto Takashi and remade into a T.V. drama with the Yamada Takayuki and Sawajiri Erika combination; it was a hot topic.

On the other hand, Jessica appeared in “Legally Blonde,” playing as the heroine, Elle Woods. This was more popular than it thought it would be and the teen female fans that usually would not be interested in any musicals came flocking to the theater.

A staff member happily commented, “Thanks to Jessica, the average age of the audience dropped,” and production company, PMC Productions, highly praised, “It was the best casting that fit the role perfectly. Even though she was busy, Jessica mastered singing and acting perfectly.” We can see the great potential of Jessica as a musical actress.

Capitalizing on their fashion sense, Girls’ Generation becomes editor-in-chief?

Girls’ Generation is now the synonym of trendy, but they showed their fashion sense to their hearts’ content on a variety show.

“Factory Girl” is a reality work experience tv show. The 9 girls became staff writers for the fashion magazine, “ELLE girl,” and tried out planning cosmetic photo shoots and magazine events. Among that, they had good reputation and were split into teams for the fashion model photo shoots.

Tiffany, Sooyoung, Seohyun, and Hyoyeon were the dream girl team. Taeyeon, Sunny, Yoona, Jessica, and Yuri were the candy girl team and with the concept of “fairy tale look” and “goth look”, they decided everything from clothes, make-up, and hairstyle. In order to pick out the clothes, they went to firsthand shops and this hands-on earnest battle unfolded.

The two teams showed great coordination in bringing out the good points of the model and while working, the staff writers of the magazine had admiration of them.

After the program recording, the 9 girls said happily, “It was fun choosing the clothes first hand and having the models wear them. It was really like we became fashion editors and it was interesting.”

Doing their best for comedy. Watch the courageous girls!

Being poured over with hot water, being kicked hard on the butt, being forced to eat sushi filled with wasabi, not only are variety shows now filled with comedians, but idols are also risking their lives to get laughs.

In order to get laughs, Girls’ Generation also risked their lives and have the reputation of being “interesting” from fans as well as co-stars and audiences.

Among all the ones that that the girls did their best, the one that is remembered is where Taeyeon, Yuri, and Sunny had to bungee jump for a punishment game.

In 2009, Taeyeon co-starred with comedian Jeong Hyeong Don in the virtual marriage variety show, “We Got Married.”

In the show, Jessica, Yuri, and Sunny tagged along with two on their date and had a game of badminton with Jeong Hyeong Don himself versus the 4 girls of Girls’ Generation and the loser had to bungee jump from 45 meters high.

And the ones who had to bungee jump was the Girls’ Generation team. Taeyeon, Yuri, and Sunny all showed a commendable bungee jump. However, Jessica ran away without even jumping.

Also popular on radio shows! The main point is the frank talks

Saying unique remarks in rapid succession on T.V. and lives and with an exceptional sense of humor, Girls’ Generation also show great skill in the art of talking on radio shows. The girls have many truthful talks on radio shows, but among those, let’s introduce the episode on the radio program, “Sweet Sorrow Ten Ten Club.”

Gee promotions finished and many fans were also looking forward to the next full album, but Girls’ Generation immediately followed with a mini album. When asked for the reason about the mini album, Sunny, as the representative, conveyed her love toward the fans and explained, “There were a lot of songs prepared, but we wanted to meet the fans faster, so a good song was carefully selected and a mini album was put out. When “Gee” was on sale, it had been 9 months the fans have waited since the last album that was released, so this time we wanted to hurry and release it.”

When asked another question, “You guys are rival female groups, but are you actually good friends with Wonder Girls,” they replied always speaking honestly, “Not only Wonder Girls, but we are also good friends with KARA. We also go out to eat breakfast together.”

I don’t hide my life! The secret of being popular is to be friendly

Many people admire idols that show of their gorgeous figures on T.V. and they hold a favorable image of being “cool,” “trendy,” and “funny.”

Girls’ Generation is also the same, but in this case for the girls, the image is different and age appropriate episodes are known among the fans. It is because the girls themselves do not hide that side of them and say it from their own mouths during interviews on T.V. and magazines.

For example, Taeyeon’s extensive sleep talking or how usually quiet Seohyun speaks her mind at the dorm towards the other members, and Sunny making the most mistakes on stage among the members are all famous. The one who often encounters the harm done with bombshell embarrassing remarks is Sooyoung.

For example, on SBS variety show, “Star Junior Show Bungeoppang,” Sooyoung’s mother exposed about Sooyoung, “Roughly speaking, her room is always dirty. Like a garbage can. I’m really sorry to the other girls rooming in the same room with her,” and Tiffany revealed, “Her drinking habits are bad; she gets angry easily.”

The frankness of those kinds of open talks is another reason for the girls’ popularity.

Showing their true selves “We Got Married”

There are many popular Korean shows that Girls’ Generation has appeared on, but among all of them, there is one show that one should watch as a Girls’ Generation fan, especially if you like Seohyun.

That show is in the popular corner, “Sunday, Sunday Night,” “We Got Married.” With the signature concept of a virtual marriage variety show and just like it’s name sake, popular male and female entertainers are married and the couples are filmed living together and split up over the broadcast.

As of October 2010, Seohyun, who dislike boys, is a regular on the show. Seohyun’s newly married life with the guitarist and vocalist of Korea’s 4 member band CNBLUE, Jung Yong Hwa, was unusually fresh.

Also since they are living together, the male talent is able to know beforehand what the female talent likes to eat and what she likes to do, but for the fans, this information is also what they would love to know. It is because they will know the true face of the girls. For example, for male fans that want to know now can know what conditions are needed to be the ideal partner, like a person who can clean and cook, helping each other out, and eating healthy food in the morning.

Incidentally, the viewers gave good reviews, “The two’s exchange is charming and seems cute.”

Entertainers losing face to group peformers! Playing a large active role even in popular shows.

Girls’ Generation are extremely busy with activities even among variety shows. They make the audience laugh in the many variety programs they are in and gathering interest with viewers. From those shows, let’s introduce one episode of Korea’s popular quiz show, “Star Golden Bell.”

First of all, when Tiffany, Yuri, Sooyoung, and Jessica appeared on the show, there was an incident where trot singer Park Hyun Bin hugged Tiffany, surprising all the fans. After that, on “Star Golden Bell’s” 200th anniversary episode, when Yuri, Tiffany, and Sooyoung appeared as guests, they were asked what was their most disappointing moment on Golden Bell and Yuri revealed with displeasure, “It’s unfair that Tiffany is the only one that is favored! We also have our charms too…”

When all members of Girls’ Generation appeared on the show, Hyoyeon commented, “I want to go on vacation to a place with all the members and nobody else around” to which the MC Kim Jae Dong asked, “There has to be at least a guide or driver, right?” all the members replied in unison, “Gwaenchanhayo (It’s ok).” Moreover, when actor Kim Hyung Bum, who likes Yoona, stated, “I want to marry Yoona,” the girls replied again, “Gwaenchanhayo.” The 9 girls that are all in unison created huge laughter among the fans crowded in the studio.

Breaking into a dance while around 800 dogs; Creating a legend even in variety shows

In Korea there is a game called, “Chegi Chagi.” In Japan it is like the traditional game of “kemari,” and you must keep the birdie (chegi) which is made out of a small coin wrapped with paper in the air as long as possible without it hitting the ground.

That “chegi chagi” movement is like the “hacky sack dance” that has become a synonym for Girls’ Generation’s dance of raising their long legs intensely.

And there is a famous incident regarding that dance. In a group of dogs, Yuri attacked while dancing the hacky sack dance.

At the filming location of popular variety show, “Sunday Sunday Night,” Sooyoung visited Korea’s Anseong’s Pungsan dog village. However, waiting for them there was the natural memento: 800 Pungsan dogs!

The large amount of dogs surprised the show’s guests and they all completely withdrew, but the one who looked the weakest, Sooyoung, went in the middle of the dogs while dancing the hacky sack dance. Watching this, talent Kim Je Dong shockingly said, “This dance is for when you step on dog poop,” creating laughter at the site.

If you want to know the real Yuri, you should watch this variety show!

Like Japan, Korea also has a lot of variety shows. They continuously put out new programs such as shows focusing on talks, to quiz shows, to short story format programs, so viewers will not be bored.

Among that is a variety show gathering in popularity called “Invincible Youth.” In this program, where Yuri and Sunny both appear, the cast goes to a countryside village to experience agriculture and experience community life. The girls worked their hardest covered in sweat, capturing the hearts of the viewers.

Yuri’s image especially had a big change through this show. She put forth a display to the point where fans would say, “Please bring back the Yuri we know!” For example, in the “Yoga Classroom” corner, she showed extremely embarrassing and unthinkable things an idol would not do, such as spreading her legs, hula-hooping, and the lion pose to loosen up the muscles in the face and while being covered in mud in the field and pointing to the butt imprint left in the field, she said, “We gotta save it so it can be come fossilized,” as if she was like a comedian.

In June of 2010, Yuri and Sunny stopped being regulars on the show, but putting in energy into the show, Yuri mentioned, “This program allowed me to show everything about me that I can’t show while on stage. I want to return to this program someday.”

The ice princess’s femininity; showing her honest self on a variety about childbirth

Even popular idols that have the attention of fans from all over the world will someday get married, have kids, and start a family. Despite being an idol, as a female, one should have various thoughts on marriage and childbirth.

Even as a fan, one would be curious about what your favorite idol thought about marriage. There is a program in Korea that answered those thoughts.

That show is the childbirth encouragement variety show, “Happy Birthday.” Jessica also appears on the show and talks about her views on marriage.

While she was laughing she mentioned, “When I saw actress Han Ga In married at 23, I thought she was very beautiful. So I thought to get married at 23 too, but because I’m already 22 years old, I want to get married by 26,” and revealed her views on marriage, “Even if we are married, I want it to always be lovey-dovey. It would be nice to be able to go traveling and cooking together with my partner.”

Furthermore, “Pregnancy and childbirth is still unreal. When thinking about morning sickness and childbirth, it’s a little scary,” revealing her true maiden self.

Super popular even when solo; melodies that stays in the heart

Of course in Korea, but also Thailand, Shanghai, Taiwan, and other countries they are flourishing on Asian music charts and with that cute voice, Girls’ Generation has become a representative of all Asian girl groups, but they have also released a lot of solo songs as well.

Taeyeon sang “If” and “Can you Hear me?” for the original soundtrack drama ‘Hong Gil Dong’ and “Can You Hear Me?” for the original soundtrack drama, ‘Beethoven Virus.’ “If” won the Golden Disk Popularity Award. Also, Jessica sang “Naengmyun” with Park Myung Soo on the popular variety show, “Infinite Challenge,” for its first Olympic Duet Song Festival.

Each member has their own unique singing voice, so it is most likely that more and more solo activities will come hereafter.

Switching to be an actress in the future? Drama club idol Yoona

Exciting the music scene with overwhelming dance performances and catchy songs, Girls’ Generation are also active in each of their own circles other than lives and appearing on music shows.

Especially Yoona, who appeared in the drama, “Cinderella Man,” that was broadcasted in Japan on TV Tokyo and her acting skills have won the Best New Actress Award and Netizen Award for KBS Drama Awards in 2008 and Best New Actress Award and Popularity Award for the 2009 Baeksang Arts Award.

Yoona’s drama, “You Are My Destiny,” is a breakthrough; reaching a highest viewership rating of 41.5% for the drama. She had a viewership rating contest against Kibum, who is a good friend and part of the popular group Super Junior, and appeared in the competing program slot “Happy Events at Chunja’s.”

And when Yoona’s drama had a higher rating then Kibum-senpai’s, Korea’s media made a huge report about it. However, Kibum commended Yoona’s acting skills, “Those kinds of things don’t matter at all. We both took acting lessons together, but I think Yoona’s acting is really good.”

Specialty is mimicry! Girls’ Generation trait of loud laughter

For example, at a company party or banquet, if you were asked, “Do something funny right now,” what would you do? In that situation, the safest thing is to do a joke mimicking a famous person.

The three who are good at these kinds of jokes is Taeyeon, Sooyoung and Yoona. The girls’ mimicry repertoire is Taeyeon copying veteran actress Om En Ran and tennis player Maria Sharapova, Sooyoung copying trot singer Hyun Suk, and Yoona copying the popular female comedian An Young Mi, who appears in the corner ‘Teacher’s Kang Dressing Room’ in “Gag Concert,” and actress Kang Hye Jeong.

There are favorable comments from the fans, such as “It’s not really similar, but why do I end up laughing,” and “They are really cute when they are doing their best at mimicking and I started to like them more and more.”

Tears, heart-warming, laughter…
This book’s top 5 of stories of Girls’ Generation

[size="4"]Episodes that strengthen their bond[/size]

Sunny’s trauma


When Sunny was young, she lived in Kuwait. And then in January 1991, when Sunny was still only 1 year old, she experienced the Gulf War.

Even now, due to the trauma of the Gulf War, whenever Sunny hears the sound of the firecracker or the noise of an explosion on stage, she would get scared and freeze. When showing up at a live and there is a loud noise, you might catch Sunny flinching even now on stage.

You would feel sorry for scared Sunny, but when you see the other members covering Sunny’s ears, you start to smile. You can see the love that the 9 members have for one another.

Giving up on going to college because of singing activities

In preparation to take the entrance exams, Korea’s high school students study from morning to night. That is because Korea places an even more importance on education than Japan.

In November of 2007, it was announced that the members of Girls’ Generation will not be taking the college entrance exams needed to enter college. It was reported that due to the release of the album, “Girls’ Generation,” they will have little free time and will devote their attention to singing activities.

This was not what the agency directed, but what all the members answered with. The members took higher priority of Girls’ Generation group activities over going to college.

At a media conference, Taeyeon spoke, “We prepared for a number of years and our dream of becoming singers just started to come true. College entrance exams are also important, but I think it is also important to fulfill your dreams by continuing to have a full and complete singing career.”

Believing strongly in the thought of “Not lacking one person, we want to fly out across the world,” by all members, this is how all 9 members are standing on stage.

Currently Yoona, Sooyoung, Yuri, and Seohyun are attending college. Not giving up on their dreams for sure, if it’s these girls, they can do both school and entertainment activities.

The reason why Girls’ Generation is standing at the top

After debuting, Girls’ Generation was suddenly standing at the top in Korea’s pop scene. I wonder what they think about their own popularity. Also, I wonder what they think about their relations between each other.

This is when they appeared on KBS music program, “Story Show Delight.” They were asked the question by acting MC, announcer Lee Ji E, “Girls’ Generation popularity is currently at its height, but do you guys not worry how long this will last?”

Sooyoung replied, “Every time we reach number one and while watching the confetti fall I think, ‘Until how long can we be showered with confetti?’ However, if we try are hardest right now, even if our popularity falls, I won’t have any regrets.”

Also, Taeyeon talked about the group’s bond, “It’s not like it has been decided, but even if our work related to Girls’ Generation ends, I think we will still be together for a long time. For example, even if we marry and have kids, we will meet at a café… It’s because Girls’ Generation is like family.”

Their humbleness and the strength of their solidarity is definitely one of the reasons why Girls’ Generation stands at the top.

“We are forever Girls’ Generation”

This happened when Jessica, Tiffany, Sunny, and Sooyoung appeared on the popular variety program corner, “Radio Star,” of “Kang Ho Dong’s Star Battle Golden Fishery,” where former Korea’s sumo grand champion, Kang Ho Dong, acted as MC.

The 4 girls replied with a smile to Kang Ho Dong’s unkind questions, like “Is the rumor about throwing fanletters into the trash can true?”, “Sunny joined Girls’ Generation through connections?”, “How much money does Sooyoung’s rich father have?”, “Jessica has a lot of scandals, but what exactly happened?”

However, when asked “When are you not Girls’ Generation anymore,” Sooyoung’s expression completely changed. And she replied, “Even if we have our own separate activities, only speaking at that time, we are always together. For example, even if Girls’ Generation disbands, we are forever Girls’ Generation.”

While listening to Sooyoung’s powerful comment, Jessica, Tiffany and Sunny were quiet and nodded their heads many times.

Allowing peeping photos, the member’s bond?

Despite that all the members of Girls’ Generation are in their 20’s, while talking, when the words “boyfriend,” “date,” or “kiss” comes up, they get excited.

When Jessica and Sunny appeared on the variety show, “Strong Heart,” Sunny talked about an abnormal side of Jessica.

This is about when all the members were moving to a filming location by bus. Jessica, who witnessed a couple holding each other and kissing, reported to the other members, “Look at that!” The other members bashfully closed their eyes, but only Jessica was largely excited.

However, that was not Jessica’s only abnormal episode.

One day, when Sunny was changing in the dressing room, she heard the shutter go off. It was Jessica taking a peeping photo of Sunny changing!

Confused, Sunny pushed Jessica to delete the photo, Jessica didn’t saying, “It’s a treasured memory, so I won’t delete it.”

Hearing that she even said it was a “treasured memory,” Sunny couldn’t blame Jessica even more. Knowing the strength of the bond between the members, this was a heart-warming episode in an unusual way.



Next: Last chapter - Chapter 6
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: daigong on August 06, 2011, 10:54:05 PM
MAD PROPS FEN :heart: You went to Korea too?! oh man, I gotta keep up with twitter or smth XD POST GROUP PIX!

Specialty is mimicry! me too. I do a great british accent. They should have me and Yuri on Invincible Youth!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on August 07, 2011, 05:19:27 AM
^Yup. Went with the big group of ppl. Same with Dinny and Dave and Limit. :)

Our small little jphip group. Haha
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: ebc on August 07, 2011, 05:28:10 AM
One day, when Sunny was changing in the dressing room, she heard the shutter go off. It was Jessica taking a peeping photo of Sunny changing!
Confused, Sunny pushed Jessica to delete the photo, Jessica didn’t saying, “It’s a treasured memory, so I won’t delete it.”

lol Jess! you're such a perv!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: Fenrir on August 15, 2011, 07:22:37 AM
The last chapter.

It took a few months, but it's finally done. :)

Hope you guys enjoyed the book as much as I did.

And a big thank you to Yuu for putting up with my constant bugging to edit. Hahaha


Without further ado, the final chapter:


Chapter 6

Miscellaneous information related to the girls

Must-See for Beginners: Miscellaneous information related to the girls

We will be introducing informational anecdotes here that you might or might not know about Girls’ Generation. The more you know about the girls, the more you will be enthusiastic in cheering for them. If there are fans who don’t know, let us teach you!

Live: What is the showcase live?

Girls’ Generation held a showcase live at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo on August 25, 2010, where 10,000 fans were able to watch as they sent their applications in for the first press limited edition DVD. The live finished with great success, but what exactly is this showcase live?

Showcase means display case. And according to its name, the showcase live is a live with a goal of promoting like an exhibit.

As it is, it is different of the normal lives where there is an established fan base of the artist. In order to sell the artist him/herself, they held this live where fans can see the actual music performance.

The live is used like an audition where usually amateur artists would be gathered into a number of groups and in front of the recording company staff, they would select one to do a music performance. And if the recording studio was interested, they would sign a contract right there. Girls’ Generation’s showcase in 2010 was the best opportunity to have a large amount of people to know about the unique charm the girls have.

Live: Goodbye stage and comeback stage structure

In the Korean entertainment world, the words “comeback stage” and “goodbye stage” are used often. In Korea, there are artists who are absent from activity for more than one year occasionally. In those situations, it is not unusual in Japan for artists to take break from activities. However, it is a little different in Korea.

It is normal to have a style where Korean idols would be full of activities for half a year and then after to prepare for the other half year. The final performance before taking the preparation period is called the “goodbye stage.”

When Girls’ Generation announced their preparation period, it took some time after that for them to return and many fans were paying attention to their “comeback stage” they had in 2009 of January.

Live: Girls’ Generations’ oppas and unnies

Girls’ Generation appeared on Incheon Korean Music Wave 2010 that was held on August 29th, 2010. On stage this day, Girls’ Generation performed their hit song, “Oh!,” wearing yellow jumpers and daring short pants.

And facing the closely packed older male fans in the audience, Girls’ Generation called out, “Oppa, we love you!”

Girls’ Generation has also used these words for Tohoshinki, their senpai in the same agency. By the way, they also call BoA, who they love and adore as an older sister, “unnie.”

Love: The love story with Super Junior Leeteuk is a misunderstanding

On September 23rd, 2010, Super Junior Leeteuk appeared on MBC radio show, “ Radio Star Super Show,” and spoke about the misunderstanding love story between him and Taeyeon. There was a hot topic about Leeteuk and Taeyeon both having a very similar earring and rumors about a romance between them flared up.

Leeteuk explained, “Our piercings are the same shape, but I bought mine before Taeyeon bought hers. When asked a teasing question, “Didn’t Taeyeon want to copy you and purposely bought the same earrings,” Leeteuk replied, “Without knowing that I bought one earlier, Taeyeon bought the same thing. When we saw that we were wearing the same thing, we were both surprised.”

Love: Korea has a laissez-faire policy on romance?

In Korea, female idols appear together with other male idols and act as virtual husband and wife on variety shows. They seem to be much closer to male idols than in Japan.

The feelings of being distant towards fans is also uncommon compared with Japan. In Japan, if a male entertainer publicly mentioned which female talent he liked, it would invoke the wrath of the fans. However, it seems that Korean fans are not too worried about it.

On the SBS variety show, “Yang Hee Eun’s Cooking Show,” that was aired in September 2010, Chong Heechul confessed that his personal ideal girl is Girls’ Generation Jessica, but these kind of occurrences happen often.

SNSD: The dorm is in a luxury mansion [t/n: apartments] building in Seoul!

Currently, all nine members of Girls’ Generation live together at the same place. The dorm that the girls live in is in a luxury mansion in Seoul. All 5 rooms are split up.

The rooms are split up with the following 2 people each room: Yoona and Yuri, Hyoyeon and Seohyun, Taeyeon and Sunny, and Jessica and Sooyoung. And Tiffany is in her own room. Jessica and Sooyoung are in the same room, but since both have very strong personalities, the fans worry if they can get along. Also, Tiffany is the only person to have a room by herself, but because Tiffany is Korean-American and her parent does not have a home in Korea and she cannot leave things at her parent’s home in America, so it seems the members took this into consideration.

SNSD: All 9 members get along!

Girls’ Generation’s performances are breathtakingly synchronized. The reason why it is like that is definitely because they are all good friends with each other.

In April 2009, in order to promote their new variety program, “Girls’ Generation Horror Movie Factory,” as part of “Sunday, Sunday Night,” they appeared at a press conference. Based on the color black, the girls appeared in casual clothes and appealed to their friendship side by holding hands with their fingers intertwined. It is not unusual in Korea for female friends to hold hands, but having 9 people holding hands is quite spectacular and you can really see the strong bond between them.

SNSD: The first to join is Yoona! The last one is…?

There are a total of 9 members in Girls’ Generation. From the time they were trainees to becoming good friends, but it’s not because the members are forced to appear like that.

As the members finished their strict training period, they joined Girls’ Generation one by one.

First of all, the first one to join Girls’ Generation is the prank-loving Yoona. Next is Tiffany, known with the lovable nickname Fany and continued with bright Yuri, skilled dancer Hyoyeon, Sooyoung with Japanese as her specialty, youngest Seohyun, serious Taeyeon, and skilled English speaker Jessica. And the last to join Girls’ Generation is hard working Sunny.

SNSD: Not only popular corporations, but also noticed by famous organizations

Increasing level of awareness by using famous people as their image character is the same in Korea and Japan. Girls’ Generation have also appeared in numerous CMs, but even so, they were also appointed to be various “ambassadors” at the same time.

In 2007, they were appointed PR ambassadors of Seoul Volunteer Center, 2008 Girl Scouts ambassadors, and the 13th Busan International Film Festival ambassadors. In 2009, they were ambassadors for Korea’s Red Cross Blood Donation, Gyeonggi Boat Show, Incheon Global Fair and Festival, Digital T.V. Conversion, and as well as ambassadors for Incheon Airport Customs in 2010.

Net: Groundless suspicion of plagiarism! A flood of comments on the net

Girls’ Generation has appeared in countless of CMs, but among them, in the “Samyung Ramen” CM, there were suspicion of plagiarism.

Obtaining the license of the theme song of their popular sold game, “Bubble Bobble,” from game corporation, Taito, the CM song used a remake of that song, but not knowing the actual conditions, Japanese fans mistaken it as plagiarism. After the famous American web magazine, “Kotaku,” compared the two songs, they wrote, “Coincident or not? You decide,” and created a big uproar.

Net: Thanks to the member’s petition, the lawsuit against 92 people is dropped

In 2010, “aikora” (photoshopped pictures of idols and nude photos) of Girls’ Generation members were spread around the internet and the 92 people suspected for uploading those images on the internet were filed for charges. However, 75 out of the 92 suspects were all minors and it was a first criminal charge against the remaining 17. Also, Girls’ Generation issued a petition wanting to drop the charges against the suspects and all charges were dropped for all 92 suspects.

They promised to not waste the member’s feelings of wanting them to reflect on themselves and to make sure this never happens again.

Fan: The stratum of male fans is Girls’ Generation’s specialty

When speaking of idol fans, in Japan, it is a wide range from late teens to their 30’s and like AKB48 fans, there are a lot of working fans with purchasing power.

However, in Korea, there are not a lot of 20 and 30 year old fans. Because of that there are not many girl group solo concerts.

But Girls’ Generation is an exception. There are many Korean male fans, but there are also girl fans and even a fan base in their 40’s. With that kind of fan base, it helped push Girls’ Generation to become Korea’s top idol.

Fan: Thanks for their 1000th day debut!

On April 30th, 2010, Girls’ Generation approached their 1000th day since debut.

Taeyeon said, “It’s our 1000th day since debut, but for us, we think of this as a new beginning. It has been a long journey since then and to spend it together with SONEs, I’m full of happiness.” Sunny thanked the fans, “I do not have any words that can express what I feel towards the fans. From now on, I want to return little by little the kindness the fans have given me.”

Yuri also said with a smile, “For 3 years, they have walked together with the members; there were happy times and tough times as well, but we’ve gotten past the painful times together. I’m so thankful.”

Fan: Fanclub and address for fanletters

Girls’ Generation official fanclub, SONE, started supporting the girls around the time of debut. Continuing from Korea, Girls’ Generation created a sensation even in Japan and even though there is a lot of supporting Japanese fans, as of current of October 2010, there is still no official fanclub in Japan.

However, even though Girls’ Generation fans are not part of the official fanclub, they are still called SONE. Furthermore, for the fans, country borders and things like that do not matter. And even if the fans are not part of the fanclub, one can still write fanletters, and wanting to support Girls’ Generation even if only a little, for sure the burning passion of Japanese fans will continue to support the girls.

Girls’ Generation From Now

After all the years of training, the 9 girls, who were embellished with a magnificent debut on August 2nd 2007, have finally crossed the seas and became popular.

The girl group was originally put together with an outlook to expand overseas and with the current activities, one can say that it just went as planned. However, this is not the end for the girls.

In September 2010, the girls, who successfully performed in Los Angeles for SM Town Live 2010, started their full-blown promotions in Japan. For their first Japan live event that occurred at Ariake Coliseum, there was a rush of about 22,000 fans. The Japanese version of the single “Genie” set a new sales record of a debut single for a foreign female artist.

Even in Japan, they will most likely become a regular on music programs singing and dancing hereafter. The number of concerts are expected to increase. Furthermore, just like when they were in Korea, they will probably be active on variety shows and dramas.

After obtaining success in Japan, will the girls eventually return to Korea? Or will they continue promoting in Japan? Or will the journey progress to an even bigger stage…

Yoona: Big expectations for Yoona as an actress!

“Our strength is our teamwork. I want to show our unity that we have accomplished up to now even in Japan,” Yoona spoke about their Japan advancement enthusiastically. The girls always think of the group constantly and moving as a group takes precedence. It is because these girls love Girls’ Generation more than anyone else that this phrase has weight.

Yoona mentioned, “I’m feeling more excited more than nervousness,” but said with uneasiness, “I’m worried about speaking. I need to study more Japanese.”

Yoona starred in the dramas “You are My Destiny” and “Cinderella Man” in Korea. Even among members, those achievements and courage is top class.

For sure, if Yoona is able to overcome the difficulties of the Japanese language, she will probably be able to be active in Japanese dramas.

Not only with singing and dancing, the Japanese fans also deeply look forward to seeing Yoona doing activities as an actress.

Sooyoung: Top batter in advancing into varieties?

As a member who has had experience doing activities as an artist in Japan, Sooyoung most likely have the strongest feelings in debuting in Japan than the other members.

Having done activities as a radio DJ, MC for a talk show, and other activities as a Girls’ Generation member in Korea and with a talk sense that has been trained and specializing in Japanese, Sooyoung can even probably be involved as a multi-talent in Japan, just like how she is in Korea.

Not only will Girls’ Generation be on music programs from now, but they will definitely be on all kinds of shows, including variety shows. And the vanguard cutting in would definitely be her.

When asked about the goals in Japan, Sooyoung answered during an interview, “I want to meet even more people than the showcase at Ariake Coliseum. And I want to have a concert over all of Japan.”

Capitalizing on her skills in Japanese and polished talking, the day where she becomes a multi-talent is surely not far off.

Yuri: Anticipating activities in various media

Yuri talked about their Japanese advancement enthusiastically, “Because I’m with the other members, instead of being nervous, I have great hopes.” In Korea, known as a prank-lover and creating a good mood, she is definitely a naturally bright character and wants people to have fun.

Fans also have high hopes for Yuri to be in activities outside of being a variety idol.
For example, using her exceptional body proportion as a weapon, they also want her to be active in modeling. Known with a health mania image, there can be hope of her being active in advertising.

“I wish to stay as long as possible doing activities in Japan,” Yuri answered in an interview.
As they get accustomed to doing activities in Japan, with diverse talents, she can appear not only on TV, but on various media, such as magazines and advertisements.

And for the fans wishing she will stay and be active in Japan as long as possible, that wish might come true.

Seohyun: Hating to lose to the point of no return maknae

Seohyun is passionate about studying and is very serious. Not limited to just work and study, her policy is to be the best in everything.

When her strict parents heard of Girls’ Generation going to Japan, they encouraged their only daughter, Seohyun, “Do your best so that even in Japan everybody will know who you are.”
Established with an image of the pure and innocent idol, Seohyun has a lot of enthusiastic fans in both Korea and Japan.

When asked if there were any wishy washy feelings, Seohyun, who is loved by members and fans, replied back regarding their Japanese promotions, “I won’t be saying anything like ‘I’ll try to do my best in Japan and go back if it doesn’t work out.’”

The youngest among the 9 sisters, her feelings are strong of not wanting to lose to the other 8 when it comes to activities in Japan.  We all want to see her hidden strength.

Jessica: To be a unique idol that is loved

Jessica said in an interview, “Each member in Girls’ Generation has a different personality and I think even in Japan it is unusual to have this many unique members all gathered in a girl group.”

Just like she said, there may be many idol groups in Japan that all have similar characters gathered together.

As the popular girl with an aloof atmosphere and cool speech and conduct in Korea, there are a lot of comments of her capturing the audience the most in Japan, where there are a lot of Mr. Nice Guys.

And not only in music and variety shows, with her cute looks, she will probably have many activities on different stages, such as being a fashion model or an advertisement image character.

Her favorite Japanese words are “to be loved” and “little by little.”

Even in Japan she will be loved as an idol and little by little her activities will increase.

Taeyeon: Her goal was to become closer to BoA!

Taeyeon has both extraordinary popularity and talent.

Admiring her senior, BoA, from the same agency, she had a feeling it will be fate to have a similar debut as BoA in Japan. Having a goal to become closer to BoA, her gamble on the advancement to Japan is quite extraordinary.

She has achieved great success in Korea through solo songs, variety shows, and much more.
Just like how Taeyeon mentioned, “Our time has finally come,” the conditions for a big breakthrough in Japan is fully prepared. Taking what her parents said to heart, “We want you to do activities that focus on the world,” the forever leader promised, “I want tell everyone what Girls’ Generation is right now. Surpassing national borders, I want to do my best in order to receive love from even more kinds of people.”

Having an interest in Japan since being a middle school student, Taeyeon also studied Japanese. The day where she passes BoA is probably not that far away.

Sunny: I want to advance together with the fans to Japan

Appearing in variety shows one after another in Korea is Sunny with a pure and energetic image. In an interview about the expansion to Japan, Sunny said, “More than feeling the pressure, to have a chance like this coming around, I’m looking forward to it,” and her positive reply was impressive.

Among the members, Sunny spent the longest time to be a trainee.

Saying, “Trifling feelings like, ‘Oh, I’m just going to Japan,’ is something I do not have at all,” more than any other member, she understands the importance of this chance.

Always thinking of the fans first and answering the fans’ feelings, Sunny replied, “Even if I’m interviewed by the Korean media, even if I see on the excitement on the internet, the fans are supporting Girls’ Generation’s Japan debut. I want to go together with everyone to Japan.”

I hope that Korean fans and Japanese fans will continue to support her.

Hyoyeon: Her goal is to appear on “Kouhaku Utagassen!” (T/N: Red and White Song Battle)

With fierce dancing that does not lose to the boys, Hyoyeon is bathed with attention even in Japan. Hyoyeon said enthusiastically, “I’m really happy with all the anticipation we are receiving. Japanese fans are trained and have a good eye when watching dances, so I plan to go and give my all.” And her goals are to appear on “Japan Record Awards” and “Kouhaku Utagassen.”

Furthermore, she has other interests besides music programs. She said positively, “Japanese variety shows look to be really interesting, so I want to try and appear on one of those shows.”

Also, in the middle of furiously studying Japanese and listening to J-pop and watching dramas, she mentioned, “Japanese is difficult, but someday I’ll be able to speak Japanese and I want to act in dramas.  I’m doing my best for that.”

Just like how she mentioned she wanted to challenge a wide variety of things right now, soon we will be able to see her activities on Japanese TV.

Tiffany: Wanting to be long lasting group like SMAP

Even Tiffany, who likes J-pop, has a lot of contemplation on their Japanese debut. Because Tiffany had a chance to learn about Japanese entertainment from Sooyoung, she has come to have an interest in Japan.

Her goal in Japan is to have a national tour just like Boa and Tohoshinki. In front of fans from all over Japan, she wants to put on a concert that anybody can enjoy.

And she aims to become a long lasting group, like SMAP, who is also popular in Korea.

In an interview, Tiffany pledged, “To be successful in Japan is still a dream for us, but facing our goals, we will run to it. I don’t know when it will happen, but I want to achieve that in the shortest time possible.”

The girls are definitely getting closer to their big dreams on step at a time.





Owari!
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: daigong on August 15, 2011, 07:28:37 AM
GJ FENFEN!!!!

my fave translator :heart:

no return maknae?? bu-bu-butt
Title: Re: [Translation] Girls' Generation Memoirs
Post by: lmayr on August 17, 2011, 05:06:24 AM
Taeyeon

Practice was so tough… she ran away back home

When Taeyeon was a trainee at the agency and because her home was so far away from the agency, she stayed in the same dorm room with fellow member Tiffany and f(x) member Sulli. Taeyeon has a diligent personality and was able to handle the strict lessons, but in reality, could not endure with the tough practices any longer and went back home on her own at one point.


I have heard this but never know the detail until read your translation.
Thank you very much!
How hard should their training be!