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Jessica Jung Opens up About Departure From Girls’ Generation

Jessica Jung greets fans for the holidays with new photo. Credit: Instagram/Jessica Jung

After almost a decade, former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung looked back on her departure from the girl group in 2014.

On December 20, Jessica made an appearance on the Singaporean podcast series, The Daily Ketchup. There, the singer opened up about leaving the group Girls’ Generation, also known as SNSD.

To note, Jessica ended her exclusive contract with SM Entertainment in 2015. At the time, the agency stated that the singer wished to focus on her solo career and business at that time.

When one of the hosts asked her thoughts about the matter, Jessica responded that she tries to put the past behind her and try to focus on the brighter side.

“Of course, that time was one of the darkest times of my life,” she said. “But I had my family and friends to support me. And my fans were always there.” 

Furthermore, the artist explained that she considers that phase of her life as a “good transitioning period” and a “good time for her to grow up”.

Moreover, Jessica gave a comparison of what it’s like being a part of a group versus working alone. The singer candidly answered that the majority wins when you work in a group, while she gets to “choose everything” as a solo artist now.

During her appearance, Jessica also clarified that these include both small details and big decisions. “You need to learn how to cope with that and be okay with being in that type of system, which I was fine with,” she said. Then, the singer proceeded to share that she enjoys her solo career so far.

Look forward to soloist Jessica Jung

After roughly six years, Jessica finally made her much-awaited comeback in November With the release of her fourth mini-album Beep Beep.

To note, the album has a total of six songs, including the title track of the same name. In particular, one of the songs is a collaboration track with fellow ex-SM Entertainment artist Amber Liu.

Upon the release of the duo’s “Get It? Got It? Good” music video, fans expressed their nostalgia seeing both singers perform in one frame again.

Aside from new music, Jessica is also in the midst of her Diamonds Dream concert tour. 

Featured image: Jessica Jung greets fans for the holidays with new photo. Credit: Instagram/Jessica Jung

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SNSD’s Kwon Yuri to Star in Her First Horror Film ‘Mist’

SNSD's Yuri is confirmed to lead the horror film 'Mist.' Credit: Twitter/Girls' Generation

Actress Yuri is back on the big screens! On Tuesday, December 12, South Korean media outlets reported that idol-actress Kwon Yuri of K-pop group Girls’ Generation is finally making her acting comeback. According to reports, she’ll be starring in the upcoming horror film Mist. 

Although this is her first attempt at a dark genre, Yuri has expressed her enthusiasm for the role. “I am excited to show you a new side of myself because it is fresh work,” she said. The idol-actress also added: “I will work hard to finish it healthily and happily, so please give us a lot of interest!”

Notably, this will be Yuri’s movie comeback following her lead role in the 2013 film No Breathing, raising anticipation among fans.

What we know so far about ‘Mist’

According to the film’s production team, Mist will depict people’s fear as they desperately struggle to resolve the cracks in their ordinary lives.

Yuri will play the role of Kim Min, an employee of a special cleaning company who is in charge of handling scenes of lonely deaths. Furthermore, Kim Min is expected to be a complex character as she shows off a bright personality on the outside and bears an emotional flaw on the inside. 

Aside from Yuri, Hospital Playlist actress Kwak Sun Young will also star in the film. She’s reported to take on her first-ever maternal role as Lee Young Eun.

Other celebrities included in the star-studded lineup are Less Than Evil actress Lee Seol, veteran actress Gil Hae Yeon, child actor Ki So You, among others. 

Although there is no confirmed date yet, Mist is expected to have its official release in 2024.

Meanwhile, fans can watch Yuri in the second season of the TVN reality food program Business Genius. In this variety show, the actress shows off her culinary skills as an assistant of celebrity chef Paik Jong Won.

Featured image: SNSD’s Yuri is confirmed to lead the horror film ‘Mist.’ Credit: Twitter/Girls’ Generation

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Look: SNSD’s Taeyeon Drops Emotional Teaser for ‘To. X’

Taeyeon shares a behind-the-scene from 'ODD OF LOVE' concert. Credit: Twitter/Taeyeon

SONEs are buzzing with excitement as SNSD’s Taeyeon has announced that she’ll be releasing her long-awaited fifth mini-album To. X

On Monday, November 6, Taeyeon treated her fans to a sneak peek of what’s to come by releasing a teaser video for To. X.

In the short clip, the vocalist is seen portraying a character breaking up with a lover over a text message. “As much as I liked you, I tried to compromise for you. Now I’m saying goodbye. I’m gonna block you,” the text from the teaser read. 

Accompanied by this heart-wrenching message are artistic photographs of an apartment in disarray. On the first teaser alone, fans are already promised an emotional narrative. Moreover, fans are already anticipating the topic of the songs and the album’s theme since the teasers already served as a visual metaphor for a bad breakup. 

Aside from the teaser, the SNSD member also released an artistic comeback scheduler. Arranged like a series of photos, the artist appeared to be pondering on whether to “delete all memories and reset them all.” Notably, Taeyeon will be releasing highlight clips, teasers, and samplers before the official album’s release on November 27.  

Taeyeon is back! 

Even before the first teaser was released, fans have been eagerly awaiting for Taeyeon’s return as SM Entertainment have been rescheduling the idol’s comeback several times now. 

Moreover, To. X will serve as the artist’s first comeback in more than a year and a half. Her second full-length album, INVU,  was released in February 2022.

Since February 2023, the agency SM Entertainment has been hinting that Taeyeon will make a solo comeback. At first, they said that the new offering from the SNSD star will be out by April. However, these plans were postponed, leaving fans eagerly waiting for the highly-anticipated album.

Then, the label published a preview of their upcoming releases, which mentioned that Taeyeon will release a solo album by the third quarter of 2023. But the singer didn’t release any new music within that time frame. 

In mid-October, SM Entertainment confirmed that Taeyeon is gearing up for her mini-album that will be out by November. 

Although additional details about To. X have yet to be announced, fans are eager to see what this seasoned artist will bring to the table this time around.  Especially since Taeyeon has a remarkable track record of delivering memorable and impactful music that resonates with fans.

As a solo artist, Taeyeon has delivered hit after hit. Among her popular songs are “What Do I Call You,” “Set Myself On Fire,” “Fine,” and “Dear Me.”

Featured image: Taeyeon shares a behind-the-scene from ‘ODD OF LOVE’ concert. Credit: Twitter/Taeyeon

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Look: SNSD’s Taeyeon and (f)x’s Amber Liu Reunite at Paris Fashion Week

Taeyeon and Amber were sitting together at a Paris Fashion Week event. Credit: Instagram/Rain Magazine

Here’s a small treat for you, 2nd generation stans! SNSD’s Taeyeon and f(x(’s Amber Liu just had a brief reunion at the Paris Fashion Week. 

On Monday, October 2, the prestigious Louis Vuitton Women’s Spring-Summer 2024 show was held. There, fans were delighted to see Taeyeon of Girls Generation and Amber Liu of f(x) sitting beside each other.

Taeyeon’s attendance in the event was expected as she was sent as the Korean ambassador for the luxury house. But to fan’s surprise, Amber was also at the show.

Additionally, the K-pop stars were also captured having a little chit chat and a quick hug, which warmed the hearts of fans. Moreover, several fashion magazines also took the chance to interview both stars. 

Given that it’s been awhile since the two idols were seen together, fans couldn’t help but gush over their reunion. 

Others have pointed out that the last time the pair was seen together in public was eight years ago. To note, Taeyeon and Amber worked together for the track “Shake That Brass,” which was released in 2015.

On social media, some fans wrote that they were even getting emotional seeing the two together again. Which also prompted other fans to look back at Taeyeon and Amber’s bond when the latter was still under SM Entertainment. 

Amber and Taeyeon’s activities now

Amber Liu was once a prominent member of the girl group f(x) under SM Entertainment. However in 2019, the group announced an indefinite hiatus following the expiration of their contracts with the agency. 

Since then, Amber has embarked as a solo artist and focused her promotions in China. Although f(x( has been inactive for years now, the members reassured their fans that the group did not disband.

Recently, Amber’s fellow f(x) member Krystal Jung opened up how she’s hoping for a group reunion in the future. Additionally, she also disclosed that they didn’t even expect that the 2015 album 4 Walls was going to be their last. 

For those unfamiliar with f(x), they debuted as a five-member group in September 2009. They rose to fame for songs “Electric Shock,” “Hot Summer,” and “Nu Abo.” In October 2019, member Sulli passed away. 

On the other hand, Taeyeon remains as one of the leading artists of SM Entertainment. Aside from doing group activities with SNSD, she has also been active as a soloist. In  August, the vocalist just finished the Asian leg of her fifth concert tour, The Odd of Love.

Featured image: Taeyeon and Amber were sitting together at a Paris Fashion Week event. Credit: Instagram/Rain Magazine

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CNBLUE’s Yonghwa Recalls ‘We Got Married’ Stint With SNSD’s Seohyun

CNBLUE's Yonghwa and SNSD's Seohyun during their last day of filming 'We Got Married.' Credit: YouTube/MBC

Rejoice, Goguma couple shippers! Yonghwa of CNBLUE has just gifted their fans some crumbs from his and SNSD’s Seohyun’s virtual marriage on the reality variety show We Got Married.

On Monday, September 11, the vocalist appeared as a guest on MC Kangnam’s Youtube show My Neighborhood Friend Kangnami. In the episode, Kangnam brought back Yonghwa’s previous work with the youngest member of SNSD. 

In 2010, Yonghwa and Seohyun, or the YoungSeo couple, acted as newlyweds for We Got Married. Nicknamed as “Goguma couple” (sweet potato couple), the two idols garnered popularity and support due to their enthralling chemistry. 

During their We Got Married stint, the two gained attention for their supposed innocent love as Seohyun didn’t have romantic relationships prior to that.

Additionally, the YoungSeo couple were also known for being musically-inclined. With this, the two even composed their own song and performed it in front of a crowd. 

Unsurprisingly, fans even rooted for the couple’s relationship in real life.

Yonghwa looks back on his YoungSeo stint 

Reminiscing about the past, Yonghwa revealed that despite people thinking it was all an act, their “marriage” was largely unscripted. 

Moreover, the singer also unveiled the story behind their lost “couple ring.” Yonghwa clarified that his viral clip of searching for the ring during a live performance on Music Core was real.

“It’s really real. The ring I bought with Seohyun at a fancy stationery store was cheap. So it easily corroded and it fell. But I didn’t lose it. As soon as the stage was over, I searched for it and that is what came out,” he said in the show.

On social media, fans of the virtual couple expressed their excitement on having the YoungSeo days being talked about. Especially since it’s been nearly 13 years since Yonghwa and Seohyun starred in the series. 

More about WGM

For those unaware, We Got Married is an MBC reality show that allows male and female celebrities – from idol group members, actors, or TV personas – to take part in a virtual marriage for a certain period of time. The couples are given tasks which help develop their relationship. 

Other famous couples who also appeared in the show include BTOB’s Yook Sungjae and Red Velvet’s Joy, f(x)’s Victoria and 2PM’s Nickhun, and actor Namkoong Min and singer Hong Jin Young, among many others.

With the series’ first launch in February 2008, WGM aired for a total of four seasons before its final episode in May 2017. With its immense popularity, the show inspired several spin-offs, including a global edition.

Featured image: CNBLUE’s Yonghwa and SNSD’s Seohyun during their last day of filming ‘We Got Married.’ Credit: YouTube/MBC

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Look: Snsd’s Hyoyeon Drops Teaser for ‘Picture’

SNSD's Hyoyeon poses for the teaser of 'Forever 1.' Credit: Facebook/SNSD

Save the date because DJ Hyo is releasing new music! 

Girls’ Generation member Hyoyeon released on Wednesday, August 16, the teaser for her highly-anticipated comeback. Featuring red fluorescent lights, the teaser also revealed that the single will be titled Picture, and will be out on September 22. 

Picture will serve as Hyoyeon’s first solo release in over a year following her EDM mini album DEEP. The EP was released in May 2022. 

Hyoyeon made her solo debut in 2018 under the moniker DJ Hyo. Her solo singles include “Sober,” “Punk Right Now,” “Second,” and “Dessert.” 

In a radio interview with Super Junior’s Donghae and Eunhyuk, Hyoyeon opened up about her decision to pursue a career as a DJ. She said that she wanted to combine her hobbies for dancing and listening to a wide range of music. 

“Because I danced before, the music I listened to has a broader spectrum, genre-wise. I wanted to share the songs I like; I wanted to do mixing. I was learning it as a hobby myself, and I heard from other people that I know a lot of songs, that I know the flow well. So because I kept hearing that I’m good, as I learned more, it felt like…it was mine,” she said.

Currently, Hyoyeon is one of the only four Girls’ Generation members that is still under SM Entertainment. 

Sunny recently left the agency after 16 years. Meanwhile, members Seohyun, Tiffany, and Sooyoung left in 2019. 

Although under different agencies, the eight members reunited in August 2022 to release the album Forever 1. It was in celebration of the group’s 15th debut anniversary. 

Girls’ Generation is known for songs “Genie,” “Gee,” “Lion Heart,” and “Oh!” among others. 

Featured image: SNSD’s Hyoyeon in the teaser of ‘Forever 1.’ Credit: Facebook/SNSD

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Snsd’s Sunny Leaves SM Entertainment After 16 Years

SNSD member poses during the group's 'Forever 1' promotions. Credit: Facebook/SNSD

Girls’ Generation member Sunny is entering a new era in her career as she parted ways with longtime agency SM Entertainment. 

On Tuesday, August 8, the idol personally delivered the news to her fans through an Instagram post. 

The lead vocalist started her letter by expressing her gratitude to the members, staff, and fans who made Girls’ Generation’s 16th debut anniversary possible. 

 

Sunny then dedicated a separate section for her SM Entertainment. She said that the label “gave great help so that 19-year-old Lee Soon Kyu (her real name) could debut as Girls’ Generation’s Sunny.” 

“Every single day, I was as happy as I could be to be able to debut as Girls’ Generation with the members and to meet SONE (Girls’ Generation’s official fan club),” she wrote, as translated by Soompi. 

As to what lies ahead in her career, Sunny said that she’s “trying to take courage to see [herself] in a new environment from a different perspective.” 

She also left a promise to their fans, who she said “sent support without change for a long period of time.” 

“No matter what kind of day comes in the future, I will continue to move forward as the revitalizing Sunny,” she said. 

Following the singer’s post, SM Entertainment confirmed that Sunny has left their agency. 

The label then described the idol as someone “who showcased amazing activities while together with [them] for a long time.” 

They also asked the fans to continue their support for Sunny as she embarked on a new path. 

 

Which SNSD members are still under SM Entertainment?

Speculations that Sunny parted ways with SM Entertainment started when only members Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona shared a special message for the group’s anniversary. Girls’ Generation celebrated their 16th year in the industry on August 5. 

 

Aside from her Instagram post, Sunny also assured her supporters through the Bubble platform.

She opened up how she wasn’t that worried since she knew that they can still continue activities as a group. “Even if all the members aren’t [under SM Entertainment], they say Girls’ Generation can still go on. I’m just thankful,” she said. 

 

Sunny made her debut as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007 through “Into The New World.” Originally a nine-piece act, member Jessica left the group and agency in 2014. 

In 2019, members Seohyun, Tiffany, and Sooyoung left SM Entertainment to pursue solo projects. 

Although under different agencies, the eight members reunited in August 2022 to release the album Forever 1. It was in celebration of the group’s 15th debut anniversary. 

Girls’ Generation is known for songs “Genie,” “Gee,” “Lion Heart,” and “Oh!” among others. 

Featured image: SNSD member poses during the group’s ‘Forever 1’ promotions. Credit: Facebook/SNSD

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Girls’ Generation’s “Gee” Tops Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Songs in K-pop History

American music publication Rolling Stone released its list titled “The 100 Greatest Song In The History of Korean Pop Music,” with Girls’ Generation’s “Gee” taking the top spot. 

According to the article released on Thursday, July 20, the entries were “crafted by a panel of music journalists and critics, both based in Korea and the United States.”

 

The list featured songs of various genres, and even those released from the 1920s. 

Describing “Gee” as a “testament to the way love — and all of its indescribable ecstasies — can be translated through pop music,” Rolling Stone explained that it’s an “enduring hit” because of its “rapidly repeated syllables” and “dizzying, maximalist aesthetic.” 

“Gee” served as the lead single of Girls’ Generation’s debut EP in 2009. Its music video saw the girls — in their iconic colored skinny jeans — harboring a crush on SHINee’s Minho. 

 

When it was released, “Gee” set the record for the longest-running number one song on Music Bank with nine consecutive wins before Psy broke it with “Gangnam Style” in 2012. 

“Gee” was also the first K-pop group music video to reach 100 million views — a feat it achieved in 2013, or almost four years after its release. 

Trailing “Gee” are H.O.T’s “Candy” and IU’s “Good Day” in second and third place, respectively. 

Rolling Stone wrote that “Candy” has “set the bar for every K-pop boy band’s sugary-sweet summertime earworms to come,” while “Good Day” has “emphasized IU’s bright, bold, and candied sensibility.”

The rest of the top 10 are: 4) BTS’ “Spring Day,” 5) Cho Yong Pil’s “Short Hair,” 6) BLACKPINK’s “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” 7) BIGBANG’s “Haru Haru,” 8) 2NE1’s “I Am the Best,” 9) Seo Taiji and Boys’ “I Know” and 10) Wonder Girls’ “Tell Me.” 

The rest of the songs included in the Top 100 can be found HERE. How do you feel about this ranking?

Featured image: SM Entertainment’s YouTube

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