Girls Generation is a powerhouse K-pop band, and with over 11 years under their belt, the eight-member group has broken countless records.
Most recently, they nabbed a coveted spot in the Guinness World Records 2018 on the Most Awards Won list, for winning a whopping 13 at the Melon Music Awards – more than any other artist at the event.
Theyve exported K-pop all over the world, and their uniform, preppy music has been featured on Korean movies and dramas. In short, theyre leaders in the game.
However, the journey to the top, according to band member Kim Hyo-yeon – or Hyoyeon for short – hasnt been easy.
The 28-year-old DJ appeared on the 1 June airing of JTBC4s Secret Older Sister, where she spoke with MAMAMOO band member Wheein about her debut days.
Hyoyeon said: My trainee years were really long, so I dreamed a lot about my debut.
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Because of that, I cried a lot after my first debut [stage].
She recalled in 2007, practising their first single Into A New World 10 hours a day for an entire year.
Hyoyeon explained: Because of the big picture of the agency and since YoonA is pretty and tall, she became the centre.
Every person had their own role and position. Before my debut, I thought I was the best, so at the time, it was difficult for me to accept that I wasnt the centre.
Because of that, it was really difficult, but I thought that someday, people will see me even when Im standing on the side.
The job of a celebrity is something everyone can comment on. You have to hear things you dont want to hear, and sometimes you dont hear things you want to hear.
In the beginning, its hard to control your emotions.
She also talked about how difficult it was for her to be sidelined, and that she had even contemplated quitting.
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In the middle, I thought, I should give up. If Im going to do something else, I should quickly give this up and start going on that path since it takes time to learn something new. Nothing goes well the first time. But I couldnt quickly give this up.
So during that time, I rode my bike a lot. Its late when we came home after our schedules. If we came home at 1am, Id wash up, sleep then wake up at 5 or 6am.
Riding the bike around Han River helped me relieve a lot of stress.
K-pop stars are known for their rigorous training. They usually spend years as trainees learning how to sing and dance in one of South Koreas many entertainment companies.
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BTS recently revealed they practise 12-15 hours a day.
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