Coffee Break: Girls’ Generation (underrated version)

Dubbed as SoShi by their fans, Girls’ Generation debuted in 2007  with “Into The New World“ under the biggest entertainment company in Korea, SM Entertainment. Consisting of nine young, innocent, and beautiful girls, Girls’ Generation is undoubtedly the next “it” girl group since S.E.S and Fin.K.L. From idol’s idol to fashion icons, these girls captured the public’s hearts with refreshing sound and innocent lyrics of being united and constant promises of being together forever, becoming the new “fairies” of K-pop. And even in the year 2012, 5 years after their debut, Girls’ Generation continues to bring exciting performances and flawless beauty to the stage.

Girls’ Generation released their first single in 2007 consisting of 11 tracks titled, ‘Girls’ Generation 1st Album‘, receiving various prestigious awards such as 22nd Golden Disk Rookie award. Out of those tracks, “7989” first introduced and highlighted Girls’ Generation’s leader and main vocalist, Taeyeonfeaturing Kangta, who held the main vocalist position of popular old school idol group H.O.T.  Although the duet paints an unfortunate love song between a man and a woman struggling to keep their relationship intact, the song also kept the same innocent and cute image of Girls’ Generation that is prevalent throughout the album. With Taeyeon’s mature and surprisingly developed vocals for a rookie, for me, “7989” proved that girl groups aren’t always about looks.

“Baby Baby” is also a song that caught my attention as it had the generic sounds of a girl group. The simple and catchy instrumentals became their forte as Girls’ Generation becomes the definition of pure innocence.

Girls’ Generation- Baby Baby by yuraalee

Although the girls had an outstanding debut and were rather comfortable , it wasn’t until 2009 when they made their comeback with “Gee” that they gained an immense amount of popularity. No one dared to deny nine beautiful girls dancing in sync to the ridiculously addictive hook. And with that very single, the girls soared to the top of the food chain the industry. But because “Gee” was the song that was promoted the most, other tracks which are just as energetic and fun to listen to was unfortunately silenced.

For one, “Way To Go” has the full package of endorphin as “Gee”, but with even more adorable behind-the-scenes clips from “Gee”, playful choreography, and pop rock instrumentals. The song will brighten up your mood with upbeat pop-rock instrumentals along with video full of cute antics by nine undeniably refreshing girls.

In that same year, Girls’ Generation released their 2nd mini album, ‘Genie‘, with a hit title track, “Genie” with tunes that even a Dutch singer envied. “Genie” kept the public busy with their easy-to-follow synchronized choreography that accentuated their sexy leg lines. While other members were busy waving around their legs for “Genie”, Jessica, the girl with one of the most distinct voice in Girls’ Generation, was highlighted with the song “1 Year Later” featuring SHINee‘s Onew. “1 Year Later” can be described as the sequel to Taeyeon’s solo, literally one year later. With much more sophisticated lyrics and solemn piano instrumentals, the two charming vocalists Jessica and Onew created a beautiful harmony of two lovers yearning for one another.

Then came “Caramel Coffee“, from their 2nd album, ‘Oh!’, which highlighted the third charming voice of Girls’ Generation, Tiffany. What I like about this song is that the jazzy instrumentals to this song creates an automatic aura of a local coffee shop or bakery. And quite surprisingly, Jessica and Tiffany do a great job of keeping that aura alive. Their sweet and savory vocals were highlighted by the simple layers of the track.

In their 3rd album, ‘Vitamin” with instrumentals that are similar to carols, the girls shined once again doing what they do best, singing uplifting songs accentuating their adorable innocence. Without much to comment on the song, I think that this song defines Girls’ Generation the best as it even states in the title.

In the year 2012, Girls’ Generation is still on the top with their ever-so-powerful fanbase consisting of men and women of all ages. And with frequent appearances in dramas, variety shows, fashion events, and even dominating in the commercial, it’s hard to miss these doll-like girls. Once these bubbly girls get a hold of your heart, you won’t be able to resist their charms.

Additional Recommendation:

01. “Love Sick“- TaeTiSeo

02. “Girls’ Generation”

03. “My J”

04. “Echo”

What underratted Girls’ Generation songs would you recommend?

'Nylon' releases photoshoot videos ft.Hyoyeon and Seohyun

Girls’ Generation’s (SNSD) Hyoyeon and Seohyun will be featured in the August issue of “Nylon”, a fashion and pop culture magazine. To promote the upcoming release, the magazine recently uploaded videos of Hyoyeon and Seohyun onto its YouTube channel.The clips show behind-the-scenes footage of the photoshoots “Nylon” did with the two.

The first video features Hyoyeon. After greeting the viewers, she talks about all the fancy makeup and outfits she got to wear. She adds that she also liked the set of the photoshoot and how it was a very fun experience. Next, she talks briefly about “Dancing with the Stars II”, telling the viewers that she is giving her very best in order to put on good performances, and then asks if the audience feels the same way. Hyoyeon ends with a request for viewers to vote for her and watch her continue to do her best on the next episode.

Seohyun opens her behind-the-scenes clip with a pleasant “hello” to the audience. She says that the photoshoot with Hyoyoen had a funky feel. She also tells viewers that the shoot was fun and asks them to look forward to the finished product. She bids goodbye to the audience with a cheerful promise: “Let’s meet in the August issue!”

Check out the two “Nylon” photoshoot videos below:

Taeyeon attended the Sisley Paris launching event!

 SNSD's main vocal Taeyeon attended the launching event of Sisley Paris.

She is spotted in a colorful dress at the event,waving to the medias and smile brightly.

Check out more of her photos here!

Yoona shows off S-line figure in unpublished photo's

Recently, a couple of unpublished photo's of SNSD's Yoona was revealed. A photographer named O Jung Seok updated his twitter account on the 23rd of July and shared, "Yoona unpublished photo's" and shared the set of photo's of Yoona which are in black in white.

This is a rare case where unpublished photo's from a photo shoot gets revealed and on the photo's you can see Yoona showing off her slender figure especially her S-line as she lies down on a sofa. With the black and white effect, the photo's give an almost vintage feel. Netizens commented, "Wow, really thankful he shared the photo's", "She looks like a doll", "She's so pretty, she can be a foreign model", "She has such a small face".

Jessica and actress Lee Min Jung radiate in a white t-shirt and jumper

Girls’ Generation‘s Jessica and actress Lee Min Jung recently shared similar looks, but showed off different types of charm, as they both donned simple white t-shirts.

On July 23rd, a picture titled “White T-Shirt Battle between Lee Min Jung and Jessica” appeared on a portal site, grabbing the attention of fans and netizens alike.

In the picture, Jessica displays her trademark ‘Ice Princess’ style; the simplicity and chic of the white t-shirt matches her cool attitude and look. Lee Min Jung opts for a more casual look on the set of KBS‘s drama ‘Big‘, in which she wears her white t-shirt with a red jumper, creating a cute ‘camping’ look. The selected white flower-print t-shirts and jumpers both belong to the same company.

Netizens responded enthusiastically, stating, “Lee Min Jung’s camping look is so charming”, “Just one white t-shirt brings out their beauty!“, and “Jessica’s super-thin legs are the best“.

It’s amazing what just one white t-shirt can do.

Life’s Good with Girls’ Generation in 3D

Electronics brand LG’s new CF with Girls’ Generation, shows us Life’s Good with the girls in 3D. This we can attest to, as our LG 3D TV at the office is freaking amazing… don’t believe us? Drop by and we’ll show you!

Check out the CF below!

Girls' Generation Discusses Image, Individual Activies, and Future Plans in 'K-wave' Magazine!

 

(Translator’s note: it is not indicated who is answering what question.)

Q: You’ve reached the senior level amongst girl groups. I think you’d feel responsibilities. What do you think about this?

A: “When we go to broadcast stations for music programs, there are a lot more juniors now. Every time, I think, ‘Ah~ We’ve been active a long time.’ Along with wanting to work harder, I do feel responsibilities. However, because I’ve always been active with my members since I was younger, it always feels the same.”

Q: From a cute, fresh image, your image has changed a lot, to the point where people now say you look “chic”. What do you think about these changes?

A: “Because I’m showing myself growing gradually, I think I’m just being told about my continuously changing image. People around me have been telling me I’ve been looking great a lot. We debuted before we were in our 20′s. Just like how each year, going from high school to your first, second, and third years in university is different, us nine girls growing naturally through our promotion concepts feels the same way. Our dancing and performances skills have been increasing through various Korean and overseas activities and live tours, and we’ve gained know-how’s.”

Q: The members were girls and have become women. Looking at the choreography and outfit concepts of your most recent single, “The Boys”, you are able to see a more mature image than before. Do you think it was appealing? Also, what kind of Girls’ Generation do you think fans want?

A: “I think we were able to show a different charm that Girls’ Generation has through ‘The Boys’. The performances were a lot more dynamic and powerful, and I think the Girls’ Generation that fans want is one that continues to change into something new and grow. What will the music on the next album be like? How will the performances be? What kind of style will they pull off? I want to become a group that brings up these types of curiosities.”

Q: Looking at your seniors Fin.K.L and S.E.S., girl groups can be met with a crisis. They have found their own positions through sexiness (Lee Hyori), more polished singing (Ock Juhyun), and acting (Sung Yuri, Eugene). What kind of future are Girls’ Generation members planning? I would like to ask for an answer if there are members who have thought about this.

A: “……” (Translator’s note: the members of Girls’ Generation did not answer.)

Q: Have you seen the movie, “Sunny”? If Girls’ Generation were a movie, I think, in the future, it will be like the days in that movie. How do you want to spend your 20′s? Could Sunny, with the same name as the movie, answer this?

Sunny: “I want to experience a lot of things while being active as a Girls’ Generation member. I made a new attempt at musicals and am in ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Not only do I want to sing, I want to do musicals and try my hand at different areas of work. I want to experience and learn different things and want to spend my 20′s enjoyably.”

Q: Let’s talk about the recently released “Twinkle” from Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun. It seems elegance, beauty, maturity, and a fairy tale-like feel are all expressed through it. I want to know what your current unit activities mean [to you] and what the other members think of it.

A: “We think of it as a chance for certain members to show their own colors that they could not in Girls’ Generation. While members are currently active in dramas, musicals, MCing, and in variety shows, the three of us just showed a different side of ourselves through music and performances. How do the other members feel? They cheer us on and monitor [performances] a lot. On first performance dates, they all came to the broadcast stations and encouraged us.”

Q: When it comes to Yoona and Yuri, the two of you have been meeting fans through dramas recently. What do you personally do to show good acting?

A: “We put an effort towards becoming the person in the drama and not Girls’ Generation’s Yoona and Yuri. The way we talk, how we express our emotions, and hairstyles; we tried analyzing how we could express our roles well… We got advice from the directors as well as senior actors. ‘Love Rain’ and ‘Fashion King’ were both busy schedules, but we tried to keep up with it without getting exhausted.”

Q: Looking at the members now, acting, MCing music programs, doing unit activities, and appearing in variety shows, aside from it being just an engine pushing you forth, it seems you all are being your own generators. If asked, “What is Girls’ Generation’s final goal?”, how would you answer?

A: “A final goal? It’s a difficult question. While receiving some award, winning number one a few times, and setting records are nice, I wish Girls’ Generation would be a team that gives a lot of people energy like we do now. Also, I want to become a team where people feel happy just hearing our name ‘Girls’ Generation’, and make people anticipate things whenever they hear news like, ‘Girls’ Generation will be releasing a new album’, or ‘There will be a concert’. Also, I want our members to be active in various areas of work and grow from it.”

Q: I think there would be days where you can’t see one another because you’re so busy. Is there a secret way you maintain your teamwork while you’re busy? Also, which member usually plays that role (in maintaining teamwork)?

A: “We have made a mobile messenger group chat, and we talk through that often. After always spending time together, because this is a time where we focus more on individual activities, I think we’ve grown more loving towards one another. If there is a member who is exhausted or worried about something, we send funny pictures or stories, trying to make them laugh, and give them advice too. Even if we can’t see one another in person, we are still together through the messenger.”

Q: Was today’s interview fun?

A: “It was amusing because you asked such good questions. It was nice because it felt like we were communicating with fans. We hope there are more times like this in the future.”

Q: In closing, could you tell us about your future plans?

A: “While we are currently active with individual schedules, we are still Girls’ Generation before any of that. We will work hard in preparing for Girls’ Generation’s activities and are planning on showing a different side of us. Please look forward to what kind of song and performance we will be putting on. Ah! And starting with the Los Angeles concert at the end of May, there will be a SMTOWN Live world tour. We are planning on meeting fans that are overseas through these concerts, so we hope they wait for us.”

Q: It’s sad, but I think we need to say our goodbyes. Last words to our readers!

A: “’KBS K-wave’ readers and Girls’ Generation’s fans! Please love Girls’ Generation lots, and keep watching us in a positive light! Thank you. Right now is Girls’ Generation!!”