SNSD performs “The Great Escape” & “Mr. Taxi” at MTV’s Video Music Aid Japan!

On June 25th, SNSD performed “The Great Escape” and “Mr. Taxi” on MTV’s Video Music Aid Japan stage! Check out the video below!

GQ Japan Magazine (July 2011 issue)

As the power of K-pop continues to steadily spread globally, the world is turning their attention to the nine talented entertainers with world-class appearances, vocals and dancing skills, whom we grew to know and love as Girls’ Generation or SNSD.

GQ Japan became the first magazine for men to conduct an interview and photo shoot with SNSD, who represents not only Korea but the entire Asia. Through the interview, we get a closer look at the real SNSD and we want to stop talking only about their “beautiful legs”, which is a problem not only in Japan but the whole world as they regarded SNSD as “Idols with pretty legs”.

Along with other K-pop representatives, SNSD is steadily rising in their position as pop stars to capture the attention of not only Asia, but the whole world. Their agency, SM Entertainment, held two successful sessions of an all-star concert SM Town Live in the continent of Europe and the tickets were sold out within 10 minutes!

As far as the opposite side of the Earth in Brazil, there is a fanclub for them and the girls also made it as a representative and main focus in BBC and France’s 2nd TV’s broadcast about the globalization of K-pop, as they are regarded as the best representative of K-pop as a whole.

Along with their popularity, SNSD’s value to market products has also greatly increased as proven from the ‘Chocolate Love’ PV for LG to working with famed director James Cameron for the promotion of Samsung’s 3D TV. Later, they worked with one of the biggest computer processor producer in the world Intel for their Asian Campaign and provided another PV, namely ‘Visual Dreams’ because they have attractive appearances and are also believed to be capable of raising the sales rate of the already well-known product.

However, what we are trying to say here is that these amazing results did not come out of nowhere. In order to get started in K-pop, you are usually required to spend around five to eight years as trainees, besides aiming for the global market primarily. Thus, having Jessica and Tiffany, who have lived in the US, is an advantage and a great weapon for SNSD.

Besides that, the staff working closely with the group and supporting them are also top-class composers, song writers and choreographers. They have all the necessities for productions aiming for worldwide promotion.

For a top group like SNSD, it was a pleasant surprise to find out that they are not arrogant at all when you actually get to meet them in person. Rather, they are sweet and straightforward girls, so sometimes it feels as if they are not defending themselves. They have extremely good relationships with each other even when each member is unique and different from the others.

One of the main strengths of SNSD is that every member is an all-round player that can switch to any positions of the group and yet keep their charms and uniqueness. Each member is great in terms of vocals and dancing, and some are exceptionally talented in either one.

Furthermore, each member had the chance to expand her talents in individual commercials, dramas or variety shows so all nine members have their own territories to shine in and they do not have fixed positions such as leader or “centre”.

In 2009, wearing identical performance uniforms, they performed ‘Gee’ and ‘Genie’, showing how SNSD is a group of all-round players. To get to know more of SNSD’s true selves, it is recommended for readers to search on YouTube for their charismatic dance steps, great vocals singing famous western music and as well as their playful sides in talk shows.

When asked about their strength to help them stand out from other groups around the world, Jessica replied, “We have nine colors, just like how the colors of the rainbow vary. Furthermore, the energy and teamwork shines brighter when all nine of us are together.”

Like what Jessica said, fans around the world focus mainly on their uniqueness as well as teamwork. Not only that, the fact that they are very hardworking is also their weapon to success. Each member has gone through 10 hours of harsh training every day during their teenage years. This story itself has become a unique and valuable part of SNSD and this “uniqueness” has motivated each member to work even harder.

Taeyeon talked about their latest single ‘Mr. Taxi’ and stated, “The dance moves were hard. However, since we have been singing and dancing to a wide range of songs, this song wasn’t exceptionally hard.”

On the other hand, when asked about the song which can best represent SNSD, Sooyoung answered, “’Run Devil Run’ because it is the coolest and most artistic song. Also, we enjoyed performing this song the most.”

The girls do not allow themselves to feel proud or satisfied by only having the cute image as stars.

Maxime Paque, who runs Korean Connection, a French K-pop fansite, stated, “They are all hardworkers compared to some European stars. Korean stars are just like athletes.”

These girls do not only have to care about their health, have daily training, but also listen to Corinne Bailey Rae or Bruno Mars, and watch online video sites to try out new dance steps.

SNSD, who works hard day and night, can proudly state that they know their own values and the expectations of fans.

So, we cannot help but wonder, why is the world attracted to them?

Their agency, SM Entertainment, have used worldwide platforms such as YouTube in order to expand their stage globally. Because they have “shared” the growth of SNSD as a group, they have also successfully created fans worldwide. You can even think that when SNSD is releasing a Japanese PV, there are more international fans waiting than Japanese fans. Through these global modes of communications, SNSD has improved their attractiveness and more fans look forward to their next albums.

K-pop and Bollywood are the two best examples of successfully integrating YouTube into a business strategy. Because American pop music has already been known worldwide, YouTube was used only to slightly expand on their popularity.

However, it is a completely different story for K-pop. There are not much ways that Europe and South America can get to know K-pop. Thus, they have to find out about K-pop themselves through YouTube and Internet.

Luca, an administrator of a Brazilian SNSD fan site stated, “While I was searching for pretty computer wallpapers, I came across the nine beautiful girls and started to search about them. 2 years ago, it was extremely difficult to find information about them. However, due to the internet, there are more and more fans. Our site has around 3,000 to 4,000 visits daily now.”

Maxime Paquet stated, “I think that the French listeners are slowly getting sick of western pop culture. K-pop is extremely similar to American pop culture. However, they have something that American pop culture is lacking in. Furthermore, K-pop entertainers have shown their high quality as all-round entertainers. They all sing and dance very well. Maybe the fact that their hardwork is shown clearly during their performances is fresh to the French listeners. K-pop listeners are still increasing in number and I assume that there’s around a hundred thousand listeners in France.”

People compared K-pop artists with American pop artists and chose to listen to K-pop, a genre of music from a far eastern country and the same thing is happening in Japan. It is also said that the teenagers react most to SNSD.

Even though no one tells them who sings and dances better, Japanese teenagers will naturally know by comparing SNSD to other Japanese idols. They will then accept SNSD as well as the fact that their success is the product of their hardwork.

K-pop is trying to replace what was called as western music. We can’t say for sure why the new global stars are cute Asians. It might be the result of great business strategies, or it might be because the world has been desiring something Asian for a long time.

We won’t answer why it has to be these 9 girls for this phenomenon to happen. What we can tell you is that if the 21st century were to be the age for Asians, then the success of SNSD is the sign for the start of that age.

Meanwhile, here is the interview we conducted with each of the nine girls of SNSD, where ten questions were asked. The ten questions asked to SNSD are as follows:

1. How would you describe your personality in one word?

2. When was the moment you were glad to be a member of SNSD?

3. What strength do you think you have that you can be proud of internationally?

4. Please tell us which member you respect and why you respect her.

5. Which song and artist are you into right now?

6. What do you want to develop more on as an artist?

7. Which Korean celebrity do you admire? What’s the reason?

8. What made you happy recently?

9. What compliment makes you happy?

10. What’s your ideal dating course?

Hyoyeon

1989/B

Dancing is her specialty.

Her powerful performance exceeds female level.

“I want to learn various hip hop dances.”

1. Cool

2. When I stand on stage

4. Seohyun because she’s optimistic

5. Jessica J’s ‘Do It Like a Dude’

6. I think it is necessary for us to keep trying hard. I want to try hip hop dance from old school to newest styles.

7. I was motivated while recently watching a Japanese dancer on YouTube. I don’t remember the name though.

8. When I succeeded in shopping! When people saw me with my new clothes, they said that I’m very stylish!

9. When they say that I am charismatic on stage.

10. Looking at flowers in spring. I like tulips.

Seohyun

1991/A

Youngest in the group.

The bookworm of the group and is a fan of the Korean author Lee JiSung.

“I enjoy reading because there are a lot of encouraging books.”

1. Positive! Cautious.

2. When a lot of people tell us that they get encouraged while listening or watching our music.

3. The fact that the nine of us can provide bright energies to make global fans smile. We can also speak English, Chinese, and Japanese!

4. Hyoyeon’s caring personality.

5. Hot Potato’s ‘Confession’ and Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now’

6. I want to try composing and song writing.

8. When my parents compliment my actions.

9. Had a good family education, professional and is good at self-control.

10. Parks or rivers where we can feel the nature.

Tiffany

1989/O

From US

Her friend told her, “Your debut story is like a movie scenario.”

1. Wild

2. When I perform in front of large audiences on stage

3. Teamwork, stage performance

4. Taeyeon because she is good with rhythm and she’s really cool while dancing.

5. Katy Perry, P!nk

7. Lee HyoRi, because she has always been passionate on stage since her idol years. I admire how she always tries her best.

8. When the filming for ‘Mr.Taxi’ PV ended.

9. I’m happy when people who watched our performances tell us that we are good.

10. I want to have a date that won’t get off my mind the whole day.

Yuri

1989/AB

Has written the lyrics for one of their songs.

“When you put in your feelings to the lyrics, you can express your feelings better while singing.”

1. Energetic

2. All the time. I am thankful to the fact that I can always share the music I like as well as creating memories and learning new things.

3. Teamwork

4. Tiffany because she is always passionate on things that she likes and is eager to learn.

5. P!nk’s performances.

6. I was very motivated while watching foreign artists’ concert videos recently. Having your own style of music is an amazing thing so I’m working hard to become those kinds of artists.

8. When I hear my manager saying that he gets motivated by my passion and hardwork.

10. Taking a walk.

Sooyoung

1990/O

Her specialty is Japanese.

“I wish to become a type of person who can make others feel comfortable, at work or in daily life.”

1. Enthusiastic and lively, but shy.

2. Always because I am able to achieve things that I couldn’t have done alone.

3. Each of the member’s charms and the energy we have onstage.

4. Seohyun because even though she’s the youngest of the group, she can take care of herself well.

5. P!nk’s ‘Dear My President’, ‘Perfect’, Bruno Mars and James Morrison

6. I want to have one thing that I can proudly say that I am confident in.

8. When my pet got better from being sick, I was really happy.

9. When I hear that I make others feel comfortable, I feel happy.

10. A date where we eat, drink coffee and talk?

Sunny

1989/B

Talks well and is the mood maker of the group.

“When I participated in shows alone, I felt thankful to the members.”

1. Optimistic

2. When we go on stage. Because the members have a good relationship with each other, we have never been bored even in other countries.

3. Teamwork.

4. Tiffany because she gets along well with others.

5. Tamia’s ‘Officially Missing You’.

6. Because I still have a lot more to improve in every perspective, I think I have to work harder.

7. WheeSung. I admired him since he was our vocal trainer, but I really like how he is always trying his best.

8. When my 2-year old niece smiled while looking at me. I was really happy and glad.

9. “You are improving” and “You seemed to have gotten prettier”.

10. Amusement parks

Taeyeon

1989/Blood type O

Outstanding singing skills acknowledged by fellow members.

Finds that her ‘ability to immerse people into the music by her voice’ is her strong suit.

1. The Universe

2. When I wake up and wash my face.

3. The fact that some concepts can only be used well on SNSD.

4. Yuri. I respect her for being able to do something with perseverance.

5. Recently I’m into Frankie J’s ‘Don’t Wanna Try’.

6. I want to study more on music, because I want to become a singer who can present any kind of song well.

8. I feel really happy when I watch DVD movies on my own in the room.

9. From the opposite gender, it will be “Your song is great” or “You sing well”. From the same gender, it will be “Your skin looks great”.

10. I wish to go to an amusement park.

Jessica

1989/Blood type B

Born in the US.

Took the leading role in the musical ‘Legally Blonde’,

“I started to have a positive mind, and started to like pink too!”

1. Cool (Smiles)

2. The fact that I have friends and colleagues for life.

3. We have nine colors, just like how the colors of the rainbow vary. Furthermore, the energy and teamwork shines brighter when all nine of us are together.

4. All our members’ endurance!

5. Corrine Bailey Rae’s ‘Paris Nights/New York Morning’ and ‘My love’

7. It’s BoA sunbae. She gives me a lot of advices and I like how she always put efforts into her work.

8. A birthday party for myself, with many precious people around. ❤

9. When they say “your voice is beautiful”.

10. Amusement park, ice skating and shopping

YoonA

1990/ Blood Type B

Active as an individual actress and model, “I enjoy presenting so many styles to the people, while gaining experiences.”

1. Bright.

2. When I was pursuing my individual career, I felt lonely. (smiles) I like it very much when I’m with the members, because they become my energy.

4. Seohyun. She always studies hard. Although she has a tender heart, she is really worth the respect.

5. Boys II Men’s ‘End of the road’, Bruno Mars’ ‘Just, the way you are’ (This song is nice!)

6. It’s important to always build my character and constantly try to upgrade myself.

8. When I got my driving license.

9. If they add an “I knew that you are…” before their compliments, it gives me the feeling that they trust me.

10. Drive on a beautiful road.

SNSD traveled more than 25,000 km within 10 days

On cable channel, Mnet’s daily information programn ‘WIDE Entertainment News’ aired at 5pm KST on June 24th, SNSD’s air travel mileage was revealed.According to a study by the staff of the program, SNSD traveled in and out of Korea more than 8 times from June 8th to June 18th. In order to fulfill their official schedules, the girls have traveled more than 25,086km. For illustration purpose, the distance covered is about the distance of one going on a Seoul-Busan-Seoul trip for 25 times. Distance between Seoul and Busan is about 456 km.

Last year, Rain recorded accumulative mileage of 670,000km within his 8-year activities. With their global-scale popularity, the girls are expected to exceed Rain’s figure.

Japanese fans aspire to be SNSD!

On Nihon TV’s ‘ZIP’ aired on June 22nd (morning) the ‘SNSD craze’ in Japan was discussed in a section entitled ‘I want to be SNSD’.

The program featured an interview with a group of young female fans at the ‘Japan Arena Tour’ concert, a young girl in her teens who wants to be the 10th member of SNSD and also a group of students learning SNSD’s dance steps in a dancing school.

Japanese female fans come from different age groups but they seem to have similar opinions about SNSD. Among their comments were, “To be like SNSD, I’m currently on diet”, “I want to be like SNSD” and “Dance, songs and everything about them is perfect”.

Particularly, an elementary school female student said, “I want to become a singer like SNSD” and expressed her desire to spend hundreds of million of yens to renovate certain areas of her house into a dancing room.

In addition to that, a dancing school specializing in SNSD’s choreography stated, “The students adore SNSD very much”. To date, more than 1000 students have enroled for the SNSD dance course, which was introduced since SNSD’s Japanese debut last year. It was also mentioned that any student who has completed 4 sessions (1.5 hours each) would be able to master the choreography of a particular song.

Besides this, SNSD’s ‘nail fashion’ also seems to be a hot demand at a Korean-owned nail shop in Japan. The shop received a lot of requests requests such as, “I want my nails to look like Sooyoung’s in SNSD’s ‘Hoot’ album jacket”.

Ray Magazine (August 2011 issue)

Taeyeon

9^th March 1989

Interests: Movie, Music, Book reviews

With outstanding singing skills

Q1. What are the charms of SNSD that you know as a member of the group?

It’s our simplicity and frankness and how we behave naturally all the time.

Q2. What is the song you would sing for people in love?

I will recommend “Born to be a lady”.

Q3. Who are the people you consider to be your allies?

It’s our fans. They always give us support and the energy to produce the next album. We never fail to get strength from our fans.

Q4. What do you want to be if you were to be reborn again?

A bird, I admire them because they can fly!

Q5. Who is the member you would marry if you were a man?

Myself. (Smiles) Because I know myself the best.

Q6. What is the fashion item you are aiming for this summer?

During summer, your arms will usually be exposed when you wear short-sleeves or no-sleeves, so I will find some bracelets that will stand out.

Q7. Please reveal the secrets of your fair skin.

I will do hot-packing before firming, sometimes I also use scrubs.

Q8. Which is the place you wish to go in Japan?

Tokyo’s Disneyland and hot spring.

Q9. Any surprises from Japan’s culture and habits?

How they broadcast live on TV early in the morning.

Q10. If you broke up with your lover, how will you overcome this?

I think time heals all wounds.

Q11. What do you do when you can’t sleep?

I listen to music. My favourite artiste changes from time to time. (Smiles)

Jessica

18^th April 1989

Interests: Move, music reviews, shopping

Specialized in: Singing, English and Piano

Born in San Francisco

Q12. How will the aura be like when all members gather around?

It will be very noisy but relaxed.

Q13. When people do Gee and Genie dance covers, what are the key dance steps?

In either ways, leg movements are the key steps. You can check them out through MVs.

Q14. Your impression on Japanese guys?

I feel that they’re very careful and sensible. They’re cautious and careful all the time.

Q15. Have you ever gone for shopping in Japan?

Yes. I like Shibuya’s opening ceremony. Because we don’t have this in Korea, I will go for shopping when I come to Japan.

Q16. What are the things that give you comfort?

Bag and shoes. When I see cute things I will purchase it ‘unconsciously’.

Q17. If you were to be reborn again, would you like to be a girl or a boy?

I would still like to be a girl. Then I can have a lot of styles!

Q18. What are your thoughts while trying out your roles in the musical ‘Legally Blonde’?

I feel that it’s a new experience. I took the leading role, the musical is a fresh experience for me and I found it enjoyable.

Q19.What kind of styles and behaviors of a man that could make your heart pounds?

When he suddenly touches my fringe and helps me tidy it up. (Smiles)

Q20. What do you think of Japanese female fans?

They have a variety of personalities and they love fashion.

Q21. Which sports do you have confidence in?

I’m not very good at sports……..Although I like watching footfall, I don’t enjoy playing it by myself.

Q22. Please reveal the secrets of maintaining nice legs.

Although I don’t put extra attention into it….. Sometimes I will get into a hot tub.

Hyoyeon

22th September 1989

Interest: Movie reviews, Shopping, Chinese

Attract fans with powerful dance performances.

Q23. What are the new trends among girl groups?

It’s nail art. I like leopard spots, so I will keep the design but only change the colors.

Q24. Something that all the members want to do in Japan?

Go to Sapporo during winter, and other places that receive positive comments, like hot spring.

Q25. Which is the place you like most about your face?

Is it the eyes…… If not it will be the face when I smile. Because people around me praise me about that. When I talk about it myself, it’s a little embarrassing. (Smiles)

Q26. Food you like?

Korea’s rice cake (“tteok”), in hot sauce….. and tteok…. Whatever it is, as long as it has the word ‘tteok’, I will like it.

Q27. Sports that you would take up as a challenge?

Swimming. Previously when we went overseas for filming, members played at the sea. Because I’m bad at swimming, I want to do it well. (Smiles)

Q28. What do you think of Japanese females?

I think they have strong personalities and confidence.

Q29. How do you overcome it when you’re disheartened?

Because I have my parents at home, I can go home, relax and rest, then I will feel better.

Q30. How is your room decorated?

Simple but it has a ‘princess style’ to it (Smiles). My curtain has lace, basic color being ivory, and the main color is pink.

Q31. How is your character when you’re with friends?

I will be very naughty. (Smiles) I will also crack a lot of jokes.

Q32. You receive good comments on your dance performance. What are the points to note when you dance?

I think it’s taking note of the angles and settings in front of the mirror, eye movements too.

Q33. Something that you will never forgive?

Betrayal. Because I’m the type of person who takes relationships seriously. I would really feel hurt.

Seohyun

28^th June 1991

Interests: Music reviews

Specialised in: piano, singing and Chinese

Maknae who receives a lot of love from the members.

Q34. What’s on your mind during performances?

I will enjoy it while thinking ‘Let’s enjoy this moment’.

Q35. What is the fashion you want to try out this summer?

Usually I stick to basic styles but this time, from summer onwards, I want to try other styles too.

Q36. Your happiest moment?

When I accomplish something I’ve planned for.

Q37. What’s the job that you would want to take up?

A professor in a university. Because professor is the one who guides students on the road to their dreams. I think it’s a very meaningful job to take up.

Q38. Do you think your fashion has to suit the taste of someone you like?

Although it’s important to wear something you like, to a certain extend, trying to match the taste of people you like is not a bad choice too. (Smiles)

Q39. What is your dream in the future?

I want to do something that empowers people and give them strength.

Q40. If time machine ever exists, which era would you like to go to and what would you do?

Into the future, because as society develops, I’m curious how it will be like from now on.

Q41. A number you like?

1.

Q42. When is the time that thoughts like ‘Still a young child~’ comes to your mind?

When I can’t control my own emotions properly.

Q43. A tour spot in Korea you would recommend?

The Gyeongbok Palace because it’s a place where you can experience Korea’s history and culture.

Q44. You’re the most serious member, anything you like being a dongsaeng (younger sister)?

Because I’m the only daughter in the family, whenever I’m with my 8 cute unnies (older sisters), I feel very happy.

Yuri

5^th December 1989

Interests: Books

Specialized in: Dance, acting, swimming

The outstanding health-mania is the result of Yoga and sports.

Q45. What kind of female you would want to be 10 years later?

I think it will be good if I can continue doing music like now, and at the same time save some space to enjoy life as well as becoming a career woman. I also want to make one of my dreams come true, which is to master Japanese language, and take up some roles in Japanese drama and movies.

Q46. When is the time you think that you’ve already grown into an adult?

When I try to smile instead of getting angry. Now I have learned to take everything easy.

Q47. If you don’t have anything to do now, what would you want to do then?

Because I really like music very much, I think I will still be doing music anywhere I go.

Q48. If you were to become another member for one day, who would you choose to be?

Although all of them are great, I’ve never thought of being someone else. (Smiles)

Q49. In a day, when do you feel the calmest?

When I wake up in the morning and the bright sunlight shines on my face.

Q50. What is the dream that makes you feel good when it comes true?

I want to master Japanese language. I also want to watch Japanese dramas without subtitles.

Q51. A Korean food and drink that you would like to recommend?

Biji Jjigae. It’s a stew made using tofu residue. It’s tasty and is also good for health.

Q52. Something that made you cry recently?

During acting lessons, when I was angry with myself for not speaking well.

Q53. Please tell us some simple ways to maintaining health.

Before you sleep, look back at the entire day and be self-affirmed. That is really simple!

Q54. What kind of fashion do you like?

Chic styles that make use of black and grey designs. I also like to wear simple and basic items.

Q55. Something that you’re currently interested in?

Stage performances. So, I’m learning it through watching foreign artistes’ live performance videos.

Sunny

15^th May 1989

Interests: Sports, music reviews, shopping

With a cheerful character, she is also active in variety broadcasts.

Q56. What is your most nervous moment?

When I get returns for my hard works. When our fans have good reactions to it, I feel really satisfied.

Q57. Something that you want to do when it comes to summer?

Going for vacation. It will be nice going to the beach, I also want to go to tropical regions and eat delicious fruits!

Q58. If you are to change your hairstyle, what kind of hairstyle would you like to try?

Short hair! I want to keep it very short. (Smiles)

Q59. A book or comic you like?

Novels written by a French writer called Bernard Werber. A Comic would be “One Piece” which teaches us about friendship and fate.

Q60. What kind of compliment do you want to hear from a man?

‘You’re charming’ or ‘You’re smart and mature’.

Q61. How would you react if you forget about the lyrics or dance steps?

It’s important to stay calm and act naturally! Also, quickly make myself steady.

Q62. Your impression on Japan?

Everything is in order right start from the airport, people have good manners, roads are also neat and clean.

Q63. A place for shopping in Korea that you would recommend?

Seoul’s Garosugil (Tree-lined street). There are a lot of café houses and clothing stalls. You can find a lot of clothes there. It’s also a place that I like very much.

Q64. How do other people comment on your characters?

They say that I’m cheerful and lively but I think, other than that, I’m also quite reserved sometimes. However, I’m working hard on becoming more cheerful.

Q65. Any ways to relieve stress?

Watch TV or movies then go to sleep. I like thrillers and mysteries.

Q66. When you go out with others for a meal, what would you choose to eat?

Japanese Ramen. I like Miso ramen the best. (Smiles)

Sooyoung

10^th February 1990

Interests: Movies, music reviews

Specialized in: dance, acting, Japanese

Knows a lot about Japanese culture and habits.

Q67. Is there something that you must eat when you come to Japan?

Fried oysters. They taste the best when they’re fried!

Q68. What do you talk about when members gather around?

We talk about nice food or discuss about other artistes’ new songs.

Q69. Do you prefer confessing to the person you like, or get confessions from others?

I’m a young girl so I would prefer getting confessions if possible. (Smiles)

Q70. Say a word about your characters?

When I asked Taeyeon-jang, she said ‘like the sky’ (Smiles) because my emotions are very stable so I think this is the way to describe me.

Q71. Please tell us some Japanese words you like.

Food.

Q72. Something that made you laugh recently?

When I said “We are Sooyoung!” instead of “I am Sooyoung!” during our trip to China.

Q73. Are you aware of fashion trends?

Although I feel that I’m aware of that, I would like to have my own style.

Q74. If there was a conflict among the members, how would you solve it?

Talking to each other will do. And say ‘sorry…….’ to each other sincerely.

Q75. What is the most touching movie or drama you’ve watched until now?

Korean drama will be ‘Love Generation’ and ‘The Painter of the Wind’. I also like Japan’s ‘Nobuta wo Produce’. Movie would be “Forrest Gump”.

Q76. Something you’re currently interested in?

Fashion, Travel, and artist P!NK.

Q77. Do you have complex emotions?

Of course I have.

YoonA

30^th May 1990

Interests: Movie review

Specialized in: Acting

Active as an actress.

Q78. What kind of people are the members to you?

People who understand one another even without saying anything.

Q79. Please tell us your dream as a group.

Always take up new challenges, we are also thinking of becoming a more and more charming Girls’ Generation.

Q80. Which part of your body do you like the most?

My hands. My fingers are so long that I’ve never considered them cute last time. But I started to gain confidence afterwards.

Q81. If you were to have a date during summer, what kind of date would you like to have?

I would like to walk on a long and beautiful road, on a day of mild weather. In the evening, I will drive along the Han River under the lights, that will be great too.

Q82. Food that you dislike?

I’m not particular about food. I eat a lot!

Q83. What do you do to maintain your style?

Recently I go to gym for exercises. I also eat a lot, which gives me the energy to dance.

Q84. What do you do during your holidays?

I watch movies and meet up with friends. I also go to the gym.

Q85. A country that you’d want to go, at least once?

Czech Republic, especially Prague.

Q86. Something that you would consider a treasure?

An album that contains my photos since young. My mobile phone is also a treasure. (Smiles)

Q87. What is the source of your luck?

I react very sensitively to the weather. So I’ll be happy on bright days!

Q88. What are your thoughts about the Japanese broadcasts?

I was surprised looking at Japan’s camera sets and the speed they switch from one to another.

Tiffany

1^st August 1989

Interests: English, Music reviews

Specialized in: English, Plotting stories, singing

Born in L.A

Q89. Do you go out with the members and what do you do?

We go for shopping or movies. Recently we also went for bowling.

Q90. Something that you want to try from now onwards?

Because the language that first comes to my mind is English, I want to try acting in America.

Q91. How do you keep everything uniform with all the members when you dance?

Because we do it together for a long time, we don’t have the sense of being stressed trying to breathe at the same rate. All of us have high expectations even after we’ve completed the task.

Q92. Any Korean drama you would like to recommend?

‘Secret Garden’ and ‘Hwang Jin Yi” are really interesting dramas!

Q93. Something that you’re really bad at?

Making people laugh. Because I take things seriously, I can’t say anything funny.

Q94. What kind of male fashion do you like?

Style that looks rough, and is outstanding anywhere a person goes. Because I think that one can tell another person’s sense from his accessories, I look at their shoes and watches. (Smiles)

Q95. Do you have good sleeping habits?

According to the members, I behave well when I sleep. (Smiles)

Q96. What was your dream when you were young?

I wanted to become a singer and lawyer like Elle Woods in the movie ‘Legally Blonde’.

Q97. What kind of woman would you think, “she’s beautiful”?

Someone who has confidence and passion. Also someone who is attractive.

Q98. What kind of fashion do you pay attention to?

All! If I want to wear one-piece dress with feminine style, I would choose matching shoes to go with it, right? In this way, I’m pretty concerned about all kinds of fashions. (Smiles)

Q99. A message to Ray’s readers!

Thank you for always supporting us! I feel that the 8^th month publication is a gift for me because my birthday is in August!

Q100. What do you need for your future plans?

Tiffany: Exercises. I don’t like to exercise so I haven’t been doing it for 3 years, but recently I go to the gym and toughened up my body. Also, to present a good image during the Japan tour, I would work out even if I’m tired.

Yuri: I need instruments or guitar for my music compositions. I went to Shibuya’s big instrument shop before, and I want to own all the things in the shop. (Smiles)

Jessica: To have dreams. I think it’s good to have big dreams. People will work towards their goal if they have one. To me, I want to try shoe designing in the future.

Sooyoung: Exercises. Because no matter what we want to do, health is always the priority. So, I think nothing will work if we don’t build up our physical strength.

YoonA: I want to upgrade myself. To display my abilities, it’s important to have passion in anything I do. I think it will be good if I have better concentration.

Hyoyeon: Learning to speak and master languages. Now I’m studying Japanese language. I also think that I should study Chinese so that I won’t forget what I learned in China during my 1 year study there.

Taeyeon: I want to study music. Because I feel that if one cannot make her own music, she cannot find anything to express herself.

Sunny: We need to plan our future properly, both for SNSD and for ourselves. It’s important to prepare ourselves well for the future.

Seohyun: I think no matter what we do, the basic of all is still health. As health is not something to be achieved within one day, it’s important to take care of our food intake and habits, as well as to take in vitamins.

SNSD made first appearance on men’s mag!

The July edition of Japan’s popular men’s magazine, ‘GQ Japan’ which will be available in the market starting June 24th, would definitely be given thumbs up as well as the satisfaction-guaranteed-look by any man as Asia’s no.1 girl group, SNSD would be featured in it. It also contains an interview section with the girls.

According to Japan’s Oricon on June 23rd, GQ Japan also introduced SM Entertainment’s development program. From the interview carried out by GQ Japan with SNSD, one would be able to understand the hard times the girls had gone through before becoming who they are today. The girls had undergone a strict 10-hour training every day. Everything that the girls went through as trainees during their 5 to 8 years pre-debut period were recorded in detail.

In addition to that, it was also mentioned that the use of world’s largest video sharing site, YouTube plays a major role in propelling SNSD’s popularity among international fans.

This was the first time SNSD were featured in Japan’s men’s magazine. Since there seems to be more female SONEs in Japan, we will not be surprised if there are actually more females getting the July edition of this magazine.

SNSD, the best selling foreign artistes in Japan!

SNSD recorded a total sales of 2.6 billion Yen in the first half of 2011, according to ‘Oricon 2011 first half ranking’ which placed them at the no.1 spot in terms of total sales among foreign artistes and 5th among the top selling artistes in Japan.

AKB48 sold the most with 6.66 billion Yen, followed by Arashi with 6.59 billion Yen. EXILE came in 3rd with 4.68 billion Yen while Japanese diva, Namie Amuro was just a spot in front of Shoujo Jidai with a total sales amounting to 2.7 billion Yen. Kara took the 6th spot with sales of 2.15 billion Yen. SNSD and Kara who are the symbols of Kpop fever in Japan since last year had managed to be in the top 10 best selling artistes in Japan for the first half of 2011.

After 3 weeks of its release, SNSD’s 1st Japanese studio album ‘Girls’ Generation’ has recorded a total sales of 378,534 copies. With sales volume reaching 400,000, the initial shipment of 500,000 copies proved to be too little. In order to cope with the demand, additional 100,000 copies are being shipped.

AKB48 members touched and wowed by SNSD’s performances

On June 18th, Kikuchi Ayaka, Oota Aika, Nakagawa Haruka and 5 other members of Japan’s famous girl group, AKB48 visited SNSD in Tokyo, took photos with them and wrote about their experiences at SNSD’s ’1st Japan Arena Tour 2011′ concert in their blogs.

In the photos, SNSD and AKB48 members were seen in cute and friendly poses. The girls of AKB48 appeared to be in a really jovial mood while making some poses with the gifts they received at the concert.

One of the AKB48 who were present at SNSD’s concert in Tokyo, Kikuchi Ayaka stated, “I went to SNSD’s live concert. I’ve really learned a lot. They were really good in dancing. Indeed, their styles were really cool. I was shocked. I’ve already surrendered”.

Another member of AKB48, Oota Aika wrote, “They were really cute. It was touching and fun. Even though there were 9 members, they were always together in their performances and I was touched by this.”