The Taeyeon in front of me has a relaxed face, but I am well aware that she is stricter with herself than anyone else. It's possible that one's mind would be busy with reflections on the past year and the new demands of the year.
Taeyeon: My satisfaction level last year wasn't particularly high. I think my standards might have been too high. I spent the time with my family planning for the future during the New Year holidays. Instead of getting caught up in regrets, I'm trying to interpret life more positively.
People who have perfectionist tendencies usually regard their own evaluation as more decisive than that of others.
Taeyeon: In the end, what remains is my own satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. I have often been told to let go, but having lived this way all this while, I don't really know how to loosen up. I want to learn how to rest. Ah, and how to motivate myself with rewards.*
Seeing that you've often used punishments instead of rewards suggests that there must have been times of exhaustion. You must have passed through a 'burn out' without realizing it.
Taeyeon: That's right. Looking back, there were such times. I wonder how I got through it. But even though it was difficult, it would be a waste to stop and stand still. With so much support from fans, it's hard to give up easily.
It's really nice to see that the driving force behind her endurance is actual love, and not being strict on oneself. As someone who values a sense of achievement, one of the most consistent habits Taeyeon consistently has maintained throughout her life is the 'Miracle Morning'. Her wakeup time is 7AM.
Taeyeon: I'm hesitant to call it a 'miracle' (Laughs). Even so, I tend to wake up early. I try to go to bed before midnight if it's possible. It's been about ten years since I naturally wake up before the alarm goes off.
The reason for the early wakeup is because she likes the silence before everyone wakes up. There's also a satisfying feeling in moving a bit faster than others. This is Taeyeon's morning scenery.
Taeyeon: When I wake up, I play soothing music first. Sometimes I listen to it all day long. But it has to be a song without lyrics. With songs that have lyrics, it feels like someone is constantly talking nearby, throwing words and sentences at me, which can be a bit tiring. As for my own songs… I don't listen to them much (Laughs).
She finds herself in her most loved scenery too.
Taeyeon: When it's time to go to work, there are more cars on the roads and areas with lots of traffic. At those times, I find myself just gazing blankly at the Gangbyeonbukro highway and I like it. People are moving, the day is starting, and I can feel the energy.
While not entirely belonging there, there's a sense of dipping one foot into it. It might be the attitude of living through the contemporary era as an artist.
Taeyeon: I can't afford to relax. It may look ambitious, but as the age bracket of those who support me becomes more diverse, I want to keep up with them. I have young fans who are in their early teens, so I have a big desire not to hurt or disappoint them.
After completing her first concert in three years last year, Taeyeon left a heartfelt message on Instagram. 'Rather than showing you all at once. I want to show you slowly and naturally, as if sinking in. I want to remain like a lingering scent.' As someone who is sensitive to scents, she likened her presence to a lingering scent.
Taeyeon: I hope it's a subtle and soft scent. I like the vanilla fragrance. Because it's not sharp.
This preference reflects the changes that time has brought.
Taeyeon: When I was a rookie, I had a strong desire to leave a lasting impression right away, but after working for a long time, I realized I needed relaxation. Since this is a job I'll be doing for a lifetime anyway, I thought it's better not to rush and to show (myself) slowly. I thought that I needed to be comfortable so that those listening or watching would feel comfortable too. That way, they might want to keep watching me again and again.
Recently, she hosted a counseling session called 'Taeng Forest' on her official Youtube channel. She has a talent for counseling.
Taeyeon: Since I'm a quiet, serious person, this kind of content suits me. But it's disappointing when I can't solve the more serious and genuine concerns.
Despite appearing calm on the outside, she is a person with a natural, delicate radar who shows a great deal of interest and affection towards others. Perhaps this sentiment can be felt. There's a strong response to finding comfort in Taeyeon's songs.
Taeyeon: I genuinely want to empathize with the lives of those who listen to my songs. So that's how I decided on the direction of the lyrics of my songs from the early stages of my solo career. Let's not confine it to one theme, so that one can empathize with it in any situation. 'I' became a song like that.
It's not about letting a closed story flow in one direction, but rather about songs that can truly encounter someone’s life with vivid expression. That desire is also contained in vocals that are finely tuned like well-coordinated instruments.
Taeyeon: The ultimate goal of sound is maximum comfort. No matter how high the notes are, they shouldn't be sharp, and they shouldn’t allow the ears to get tired.
It's a beautiful thing. Spending a long time facing one's work so faithfully, persistently. It's something one nods their head to.
Taeyeon: Isn’t it natural? Are there people who don’t do it this way?
(*Translation note: Taeyeon references the 'carrot and stick' idiom which is explained by using carrot (rewards) and stick (punishment) to elicit a certain behavior from others or oneself).
"Among the questions I asked that day as a fan, there were a few that couldn’t be included in the interview, but I’ll share them here. They might seem trivial but they’re actually not trivial at all. There must be fans other than me who were curious about this"
Which song do you find the most difficult to sing live at concerts? TY: ‘Drawing Our Moments.’ Do you find it difficult from a skills perspective? TY: That’s right. Since it's a song that needs to be sensitively controlled and developed well to build up to the climax. It’s quite difficult. But it’s incredibly comfortable to listen to. TY: I guess that’s a unpredictable point (Laughs).
It always looks easy when you’re good at everything. What’s the most exciting song to sing? TY: The song ‘Stress’ is exciting, but in particular when I do anything with a rock genre, it’s exciting.
When you’re singing ‘Time Lapse’, it feels like you’re deeply immersed in emotions. TY: That’s right. It’s a song that really stimulates my emotions. The melody line and the vocal range really fits me so it’s nice to sing. I think it touches my emotions directly through that vocal range."
Staff: You tried making neon signs this time! You thought of the design beforehand, but please share the motifs and the reasons for your design. Taeyeon: I made it as a present for my mother. She loves drinking and is great at cooking, so sometimes inviting her friends over to have a drink is a fun way to spend her time. That’s why the sign I made is called “Heezakaya”, a mix of my mother’s name “Hee-ja” and “izakaya”*! I think my mother will definitely be overjoyed with this as a present! *TL note: Japanese style bar I don’t drink, so when it’s me and her, I can only be her side dish (laughs). I’m the side dish who’s always talking (laughs). As for the design, I had two ideas and showed them to my mother beforehand, but she took too long to decide so in the end I went with the design I liked. But when I started working on it, she got back to me and liked the idea that I didn’t choose… (laughs) Can’t be helped!
Staff: How was the activity? Taeyeon: Neon signs are something that you often see every day, but this kind of experience was a first for me. It was really fun, but it was actually a bit scary at first. The neon signs I’ve seen are large billboards, so I was a bit uneasy if this could be a dangerous task. Like it’d be scary to get an electric shock (laughs). When I was a kid, I touched a neon sign and felt a shock. But I was relieved that the ones for today use batteries (laughs). They were so cute, all miniature-like. If I get used to the work process, I think it would be a perfect present for someone! There’s a lot of work to bend it into the design and adjusting the amount of strength is important, but I believe that someone who is good with their hands will get accustomed to it quickly!
Staff: Please share what you were the most particular about during the creation process. Taeyeon: I was particular with the color choice. I wanted the color for the name to be vividly seen. I wanted the design to match wine, so I wanted to have it be wine-colored, but there was a limited selection of colors, so I went with a cute pink. I think it really suits my mother’s name and it’s a color that I really thought carefully over. Also, I got help from the instructor while working on it, but making the characters was difficult due to the many bent parts. There’s wire inside the neon tubes, so bending it needed more strength than I thought. I thought that it was easy to make once I got used to where to bend the tube and calculate what length of the tube was needed for which part. Finally, the glue easily got on my fingers, so I worked while watching out for that! It was instant glue so it would immediately stick (laughs).
Staff: How many points out of 100 would you give your work? Please share a reason for your scoring as well. Taeyeon: Around 40 points. It was my first time making it and I’m hard on myself (laughs).
Staff: If you were to display the neon sign you made, which room would you recommend? Please share why as well. Taeyeon: “Senses” is a keyword for neon lights. Many photos on social media have a very emotive atmosphere. It also functions as a light for the atmosphere, so it might be great to display it in a room with a vintage feel. If I were to make a neon light for my own room, I’d design a symbolic picture rather than characters. I think I would use it as a light at night, so I want to have it as a moon or star! A night sky that you can enjoy in your room would be amazing, right? ^^
Staff: Your solo concert in 3 years, “TAEYEON CONCERT -The ODD Of LOVE” was held in Tokyo. It’s been 4 years since your solo concert in Japan, but how was it looking back? Taeyeon: The Japan concerts had great acoustics and my condition was very good. I’m the type to be easily influenced by my surroundings, so I was satisfied with everything in such a splendid environment. The staff were very kind and attentive and in my best condition and the best environment… That was the most memorable. It was my first Japanese concert in a long time, and without a doubt, the concerts held a lot of meaning for me even if I only had one concert, but I was so very thankful that my second concert date was sold out. The band was really great too… Ah, come to think of it, the Japanese fans changed a bit. They were a bit more lively, or rather, more proactive (laughs). Before they were really quiet! I’m happy that they listened so earnestly, but I was delighted that I could really hear their cheers this time. They called out my name and I was happy that they seemed to enjoy the loose atmosphere♡
Staff: You went to 8 cities in Asia for your solo concert. Please share if you have a memorable episode from your Asia tour. Taeyeon: I just ate bananas (laughs). The setlist for this tour really required endurance, but it was hard since I didn’t eat a lot and lacked stamina. I had to keep replenishing my energy and bananas especially helped. Eating just one really filled me up, so they were indispensable during the tour! I ate bananas from a lot of countries (laughs). I of course ate bananas in Japan! They were delicious!
Staff: Traveling for long hours during your tour would make it easy to get tired, but please share if you have a routine for relieving fatigue. Taeyeon: I take frequent half-body baths. Rather than taking them before bed, I usually do it right after I wake up in the morning. I like starting my day with them. I also do a lot of self-massage. Loosening up my neck muscles by gently massaging them can relax my vocal cords. I reduce mental stress by watching movies and dramas on my tablet. Ah, in Japan I really like to go to the convenience stores at night. I usually buy gummies (laughs).
Staff: This SONE NOTE LIVE will be released in October. In Japan, autumn is a season with various appeals such as for art, food, and sports. What kind of season is autumn for you? Taeyeon: Recently there have been many hot days and autumn is so short that it can’t even be called autumn. I wonder what kind of season it is. It’s a season for the senses, so I guess it’s a season to listen to my songs (laughs). I have a lot of songs with bands and many of the lyrics are also emotional, so I think they really suit the cooler season. Autumn is really short, so it’s important to listen to it during this time!
Staff: Finally a message for SONE JAPAN! Taeyeon: This tour reminded me that you’ve always supported me, so thank you so much. Please invite me! So that I can perform in Japan again! I want to see you all!
Today is April Fools day. Did you make any pranks before coming here? Taeyeon: Not at all. I don’t think I’ve made pranks on April Fools in my whole life. I’m bad at it so I think I’d get caught, and I don’t have high expectations from the pranks I create.
Then do you think you’re not talented in that sense? Taeyeon: I’m not that smart. I trust people well, so instead I get caught [falls for the April Fool jokes].
Maybe you don’t like deceiving someone as a joke and making them feel flustered. Taeyeon: That’s right. It’s not fun when it’s to that extent.
Recently, one step late, you went to visit a birthday cafe prepared by your fans. Did you feel the hearts of the fans over there? Taeyeon: It’s a shame to just move on from it, so I wanted to show my heart with something at least because I was grateful. The event had already ended, but I wanted to feel the traces of the fans. I imagined the fans would’ve enjoyed it in this way.
You might have felt more affectionate when you went back there after it was over. Taeyeon: Honestly, I was thinking about visiting on my birthday, but I put that idea aside for everyone’s safety. And, if I had gone and met someone and then couldn’t meet someone else then it would be sad, so I went on my own quietly.
You went to the subway station to see the birthday advertisement prepared by the fans, but you were surprised to see that no one recognised you. Taeyeon: If someone had recognised me, I was going to say hello and take photos but surprisingly no one did and most of them walked just looking at the floor. It’s busy, it’s busy, this modern society (Laughs). On the other hand, I thought I won’t have to be so scared and wary in the future.
Anyhow, you can’t help but be conscious of the attention/eyes? Taeyeon: That’s right. There have been many uncomfortable situations. Of course there are times when I want to spend time alone because I’m also a person. But at the same time, I’d be very thankful if someone recognized me. It takes courage to say hello. There might come a time when no one recognizes me. These days I’ve been thinking about how thankful I am for this moment.
Then I guess you’ve never traveled alone. Taeyeon: Yes. I’m a little scared. Many people know that I like to be alone but as I get older, I feel so lonely when I’m alone. I don’t think I really like being alone after all.
There’s a title ‘home fairy’. I think it’s a different concept from liking being alone. Taeyeon: That’s right. The reason I like staying at home is the comfort of not having to care about [another person’s] gaze. Because of my personality, if there’s someone beside me I tend to care a lot and be involved in their business. My stamina is not good so it drops fast and I get tired easily, so I end up wanting to go into a hole somewhere.
Who do you feel full of energy with? Taeyeon: I like it the most when I have a small number of people that I’m close with and can call ‘my people’.
You used the expression ‘오지랖’, and I think Taeyeon has a better sense of reading and feeling the emotions of people around her rather than acting outwardly. That’s why you feel tired easily. Taeyeon: I think that’s being empathetic, but my level of empathy is so high that I’m able to say this myself. So I have a lot of thoughts and I get emotionally dizzy.
*오지랖 = To get involved in other people’s business (can be good or bad).
So that’s how you can sing like that. Taeyeon’s voice contains several emotions. I’ve never seen a vocalist who possesses so many various textures. You seem to be a person who explores your potential and uncharted territories. It feels like vocalist Taeyeon is happily challenging and cultivating herself to discover new elements of herself with various composers. Taeyeon: It’s my first time hearing that from someone else, but I’ve also had these thoughts ever so often. I’ve wanted to keep testing my limitations because of the joy I feel when the composer is satisfied. Every time, the feeling and emotions are different. I’m also very curious about how the skills of my present self will come out. That’s why I tend to try a variety of things.
I think there’s a separate label called ‘Taeyeon’ in SM Entertainment. I get the impression that it’s an independent world. You’re renewing your capabilities within the unique worldview of ‘Taeyeon’. I’m curious about how you practice your songs. Taeyeon: In the early phases of recording a song, I sing it in various ways to familiarize myself with it. I openly imagine and interpret it in different ways, but I don’t think I keep practicing the one song. I think depending on my condition and mood that day, I can sing the same song in different variations. For example, in singing ‘Four Seasons’, though it’s the same lyrics and content about a breakup, I think I can sing it even more cynically today. I tend to leave it to the emotions of that moment.
What about when recording a song? Taeyeon: It’s a bit different, because this is the official digital track. I try various things during the recording process. I’m always looking for shared understanding and communication with the composers or producers, and I tend to compromise. I’m not the type to push my opinion no matter what, so I rely on them.
Isn’t that a real professional? That’s why solo Taeyeon’s music world can be flexible and colorful. In the recording studio, Taeyeon’s perfectionist tendencies are well revealed so, personally, my favorite videos are the ‘Recording Behind’. Taeyeon: I didn’t pay attention to the camera at the time and I really concentrated on the song. When you watch the video, I look really candid and I think ‘Is it okay to be shown like this’ and I feel a little embarrassed. But it’s a process that the fans are curious about, so I’m showing it with courage.
Taeyeon’s beauty shines the most when she’s doing her main job. Taeyeon: I’ll continue to work hard in my main job (Laughs).
If one has enough emotions but not the skills, then they can’t express the song, and if one only knows their role and lacks the emotions, the flavor and depth of the song will decrease. But Taeyeon has all these elements balanced so it leaves an impression that she can use the song freely. Taeyeon: Thank you so much for the compliment. But I don’t think I’m exceptionally good. Should I say each person has a shape? I think everyone has their own framework. I think it’s just about what each person can try their best to show within it.
If we look at the vocal-related accounts on Youtube, there are many videos that analyze Taeyeon’s high notes. Taeyeon’s high notes are said to sound relatively bright and clear because the positioning of the sound is relatively ahead (using a mixed voice). What kind of know-hows do you have? Taeyeon: You can learn singing from books, but truthfully there’s no answer. I think that it’s good if you can make a nice sound. Even though that might sound a little vague. At the beginning of my debut my high notes were thicker than they are now. I had a strong voice, but it got gradually thinner. I worried about the reason for that and fell into a slump. Since I have to dance and sing a lot, I ended up using muscles that I didn’t have to use. The vocal cords are also muscles, so as I sang while controlling my breathing and movement, the sound became thinner. I also accepted this as a natural change [in my voice]. There are people who like the high notes of ‘Into The New World’ and now there are people who like the high notes of ‘INVU’, but in the end I think it’s a matter of persuasion.
It’s about convincing the public. Taeyeon: Yes. Time after time, I’ll show myself and try various things. It may be that I’m trying to understand or that I’m trying to convince.
When you introduced the song ‘Nights into Days’, you described your voice as ‘A rough and calm vocal’. What do you think of your voice? Taeyeon: I think it’s the same as my name. My voice is calm. It’s not extremely exciting, and it’s not deep sadness. It feels calm.
It’s more like minimalism. But it’s not boring. Taeyeon: I don’t like boring things either.
You seem to have an excellent hunch as an artist, but ‘INVU’ is a song that you insisted on advocating for. Taeyeon: I’m over 30 years old, but honestly I wanted to make my voice heard like this at least once, and I was really confident with the song. I really wanted to sing it. The staff were also accommodating and helped me.
When working, when do you feel the most sensitive? Taeyeon: In the process of going on stage, when the whole thing doesn’t go as planned for someone. You just have to pay a little attention to that. I think I get sensitive when I don’t feel that sense of attention to detail. I think that is consideration in the end. The reason why I care about being considerate to people may be because I want others to be considerate of me.
In a live video not too long ago, the fans brought up the topic of ‘concert’ and you said to ‘Wait a little’. What kind of stage is it? I don’t think a concert would be an easy task for a perfectionist like Taeyeon. Taeyeon: Actually, the biggest stress these days is preparing for the concert. The process is not easy anyways. To be honest, it’s natural to get stressed out. I think I was born as the type of person who cares a lot. I’ll worry about the concert while using the stress to work hard.
You’ve been active for about 16 years since your debut in 2007, is there a virtue that you think you shouldn’t let go of as an artist? Taeyeon: When I get asked such a deep question like this, I have a lot of thoughts… I suddenly thought of so many words.
Just throw it at me. Taeyeon: Confidence and being natural!
Are you feeling confident? Taeyeon: Nope (Laughs).
Sorry? (Laughs). So you have the perception an artist needs confidence, what’s the reason for that? Taeyeon: So that when you are showing something, you can express yourself. You have to be sure. For example, during a rehearsal, I have to only listen to the completed sound before moving on to the next stage. I can do it only if the sound comes out a certain way, if I got this much out during a rehearsal, then I can cover the entire hall!
It seems you have enough confidence. That must be the secret to filling a stage on your own. Taeyeon: No. I have to do better. Ah, I think I have to write in my diary today.
You normally use a diary. Taeyeon: I don’t write much these days.
Do you read your diaries every once in a while? Taeyeon: Nope. It’s so hard to look at it. I have lots of regret, and I tend to kick myself, but I put a lot of those emotions in my diary. Should I say I throw them away in there? Because I use my diary in that way, I don’t open and look at the ones I threw away again.
Which do you think you’re more conscious of, other people’s gaze or your own? Taeyeon: Ah, it’s hard. It’s the first time I get this question… Um, my own gaze. I feel the flow of time more these days. In the past, I lost track of time because of my busy schedule, and I lived thinking things like, ‘The sky is the sky’, but now the sky looks different in every moment. I’m aware that this is the sky that I can only see now. I guess it’s a time where I give meaning to the trivial daily life and feel the preciousness of it. When I was filming [a photoshoot for Louis Vuitton] today, I used to think before that a bag is a bag, but now it’s interesting to see how pretty it looks.
Can we say that your taste has become more diverse? Taeyeon: I think it’s interest. My interests have increased. I wasn’t interested in the camera, because I was always being photographed. But recently, I became interested in cameras and like using them.
Not being filmed, but filming something? Taeyeon: That’s right. Taking photos. Looking at just my personality, I prefer taking pictures than being filmed. It’s good to make the person in front of the camera comfortable. It would also be good if the person being filmed feels satisfied because of me, but I can’t do that yet. I think I need to study more.
I’m sure you’ve had a lot of uncomfortable moments while living as a well-known person with an introverted personality. You have to tolerate the attention of people to do music that you like. Taeyeon: I’ve been thinking that I’ve lived with so many things that I have had to tolerate. But I think all of that is learning. So that’s why I’ve been able to do this job until now.
Is there a trick to get out of a dark well of anxiety or worries quickly? Taeyeon: It’s simple. Change your hairstyle or buy something that you really want to buy. I don’t have enough energy to do something big. Because it’s too much of a mental and emotional state, I think these things spark me in a small way.
As artist Taeyeon and human Kim Taeyeon, is there a look (of yourself) that you like? I think both sides would be very different. Taeyeon: I definitely like the flashy side of me when I’m under the lights. Usually, I like to put my hair up or show my messy baby hairs. In commercial shoots, there are many times when even a little bit of messiness is unacceptable. I really like the sloppy ‘me’ in daily life. I really like myself when I don’t wash my hair for a day and when I have just finished working out.
Why when you’ve just finished working out? Taeyeon: It’s a little bit of a glow. I can feel my daily health. I like smelling like a human. Since I show a lot of my AI-like side on stage (Laughs).
When you meet your juniors on a variety show, the image of you trying to talk to them first and treating them comfortably is warm. Do juniors contact you first? Taeyeon: Nope. I think they’re shy to talk to me? (Laughs). That’s why I speak to them first. Especially during filming <Amazing Saturday> . There honestly aren’t many opportunities for them to see me other than that. I tell them things like, “You did well” and “How long will you be promoting”. You can come to me first… Am I difficult [to approach]?
Just having a senior who is walking firmly on her own path gives you a lot of strength. What kind of senior do you want to be? Taeyeon: I don’t think age matters that much. We’re colleagues. Since we’re people doing the same thing, you don’t have to be hard on the other as a senior and having respect for each other is enough. Of course there may be differences in built-up experiences in one area, but that’s just a more experienced person. I want to be a colleague who is like a friend to my juniors.
Taeyeon’s past, present, future 「I have discovered ways to enjoy the present and express myself. At the present stage, my satisfaction with my career is the highest!」
The Taeyeon of the present understands the need to slow down. In the process of moving forward, she carries a curious and natural attitude, and as if searching for treasure, uncovers her undiscovered but faintly shining aspects of herself.
On stage, the moment Taeyeon opens her mouth, her clear and resonant singing seems to penetrate people’s hearts. In that moment, time and the audience’s gaze pause for her. 16 years since debut, Taeyeon’s still lively and unique personal color is akin to an elf, shining through and captivating people.
While she shines on stage and devotes all her energy to imprinting the best performance in the hearts of the audience, in private, Taeyeon is known for her love of staying at home. She can even stay at home for more than 10 days, hence earning her the nickname of ‘house elf’.
Due to the impact of the pandemic in recent years, Taeyeon’s time spent at home has also increased significantly.
“The reason why I’m busy at home is probably because I spend time on skin care, including using sheet facial masks, mud facial masks and cream facial masks. I enjoy the process of applying a facial mask and always follow these daily routines of skin care at home, step by step. I used to do manicures at home, but I stopped recently. That’s because my intensive filming schedule means the nail art will always need to be replaced, so I gave up on doing it myself.”
“Recently, I also spent a lot of time watching OTT (over-the-top) video streaming platforms, such as Netflix. I’m a registered member of almost all OTT platforms in South Korea. From daily maintenance to feeding Zero, and then bonding with my new friend Netflix, I may be busier at home than when I’m outside.”
Speaking of her beloved dog, Taeyeon’s eyes exuded infinite warmth and pride when referencing her fur kid.
“To me, Zero has a lot of charms. First of all, his appearances when he has long fur and when he is groomed are completely different. I feel that this reverse charm is very cute! Also, he has a calm and cheeky expression, is assertive, and is very good at expressing opinions. When he has something he wants, rather than hurrying around in a flustered manner, he will gently touch me, and his paws are very nimble, like a cat. These small actions are extremely cute in my eyes.”
“Moreover, Zero has many similarities with me in terms of personality. At home, he always stays quietly in a place he is familiar with, enjoys the breeze, and has poor physical strength (Laughs). He’s really similar to me.”
INFJ are ‘Planner’ types, and they only feel satisfied when their thoughts are organized and their plans are clear.
For many fans, listening to Taeyeon’s songs is good medicine for self-recharging. With her voice, you can feel the gentle and warm murmurs of spring, as well as the coldness of winter that penetrates the skin. With her singing, she soothes broken pieces of a soul that needs healing and reassembles them into a complete individual. However, for Taeyeon, her inner heart needs to be organized, planned in an orderly manner and assembled clearly in her mind before she can give herself the strength of self stability.
“My MBTI is INFJ, and the J-type is someone who is accustomed to planning. I like to plan ahead, and I will even make a to-do list to get a sense of security. When I organize my thoughts and plans clearly, I feel satisfied and gain energy. In the process of making various plans, I also feel comfortable and at ease. I am also slowly learning to view myself from a more calm and objective perspective and learning to become familiar with how to express my inner state and emotions.”
With ‘Amazing Saturday’, Taeyeon got to know her unseen side from a breakthrough.
Taeyeon has proved her strength in singing, but she did not stop there, and unexpectedly became a regular member of the variety show ‘Amazing Saturday’, showcasing her unprecedented variety talent. This was an amazing and surprising choice to fans. Gradually, Taeyeon revealed a more relaxed and cheerful appearance. Compared to the past, it was not only a new understanding of herself but also a major breakthrough in her career.
“I received a lot of positive influences, especially the fact that my mindset has become more optimistic. Through ‘Amazing Saturday’, my thoughts on entertainment have also undergone many changes. During the process of recording the show, instead of finding myself working with apprehension, I have discovered ways to enjoy the present and express myself. It can be said that at the present stage, my satisfaction with my career is the highest!”
“Loving Girls’ Generation with all my strength – the secret to the group’s longevity is the trust we have accumulated in each other over the years.”
Last year, Girls’ Generation ushered in the 15th anniversary of their debut. The release of their 7th full-length album ‘FOREVER 1’ on their debut day is more than just a celebration or commemoration, but also a return to the past to give thanks, and the thrill of reuniting the group and fans as one. The members of Girls’ Generation have been colleagues and close friends with each other for more than 15 years, and they’re more like family members who can understand each other’s thoughts with one glance.
“I have spent a long time with members, and I think the secret to the group’s longevity is the trust we have accumulated in each other over the years. There is no need to contact each other frequently every day, probably because we already know each other well. We cherish these friendships and understand each other’s differences, so trust can come naturally. Over the last five years, everyone carried out solo activities, until ‘FOREVER 1’ where the members gathered together again, and the reunion after a long absence made me feel very happy. The lively atmosphere reminded me of many memories from Girls’ Generation, which was really nostalgic and interesting.”
Over the past 15 years, the girls have shed their youth and childishness, and transformed into calm, independent individuals while exuding a mature beauty.
With the unbeatable heart that loves Girls’ Generation, Taeyeon said, “I may feel a bit sad about this answer, but I think forever is something that doesn’t exist. It’s inevitable that people have to part ways at various stages in life. Although I’m always hoping in my heart that the people and things I cherish can keep going on, but thinking realistically, ‘forever’ is something difficult to exist… And we are all just doing our best to maintain the hope of achieving ‘forever’, and use all our strength to hold on to these precious things.”
To the Taeyeon of the past: Go on a holiday!
Because it’s been a while since the last magazine shoot, Taeyeon was full of energy on set, showing off different cool outfits and changing facial expressions. She happily said it’s really fun and discovered some new sides she didn’t know about during the filming. Thinking of letting fans see her new appearance, Taeyeon excitedly revealed her expectations.
“I remember when I did solo concerts in Taipei and SONE had a lot of sense. I’m still impressed by the ‘Taeyeon-nim, what should I do if my heart is melting’ event. I wanted to cherish that moment so much that I uploaded the video on my Instagram. They organized support events during SNSD concerts too. I always remember enjoying performing with a happy mood. The fans must really be sincere about the support events (Laughs).”
“Thank you so much for creating so many good memories together. It’s a pity that I couldn’t meet you through my 2020 Asia tour concerts because of the pandemic. This year, I told SONE personally that I will hold concerts, so in order to keep this promise, I will work hard to prepare for it. I will greet you with performances that will leave a longer and deeper impression on you. Please look forward to it!”
The Taeyeon of the present understands the need to slow down. In the process of moving forward, she carries a curious and natural attitude, and as if searching for treasure, she uncovers her undiscovered but faintly shining aspects of herself.
Don’t take hasty steps, instead… “If I go back to the early days of debut, as a senior, I would tell my past self, ‘Go on a holiday!’ Although I was so busy at the beginning of my debut days, and I might not have been able to go somewhere far away, but whenever there’s pockets of time, I should still go out, change my mood, and let myself breathe. I want to tell myself, no matter how busy you are, even if you have to squeeze out time, you still have to find a way to release your stress. This is so that you have more capacity to go for a long time in your career.”
Q: We had you do everything from crafting to decorating the party room this time! What were the special things you focused on during this project? Taeyeon: For the sneaker painting, I was more specific about the placement of the images and the color of the shoelaces
Q: What was the theme and image for your sneaker painting? Taeyeon: Since it was Halloween time (at the time of filming), so I put in a lot of my favorite Halloween images
Q: What are your favorite points of sneaker painting? Taeyeon: My favorite point is that I applied the color casually by tapping the sponge. My goal was to paint it softly, but it took the most time
Q: What do you think is the best way to coordinate the sneaker you made with? Taeyeon: All black! Or match it with a cute hoodie
Q: This project was based on a concept of a party by the members to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut. If you were to hold your party, what kind of party would you like to throw? Taeyeon: Jazz party
Q: You have tried many different things for Sone Note Live. What were some of your most memorable moments from past shoots and why? Taeyeon: The shoot where I made clothes for Zero (my dog)! I was very happy because Zero actually wore the clothes I made and walked around a lot. (Although they no longer fit him now that he’s grown up lol)
Q: Please share your recent things Taeyeon: I had times when I could spend alone. I was able to feel and learn a lot of things during that time. I’m satisfied at such times.
Q: This project is scheduled to be published in February. February is the season of Valentine’s Day, and if you were to give a gift for Valentine’s Day, what kind of sweets would you like to give? Taeyeon: Scones! And chocolate-flavored coffee
Q: What type of winter food would you recommend to everyone in Sone Japan? Taeyeon: Corn soup
Q: Please give a message to the members that have walked together with you for 15 years Taeyeon: My only memories of my teens and twenties – It’s Girls’ Generation. I hope you will continue to make precious memories in my life! Let’s always be healthy, I love all the members
Q: Please give a message to everyone in Sone Japan Taeyeon: Since I started singing, you have always had a passionate love for me. It’s very reassuring and I’m grateful. I would like to see what will happen again in 2023, I want to make good and memorable memories with Sone
Not long ago, the ‘Weekend’ activities ended. How are you doing these days? I filmed a lot of advertisements. And there is no difference for me on appearing on . When I’m finished with one album, I worry about the next one already. So, I’m spending time thinking and having meetings about how and what I should do for the next album. Anyhow, it’s sad that the activities for ‘Weekend’ have ended already, because of it being a single.
Isn’t it too short to do album activities for a week? But there are 4 days of different stages with different music programs every week. If you think about it that way, it’s a lot.
Taeyeon, you are a representative for being a ‘homebody’ in the entertainment industry. Did you stay at home like always this time too? Now people tell me “Come out of the house!”. Thanks to those people, I went out a lot with half of my will and half of their will. Recently, I also got an employee card with my name on it. After getting that, I go to the company a few more times than normal (Laughs). I somehow feel a sense of belonging.
You shred your diaries, right? Few days ago, you changed to an iPad. Do you still write diaries these days? I write everyday. I even wrote in it yesterday and today at noon.
I guess you don’t write in it at night? I don’t write diaries as a summary of the day. I record my feelings at each moment. Sometimes, I write even three times a day. I wrote in it three times yesterday (Laughs). For short entries, it’s about 4 lines long, and for long ones, it’s about 10 lines. There are times when I think a lot about work and relationships. By tidying up my thoughts about it, it helps me to know about my emotions and think about other people once more as well.
Is there a password on it? It’s an iPad, so you can unlock it with my fingerprint. You can only read it with my index finger (Laughs). The content of it is not that serious. On the days when I wake up late, I just start it with writing something like ‘Strangely, today my eyes opened up late’.
If you strangely woke up late, what time will that be? 10, 11 o’clock? I’m a morning person. Normally I wake up at 6 AM and sleep at 1 AM.
I think it would be inhumane to start your daily life as soon as you wake up at 6 AM. You at least know the fun of rolling around in bed in the morning, right? You must roll around for at least an hour. You roll around the bed and get your body ready. And as soon as you get up, you start to unplug all the devices that are fully charged. Then, you change your clothes while holding on to them. After that, I start my work outs at home right away. Boring right? (Laughs)
Not at all. I’m just thinking ‘That’s why you’re Taeyeon’. It’s hard to work out once a week too. Haha. I think working out is something compulsory to do every day. If I skip one day, I will feel guilty about it. It’s impossible to workout 7 days a week, but I try hard to do it at least 5 days a week.
What do you watch during work outs? YouTube videos? Mostly eating shows (Mukbangs). I’m a fan of ‘Small-mouthed Haetnim (입짧은 햇님)’. Rather than watching it for her eating style, I watch it because of her chatters, so it’s like I’m having a conversation with her. Other than that, I watch something funny. These days I’m into ‘You Quiz on the Block’ as well.
As you’re hitting the full level of being a homebody, how do you separate the levels by beginner, intermediate and advanced? As a beginner, you first invite people. Then, you start to purchase home products in your house. Your house starts to look full.
So, you’re saying decorating your house is what, also a beginner level? That’s the intermediate level (Laughs). Now that you have bought all the products in your house, you look at the interior and place them in suitable spots. The advanced level is ‘minimalism’. The stage when you start to clean up your house. On the level of thinking ‘I’m going to become a minimalist!’, you frequently clean up your house.
Which level are you on right now? The level where you think ‘I’m going to become a minimalist!’. Some things are starting to get in the way of my sight. Pens, notebooks, sticky notes, stickers etc. are stacked up all on my table. It would be much better if I just put those away. I still wonder why there are so many charger wires, power boards and cushions.
Why did you buy so much stationary? Writing diaries, I guess. One time, I was into the trend of ‘decorating your own diary’. You never buy one sheet of a sticker. You must at least buy two sheets of them. When you stick one on and then when you want to use the same one, you will need another sheet of it. Pens have different thicknesses, so you have to purchase a variety of them. The receipt from the stationary store was as long as my height! I have proof of it. Can’t even believe it myself (Laughs).
Do you relax on weekends? The song ‘Weekend’ is about getting out of the repetitive life to relax, what is the definition of relaxation to ‘Taeyeon’ yourself? In the past, I found relaxing more painful to do. The experience of resting and relaxing was not normal for me, so I didn’t know how to do it. About 5 years ago, it was when I was working hard on activities with Girls’ Generation and my solo work. I didn’t know what to do and felt like something was missing and empty. I feel much free now.
Do you have a specific vibe that you like when your relaxing? I listen to jazz, ones without lyrics. All the big lights turned off, and just with the small ones on. At night, I enjoy the night view by opening up the curtains. After that, I use a foam roller or a massage ball and do self-massaging. Breathing in the fragrance of the aroma oil. This is how I live.
What’s your favourite day of the week? I pretty much don’t have something called a weekend. But I feel like my favourite is the time of the sunset on Fridays. On Friday evenings, massaging myself with lights turned on plus the music, it would be a little lonely, but my body will be relaxed for sure (Laughs).
The loneliness when you’re alone, you can’t ignore it. I feel all different kinds of emotions. I want to be alone, but at the same time I don’t want to be. Maybe I was born with loneliness. Now, I’m finding a way to enjoy it.
The song ‘Weekend’ doesn’t have a specific high note part or any ad libs. Overall, the song flows naturally. Was there a reason for you, approaching to this song like that? I think I just wanted to show something different to what I’ve done before. When you name ‘Taeyeon’ as a singer, it reminds you of high notes and singing ability. That was not really the vibe I was going for these days. How can a person always put all their energy into it every time? ‘Ad lib? We don’t always need that. I like the flow of the song. I will just go with it’. I was attracted to the ‘Weekend’ that flowed naturally, like water.
On August the 5th, it was the 14th anniversary for Girls’ Generation’s debut. Every year in August, it was like a party, but it was too bad. This time, right for the pandemic with pyjamas, hair all tied up and ‘no make-up on’, we gathered up through Zoom. It was still meaningful to meet up, chatter and celebrate each other like that.
How is it like to look back on the 14 years of Girls’ Generation? ‘How did I do it?’ is what I think, and a lot reminiscing of places and memories. For that, I need to become younger now.
You should have a lot of responsibility as a leader. Of course, it’s enormous. Even though now I mostly work on my solo albums, I’m still thankful that my existence as ‘Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon’ will not change. Thanks to Girls’ Generation, I’ve become who I am at this moment.
Was there a time during Girls’ Generation activities where you feel you hit puberty? The ‘Gee’ era. A ‘powerful’ concept was what I wanted to do then. Maybe, by wanting to act out I thought ‘Gee’ was a cringey song. Mentioning it in interviews as well, people even said ‘Taeyeon doesn’t like the song Gee’. Considering it now, the concept was suitable for that age. The concept was like a freshman at school, being new and young.
Is there an old album that you go back to and listen to? Recently, I listened to ‘I Got a Boy’ again. Because now I think ‘Was it that weird?’ (Laughs). But it’s still unique though. This song looked ahead into the future trend. There are a lot of inconstant songs these days. At time, the song was a shock for me.
Sometimes, I listen to ‘Into the new World’. Didn’t you have almost no-make up on in the MV? Without a lie, I only had lip balm on, with a light shade of pink. Not even powder. At that time, we just focused on the no-make up look and the energy. If I watch it now, I like it because I look young.
I’m sure it was also the time that you’ve gotten closer with the members. We were curious about each other then and tried to understand each other.
When you look at the members now, what comes up to your mind? They are adorable. I enjoy watching them annoy each other from a distance. When I see them laugh and chatter, it makes me feel proud. I think ‘You did well to come here. When the kids call you, you should come out. Good. This is what I want’. 10 years have already passed.
Do you think Taeyeon has become an adult now? No. I’m still getting ready to. Responsibility is the key in becoming an adult. You also need consideration of others. It’s a lifelong homework. I won’t be able to call myself an adult even when I’m 50 years old. Because humans are always lacking.
Today, I’m seeing a new side of you. I thought you would be a shy person. I am shy, but I love chatting with people. I’m surprised that I’m appearing on <Amazing Saturday> with a personality such as mine. The attitude of claiming “It’s not right, this is correct!” is impossible to see from me.
When can we see all the Girls’ Generation members as one? The article about Girls’ Generation appearing on <You Quiz on the Block> has been published. So maybe soon?
Can we see you guys as one through music as well? We want that too. That is our goal, but it’s not easy to plan out each of our schedules. All the members try hard to make time and a date for it. But that time and date they each make does not work out right.
Now we are on to our last question. Please name this interview for us. Um, ‘I want to go home, but at the same time, I want to have a chat as well’ (Laughs).
Vietnamese translation by Taeyeon đã nói gì?@FB
Một ngày cuối tuần với Taeyeon, sau ‘Weekend’
Cách đây không lâu thì hoạt động quảng bá cho ‘Weekend’ đã kết thúc, dạo này bạn thế nào? Tae: Mình đã quay rất nhiều quảng cáo. Và vẫn xuất hiện trên Nolto như thường. Khi vừa hoàn thành xong 1 album, mình đã lo lắng cho album tiếp theo rồi. Vậy nên mình đang dành thời gian để suy nghĩ và họp bàn về album tiếp theo. Dù sao thì ‘Weekend’ chỉ là 1 single nên cũng thật tiếc khi nó kết thúc quá sớm
Quảng bá album trong một tuần không phải là quá ngắn sao? Nhưng mà mỗi tuần lại có 4 ngày diễn trên các chương trình âm nhạc khác nhau. Nếu bạn nghĩ theo cách đó, thì sẽ thấy rất nhiều.
Taeyeon là một đại diện cho việc trở thành một “tiên giữ nhà” trong ngành giải trí. Lần này bạn cũng vẫn ở nhà như mọi khi đúng không? Bây giờ mọi người nói với mình: “Hãy ra khỏi nhà đi!”. Nhờ có những bạn đó mà mình đã ra ngoài rất nhiều với một nửa là do mình và một nửa là lời khuyên của họ. Gần đây, mình cũng nhận được một thẻ nhân viên có ghi tên mình trên đó. Và mình đã đến công ty nhiều hơn bình thường (cười). Không hiểu sao mình lại có cảm giác thân thuộc với họ
Bạn đã xé nhật ký của mình phải không? Mấy ngày trước thì đã đổi sang iPad. Dạo này bạn vẫn viết nhật ký chứ? Ngày nào mình cũng viết. Hôm qua và trưa hôm nay mình cũng đã viết.
Mình đoán là bạn không viết nhật ký vào buổi tối? Mình không viết nhật ký để tóm tắt 1 ngày. Mình ghi lại cảm xúc của mình vào mỗi khoảnh khắc. Đôi khi còn viết đến ba lần một ngày. Hôm qua mình đã viết nó ba lần (cười). Ngắn thì khoảng 4 dòng, dài khoảng 10 dòng. Có những lúc mình suy nghĩ rất nhiều về công việc và các mối quan hệ. Dọn dẹp suy nghĩ của mình về chúng sẽ giúp mình biết được cảm xúc cũng như suy nghĩ của mình về người khác thêm lần nữa.
Bạn có đặt mật khẩu cho nó không? Đây là iPad của mình, mở khóa bằng vân tay của mình, các bạn chỉ đọc được nó bằng ngón trỏ của mình thôi (cười). Nội dung của nó không nghiêm trọng lắm. Vào những ngày mình thức dậy muộn, mình chỉ bắt đầu bằng những câu như ‘Lạ quá, hôm nay mình dậy muộn’.
Nếu bạn thức dậy muộn một cách khác thường, đó là mấy giờ? 10 giờ, 11 giờ? Mình là con người của buổi sáng. Thường thì mình dậy lúc 6h và ngủ lúc 1h.
Thật tàn nhẫn nếu bắt đầu 1 ngày lúc 6 giờ sáng. Ít nhất bạn cũng biết sự thú vị của việc lăn lộn trên giường vào buổi sáng chứ? Mình phải lăn lộn ít nhất là một tiếng, lăn quanh giường và chuẩn bị cơ thể. Và ngay khi thức dậy bắt đầu rút sạch tất cả các thiết bị đã được sạc đầy đủ. Sau đó là thay quần áo trong khi cầm chúng. Rồi bắt đầu tập thể dục ở nhà. Mình chán lắm đúng không?
Hoàn toàn không! Mình chỉ nghĩ ‘Oh lý do tại sao bạn là Taeyeon’. Một tuần tập thể dục một lần thôi đã rất mệt rồi Haha. Mình nghĩ tập thể dục mỗi ngày là điều bắt buộc phải làm. Nếu có một ngày nào không làm, mình sẽ cảm thấy có lỗi. 7 ngày một tuần là không thể, nhưng mình cố gắng tập ít nhất 5 ngày một tuần.
Bạn xem gì trong lúc tập luyện? Youtube ư? Chủ yếu là mukbang. Mình là fan của ‘Haetnim miệng nhỏ’. Không phải vì phong cách ăn uống của chị ấy, mà vì chị ấy nói chuyện nên mình cảm thấy như đang nói chuyện với chị ấy vậy. Ngoài ra, mình cũng xem cái gì đó vui vui. Dạo này thì mình thích ‘You Quiz on the Block’.
Khi bạn đạt đến trình độ cao cấp của việc trở thành một “tiên giữ nhà” bạn phân biệt mức độ như thế nào với người mới bắt đầu, trung bình và cao cấp? Nếu là mới bắt đầu, bạn sẽ mời tất cả mọi người đến nhà. Sau đó, bạn bắt đầu mua sắm tại nhà. Nhà bạn sẽ nhanh chóng trở nên đầy ắp đồ đạc
Vậy việc trang trí nhà của bạn cũng là của một người mới bắt đầu? Đó là mức trung bình (cười). Bây giờ khi đã mua tất cả các sản phẩm trong nhà, bạn phải nhìn vào nội thất và đặt chúng ở những nơi thích hợp. Mức độ cao cấp là ‘chủ nghĩa tối thiểu’. Giai đoạn mà bạn bắt đầu dọn dẹp nhà cửa. Với suy nghĩ ‘Mình sẽ trở thành 1 người theo chủ nghĩa tối thiểu!’, bạn sẽ thường xuyên dọn dẹp nhà cửa.
Bạn đang ở cấp độ nào? Cấp độ mà các bạn nghĩ ‘Mình sẽ trở thành 1 người theo chủ nghĩa tối thiểu!’ Có một số thứ đang bắt đầu cản trở mình. Bút, sổ tay, giấy dán giấy, nhãn dán… được xếp chồng lên bàn của mình, sẽ tốt hơn nếu mình cất chúng đi. Mình vẫn tự hỏi tại sao lại có nhiều dây sạc, bảng điện và đệm như vậy.
Sao bạn lại mua nhiều đồ văn phòng phẩm đến vậy? Mình đoán là do viết nhật ký. Có một dạo, mình làm theo trend ‘trang trí nhật ký của riêng mình’. Không thể chỉ mua 1 tờ sticker được, phải mua ít nhất là 2 tờ. Khi bạn dán một cái lên và lại muốn sử dụng cùng 1 cái đó thì sẽ cần một tấm khác. Bút chì có độ dày mỏng khác nhau, vì vậy cần phải mua nhiều loại. Hóa đơn từ cửa hàng văn phòng phẩm dài bằng chiều cao của mình đó! Có bằng chứng luôn nha, mình còn không tin được mà (cười).
Bạn có thư giãn vào ngày cuối tuần không? Bài hát ‘Weekend’ nói về việc thoát khỏi cuộc sống lặp đi lặp lại để thư giãn, định nghĩa của sự thư giãn cho bản thân bạn là gì? Hồi trước việc tìm kiếm thời gian để thư giãn là rất khó. Vì mình chưa từng được nghỉ ngơi nên không biết phải làm thế nào. Khoảng 5 năm trước đây, khi hoạt động quảng bá cho SNSD và hoạt động solo của mình bắt đầu. Mình không biết phải làm gì và cảm thấy trống rỗng. Bây giờ thì mình cảm thấy tự do và thoải mái hơn rồi
Bạn có cảm giác đặc biệt nào mà bạn thích khi thư giãn không? Mình nghe nhạc jazz, những bài không lời ý. Tắt tất cả đèn lớn, chỉ để lại đèn nhỏ thôi, tận hưởng cảnh đêm bằng cách mở rèm cửa. Sau đó thì mình dùng poam roller hoặc là matxa ball để tự mát xa. Hít vào hương thơm của tinh dầu. Đây là cách mình tận hưởng.
Bạn thích ngày nào nhất trong tuần? Thật ra thì mình cũng không có gì gọi là cuối tuần cả. Nhưng mình thấy thích nhất là hoàng hôn của ngày thứ sáu. Vào tối thứ sáu, tự mát-xa cho mình với ánh đèn và âm nhạc, sẽ hơi cô đơn một chút, nhưng cơ thể mình chắc chắn sẽ được thư giãn (cười).
Sự cô đơn khi ở 1 mình, rất khó để tránh khỏi Cảm xúc của mình đa dạng lắm. Mình muốn ở một mình, nhưng lại không muốn cô đơn. Có lẽ mình được sinh ra với sự cô đơn. Nên mình phải tìm cách để tận hưởng nó thôi
Bài hát ‘Weekend’ không có một nốt cao cụ thể hay bất kỳ đoạn ad libs nào. Nhìn chung, bài hát được phát ra một cách tự nhiên. Có lý do gì để bạn tiếp cận bài hát này không? Mình nghĩ là mình muốn cho mọi người thấy điều gì đó khác với những gì mình đã làm trước đây. Khi nhắc đến ca sĩ Taeyeon, mọi người sẽ nghĩ đến vocal và những nốt cao. Giờ thì đó không phải những gì mình muốn làm. Sao 1 người lần nào cũng có thể luôn dồn hết năng lượng vào đó được chứ? Ad Lib à? Không phải lúc nào cũng cần. Mình thích dòng nhạc này và sẽ xuôi theo nó. Mình bị cuốn hút bởi ‘Weekend’, như xuôi theo 1 dòng chảy vậy
Ngày 5 tháng 8 này là kỷ niệm 14 năm debut của Girls’ Generation. Tháng 8 hằng năm luôn có không khí tiệc tùng, nhưng lần này thật là tệ. Vì đại d.ịch nên chúng mình chỉ mặc pyjama, buộc tóc lại và ‘không trang điểm’, tập hợp lại qua Zoom. Được gặp nhau, trò chuyện và chúc mừng nhau, như vậy thật sự rất có ý nghĩa.
Cảm giác thế nào khi nhìn lại 14 năm của SNSD? ‘Mình đã làm điều đó như thế nào?’ là điều mình nghĩ, và rất nhiều thứ gợi nhớ về những nơi mình đã đi qua và ký ức về chúng. Vậy nên bây giờ mình cần phải trẻ lại.
Với tư cách là một trưởng nhóm thì trách nhiệm rất lớn đúng không Tất nhiên rồi, nó rất lớn. Mặc dù hiện tại mình đang hoạt động solo rất chăm chỉ, nhưng mình vẫn thấy biết ơn vì sự tồn tại của mình với tư cách là Taeyeon của Girls’ Generation, nó sẽ luôn không thay đổi. Nhờ có SNSD mà mới có mình như bây giờ
Thời gian nào trong các hoạt động của SNSD mà bạn cảm thấy mình đã đến tuổi dậy thì? Đó là thời ‘Gee’. Lúc đó, mình muốn một phong cách “mạnh mẽ”. Mình có cảm giác muốn phản kháng và cảm thấy ‘Gee’ là quá sến súa. Trong các buổi phỏng vấn cũng đã nói nhiều lần rồi, đến mức mà ai cũng biết Taeyeon không thích ‘Gee’. Giờ nghĩ lại thì đúng là concept phù hợp với lứa tuổi lúc đó thật. Rất tươi trẻ và xinh đẹp như một tân binh, lúc đấy thì mình lại không nhận ra được
Bạn có quay lại nghe một album cũ nào không? Gần đây mình đã nghe lại bài ‘I got a boy’. Vì giờ mình lại nghĩ ‘Có kỳ quặc đến thế không?’ (cười) Nhưng nó vẫn rất độc đáo. IGAB là bài hát đã đi trước thời đại. Hiện giờ có rất nhiều bài hát không tuân theo quy tắc nào như vậy, nhưng trước kia thì nó vẫn là một cú sốc đối với mình
Thỉnh thoảng mình vẫn nghe ‘Into the new world’. Không phải trong MV bạn đã để mặt mộc sao? Không nói dối chút nào luôn, mình chỉ thoa son dưỡng môi màu hồng nhạt. Ngay cả phấn phủ cũng không. Lúc đó, tụi mình chỉ tập trung vào mặt mộc và năng lượng. Bây giờ xem lại thì thấy mình trông rất tươi trẻ.
Mình chắc chắn đó cũng là lúc bạn thân thiết hơn với các thành viên. Lúc đó tụi mình rất tò mò và đang cố gắng để hiểu nhau hơn
Khi nhìn vào các thành viên hiện giờ bạn có suy nghĩ gì? Rất đáng yêu. Mình thích nhìn họ quan tâm nhau từ xa. Khi thấy họ cười và nói chuyện, mình cảm thấy rất tự hào. Mình nghĩ ‘Wow đến đúng lúc rồi. Khi bọn trẻ gọi thì mình phải xuất hiện chứ. Rất tốt, đây là điều mình muốn” Chưa gì đã hơn 10 năm đã trôi qua rồi
Bạn có nghĩ rằng Taeyeon đã trưởng thành rồi không? Không đâu. Mình vẫn đang chuẩn bị. Trách nhiệm là chìa khóa để trưởng thành. Bạn cũng cần phải quan tâm đến người khác nữa. Đó là bài tập cả đời. Dù có 50 tuổi mình cũng không thể tự gọi mình là trưởng thành được. Bởi vì con người lúc nào cũng thiếu sót.
Hôm nay mình đã được thấy một khía cạnh mới của bạn. Trước giờ mình vẫn cứ tưởng bạn là 1 người hướng nội Mình ngại nhưng mình thích nói chuyện với mọi người lắm. Thật kỳ diệu khi mình được xuất hiện trên Nolto với chính tính cách của mình. Ở đó mình vẫn có thể là chính mình
Vậy khi nào chúng mình có thể được gặp tất cả các thành viên SNSD? Bài báo về SNSD xuất hiện trên <You Quiz on the Block> đã được đăng tải. Vậy có thể sớm thôi, nhỉ?
Chúng mình có thể nhìn thấy các bạn thông qua âm nhạc chứ? Tụi mình cũng muốn vậy. Đó là mục tiêu của tụi mình, nhưng không dễ để lên kế hoạch cho từng lịch trình. Tất cả các thành viên đều cố gắng hết sức để có thời gian. Nhưng thời gian mà mỗi người sắp xếp không khớp được với nhau
Bây giờ chúng ta sẽ đến với câu hỏi cuối cùng. Bạn hãy đặt tên cho cuộc phỏng vấn này nhé. Um, ‘Mình muốn về nhà, nhưng mà mình cũng muốn nói chuyện nữa’ (cười).
For my Taeng 