In the world of K-Pop, leadership is typically viewed as something of utmost importance. The leader of each K-Pop group isn’t expected to simply play the leader figure towards one’s groupmates; the leader must also become the public voice for his or her respective group and carry out the role with immeasurable maturity. For some leaders who were simply given the position because they are the oldest members of their groups, they may feel the burden. Imagine living in a world where all eyes are on you, and one wrong move by any of your groupmates reflects directly on your own abilities. While the pressure to maintain your own image may be stressful enough, there is added pressure to maintain the group’s image as well. What, then, does it take to be an effective leader? Is it possible to have more than one such leader in a group?
Most people understand the definition of a leader to be “someone who leads”. In fact, even Merriam-Webster provides us with this very simplistic definition. However, leadership studies often teach us that being a leader isn’t as simple as that; rather, they teach us that a leader is someone who influences others towards achieving a common goal. In order to better understand what it means to be a leader, it is necessary to understand what it means to be a manager. Leadership studies also teach us that managers are those who accomplish organizational goals in an efficient and effective manner through the efforts of subordinates. To put it simply, a leader’s main focus is people, while a manager’s main focus is the task at hand. This makes an effective leader someone who focuses on those involved while completing what needs to be done.
The episode of SBS Strong Heart that aired on December 15, 2009 is well-known in K-Pop as the episode in which Taeyeon spoke about her desire to step down as the leader of Girls’ Generation. While she stated that she would like the members to manage themselves, it appears that Taeyeon’s words weren’t without further justification. As the years went by, it became more evident to fans and non-fans alike that the members of Girls’ Generation treated each other like family and that they viewed each other as equals. From a leadership perspective, Taeyeon’s “resignation” came about as a transformation from one type of leader to another as she attempted to step away from the leader image in order to let the other members shine.
To this day, if you ask any SONE who the leader of Girls’ Generation is, most will name Taeyeon without a second thought. Even after speaking about her insecurities as the leader of Girls’ Generation, Taeyeon has continued to grow and transform as a leader. She continues to play the role, not just to Girls’ Generation members but to SONE as well. A few examples of her leadership can be seen in the fanmade video below.
However, there are those who continue to criticize her ability to lead. Some believe that she isn’t a good leader because other members have become the voices of the group. Others criticize her timid personality and lack of presence, stating that a good leader can’t be found in such a person. However, being the opposite of Taeyeon doesn’t necessarily make a person a great leader. Many of history’s most effective leaders were also the type of people who wouldn’t have been considered leaders at all, yet they succeeded in their respective fields through perseverance, humility, and good will. These individuals can be identified as Level 5 Leaders.
A Level 5 Leader is someone who possesses a working combination of personal humility and great professional will. Many of those identified as Level 5 Leaders were not the idealistic picture of a leader; rather than being charismatic, larger-than-life extroverts, these individuals were quiet, slightly off-beat, and awkward. However, despite their lack of pretense, they sought to achieve great things. Level 5 Leaders ask for help when it is needed and give credit where credit is due rather than reveling in success. They understand the strengths and weaknesses of their teams’ members and allow those members to showcase their strengths whenever possible. They lead by example and display endless passion for what they do.
Taeyeon is undoubtedly a Level 5 Leader. On the December 15, 2011 episode of “Happy Together”, Taeyeon was asked if she had any desire to become a solo artist. She replied, “No, I’m doing fine in a group thanks to all the other members… The other members help to cover up for the things I lack in. I think I’m more fit for group activities as compared to being a soloist.” Despite being the main vocalist of Girls’ Generation, she feels that all members play equally important roles in the group. She never forgets to include the fans as an integral part of the group, frequently thanking SONE using her iPad and through acceptance speeches. Her humility is truly unrivaled. Her will is the will of Girls’ Generation – a never-ending drive to work hard in order to present the best possible image.
Taeyeon thanks fans for showing their support for Girls’ Generation.
This isn’t to say that Taeyeon is the only leader-type in Girls’ Generation or that the only way to lead is by being a Level 5 Leader. Each member of Girls’ Generation possesses her own individual style of leadership. Jessica is known for being very straight-forward and honest. While some may not appreciate honesty, it is one of the most important qualities a leader can possess. Trust is built on honesty, and followers follow a leader who is trustworthy. Sunny is jokingly referred to as “60Sunny“, the grandmother of Girls’ Generation, by the other members, due in part to her well-rounded knowledge and aged personality. This may not be the only reason though, as Sunny is one to take good care of her members, an act that may be described as paternal leadership. Tiffany, also known as Ti-manager and Manager Hwang, appears to have the mindset of an all-around businessperson. Likely to become a future CEO, she possesses both leadership and managerial characteristics that seamlessly coexist. Hyoyeon consistently motivates the other members and even fans with her wit and charm. Her natural ability to understand the moods of those around her and transform the atmosphere to a positive one makes her a good leader. Yuri is also the type to motivate others, but she does so through her own self-motivation. She’s the type to work hard in whatever she does, which further inspires others to do the same. Sooyoung, a member who speaks well and is practically fluent in three languages, has become the voice of Girls’ Generation, speaking at SMTOWN press conferences where mostly group leaders were present. She is the type to adapt to a situation rather quickly and steps up when it is necessary. As the “center” of Girls’ Generation, Yoona had to take on great responsibility even before the group debuted. She persevered through the toughest of storms and continues to work as hard as ever. She leads by example, proving that you shouldn’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals. Seohyun is, without a doubt, a born leader. Her conviction and self-discipline are strong, and she usually tries to do what she believes is best for herself and others. Perhaps one day she’ll become a government leader or something far greater.
The influx of new K-Pop groups has given rise to new traditions in the K-Pop world. A large number of the newly debuted groups don’t have an official leader; that it isn’t to say that they don’t have a leader whatsoever, though. Leadership is common, and in many cases, it is situational, meaning that certain individuals step up when it is deemed necessary. In the end, there really isn’t one “right” way to lead; the only measure of leadership ability is how effective a group is at achieving its goal.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are solely those of the author and are not representative of the Soshified community as a whole.
Photos and Video by: Akino_Makoto@soshified, SMTOWN Facebook, [email protected]
Written by: Akino_Makoto@soshified
Edited by: SeraphKY@soshified, moonrise31@soshified, taengsoshi@soshified, kt01@soshified, MoonSoshi9@soshified
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there is a very fine line to be drawn between having a leaderless group…and having a group with covert leader…naturally, it will be hard for outsiders to tell the difference…that just further emphasizes the great job that that leader is doing…to the point where we constantly discuss whether she is doing an effect job or not…their are flamboyant, self-centered leaders…or at least pose as them…and they will make themselves known to the masses…but they are actually stepping further and further from the role as their position of leadership becomes more and more pronounced…then their are those leaders that work in the background…their is no greater sign of a leader than to recognize those that they lead…and utilize those that they lead for their strengths…no one is capable of dealing with the burden of leadership on their own for an extended period of time…no one person can do that in an effect and humane manner…they require the trust and appreciation of their subordinates in order to obtain the support they need to continue being a true leader…the idea of circumstantial leading is a good one…a good leader even know when to stand aside…take a temporary leave…knowing that their subordinate is more qualified for the given situation than they are…a sense of humility…not greed…is what will strengthen a leader…for their is no leader unless they truly appreciate those they are trying to lead…and forgive my use of subordinate in this example…that is more just my textbook definition…there is no leader who views those she leads as less of subordinates than taeyeon…she truly is a leader on equal footing with her group…her friends…to summarize what is the best way i can think taeyeon views the stance of being a leader…i will paraphrase william wallace…some people think that it is the people’s responsibility to award people the privilege of leading…others, like taeyeon, believe it is the leader’s responsibility to lead those that need it
Very well written, without a doubt TaeYeon is one of the best leaders in K-pop. Leaders of groups with large amount of members I pay special respect to. Some praise their leaders from being the best when all they do it manage two or three other member, but like TaeYeon and LeeTeuk they are responsible to lead at least eight other members.
Kim TaeYeon will forever be remembered as the awesome dorky kid leader of legendary group Girls’ Generation.
Happy Birthday Taengoo ^^
This article pretty much sums up everything about the “LEADER” role in SNSD.
From Taeyeon to Seohyun
they all lead the group in different aspects.
소녀시대 역시 짱이야!
Wow, great read! It is pretty amazing that though Taeyeon was the first leader of GG it’s true that we have been able to see the abilities and leadership qualities of all members now. Taeyeon has done such a great job encouraging all members to shine and have shown their personalities. It truly is such an amazing thing that these group of girls have fit so well together and have stayed together to succeed! Keep working hard kid leader!
Taengoo is the best leader ever. Her leadership is my inspiration, if I’m a leader, I would like to be a leader like her.
Nice read and love Taengooo for being a leader
bravo! this is our kid leader to a T!!
Best Leader ever! Taengoo!
As an undergraduate engineer, team work in general is a absolute requirement on team projects. While this may sounds easy, the amount of things that goes/has gone wrong is tremendous. I’ve been on both sides before, being an extremely demanding and extremely not caring leader. Neither has worked, obviously, but reading this and reflecting on their situations, I have great respect and admiration for SNSD as a whole as well as for each individual. Being a leader is very hard work, sometimes to lead others doesn’t mean to actively lead, but to lead yourself and support others from behind; not just anyone can do it. So SNSD fighting!!!!
Long story short, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Taengoo fighting! :) :D Hope you have a lovely day
Dear Taengoo, you are seriously the most amazing Leader in the World! Happy Birthday and stay healthy <3
Happy birth day to our kid-leader i wish all the best for u. Thank u so much for taking care of other members and us, SONE. You always be someone that i admire and i hope this year will only brings you a good luck.
ive watch the strong heart show that Taeyeon spoke her desire to step[ down as a leader but there’s no about it. Can i get the link? i really want to watch it
Taeyeon really reminds me of Eric (from Shinhwa) because they both step back and let the other members shine.
Especially what she said on Happy Together (not wanting to go solo), Eric turned down a massive contract to go solo and decided to stick with the members.
Minwoo usually does the award speeches, and Hyesung leads the “meetings” in Shinhwa Broadcast.
Eric may be the leader, but he steps back for the others just like what Taeyeon does.
I find them very alike in leadership, and this gives me a good feeling.
I can’t explain what it is, but I feel this “forever” feeling with SNSD like I do for Shinhwa.
I have no idea if I have a 6th sense, but I definitely feel this feeling for the both of them.
Right now, it’s Girls’ Generation.
In the future, it’s Girls’ Generation.
Forever, it’s Girls’ Generation.
Taeyeon is a perfect leader because when she “stepped down” from the role it showed her humbling herself. Yes, SM gave her that role because she’s the oldest, but she took it very seriously & showed that being a leader of an idol group isn’t what’s it’s cracked up to be. Just like how YoonA has often said that she fee;s burdened at times to be the group’s center. Around that time, Taeyeon had so much going on and realizing it’s hard leading 8 very opinionated girls. Her stepping down allowed everyone to be an equal of sorts and show that everyone in SNSD has a voice. That’s what a real leader is all about.
Every Leader has a unique to lead the poeple so do Our leader too.. Agree with 5 leader but the other members have their personalities to lead too.. Agree with the 5 leader ^^ including our girls… the leader not just by name or title but it is about how they do with the others and lead not just talk but and example..
Taeyeon ah~
She really deserve to be a leader even she think that she doesnt suit with it. Fighting!!!! Saranghaeyo <3
When my friend ask me who is the leader of GG i automatic said that it’s ‘Taeyeon’
I love the way Taeyeon lead the group
a silent leader :D
Well done! taeyeon hwaiting!! <3
Leadership is important to any success, in ‘stepping down’ Taeyeon has allowed not only a more independent play of the other members, but have highlight their importance in the group. Equal and just as important. Ironically a very leader-like quality. In our society it’s natural to have us follow the eldest (although not as strict as say Korea) so it’s not wrong to say the general impression people have will be instinctive. Taeyeon will always have that special place.
Side note: Seohyun for President!
Really looooveee the article!
All SNSD members with each personal characteristic of leadership.
OT9 !!! <3 <3 <3
Nice how you described not only Taeyeon but all the members ability to be a leader.
Forever Kid Leadaaaa!
i read about level 5 leader somwhere in forbes or bcc or cnn (sorry for my short term memories =.=) yesterday. and how impress i am with the characteristic of level 5 leader. and im so so happy that you relate that to our kid leader. she’s one of the great level 5 leader. taeyeon is pure awesomeness!
thank you for writing this up!
AS EXPECTED, OUR KID LEADER JJANG~
Pleasurable read. Well done! :)
Wow, our kid leader seems to transform into a real leader now. With her age increase, i hope her leadership is increase more as well.
Taengoo, FIGHTING!!!