On December 22nd, 2013, Girls’ Generation held its Märchen Fantasy concert at the Korea International Exhibition Center. Upon finishing the opening set, the members continued their concert tradition of greeting the audience, but added a small surprise with their classic introductions. After Sunny and Tiffany introduced themselves as Girls’ Generation’s “energy pill” and “brighter than gems Fany Fany Tiffany”, Taeyeon took fans back to 2007, when she would still call herself Girls’ Generation’s “kid leader”.
Then and now, many found Taeyeon to be an unusual choice for a leader. She was timid and reserved, with even her group members saying they knew nothing about her. From the start, she felt that it was difficult to lead, as there were other members who were more outgoing and forceful, and though she was the oldest among them, there were five others in the group considered to be the same age. Still, sometimes the best leaders aren’t those who choose to lead. Taeyeon has shown time and again that her way of leading has made it so the other members can shine in their own ways, from giving the speeches to directing the visuals for an album. No one is a leader on their own, and Taeyeon has allowed us to see that her members are leaders themselves.
Because of this, sometimes people can overlook Taeyeon’s natural leadership, which the other members of Girls’ Generation continually turn to. Though Taeyeon may encourage other members to accept various awards, they sometimes (all the time (even as I write this)) still look to the kid leader to speak for the group. Taeyeon leads by example rather than by force, and at the conclusion of Girls’ Generation’s second tour through Japan, it was her who addressed the fans who attended the concert tour through a letter written in Japanese and put into words how thankful all of the members were.
Of course, Taeyeon also led Girls’ Generation’s foray into social media, creating an Instagram account that has since led to four others, two Weibo accounts, two Twitters, and even a YouTube channel. Though the members had promised each other not to use social networking sites, Taeyeon chose to break that rule when she thought of fans who were waiting for Girls’ Generation, and opened the floodgates for her group. With social media, the members of Girls’ Generation have given fans a glimpse into their lives, uploading pictures of their dogs, vacations, baby photos, dogs, family members, ski trips, and occasionally, dogs. They have had hilarious conversations, held informal question and answer sessions, and have talked with fans about nearly everything, from movies to food to music.
However, Taeyeon’s Instagram is just a little different, and through it, her leadership is seen once more. As much as she enjoys sharing photos of Ginger, Taeyeon has also used her Instagram to promote her members’ dramas and musicals, give previews for songs in upcoming Girls’ Generation albums, share her vote for the YouTube Music Awards, and inform followers of music video release dates. Photos from Girls’ Generations birthday parties, gatherings, and photoshoots are shown to more than a million fans all around the world instantly, many of which otherwise never would have been seen. She is Girls’ Generation’s most active member on social media, and has uploaded over 500 photos since she began sharing pictures on March 18th, 2013, less than one year ago.
Taeyeon’s hundreds of posts also show that it takes more to describe her than the word “leader”. Though she has been an idol for over six years, outside of Girls’ Generation, Taeyeon is a young woman, interested in drawing and cars, who plays “The Sims” and with various toys, and does her and her mother’s nails. At home, she is the middle child instead of the eldest, both a younger and an older sister, with proud and loving parents who travel to see their daughter perform in front of thousands. She is a lover of music, who shares the most amazing fifteen-second song covers you will ever hear.
As a member of Girls’ Generation, Taeyeon’s Instagram shows instead just how much she loves her members and her fans. She has posted countless photos of her eight closest friends, taught them to stitch together pictures to upload, and shares their efforts and hard work. While other idol groups who debuted after Girls’ Generation send members to release solo albums, Taeyeon instead is at home posting photos of her members’ dramas (while hoping for kiss scenes), and has only just released her first solo song not for an OST. She has thanked fans through comments on Instagram for taking photos of her when going to the airport alone, for coming up with “Taeng o’clock”, and started an Instagram account entirely for them. She has opened up her life and allowed people to see more of who she really is.
Perhaps most importantly, Taeyeon’s Instagram has proven what fans have known since first meeting Taeyeon as she was yelling off the Dongho Bridge: that she is a special kind of leader, who makes those around her shine, and an amazing idol, who always thinks of her fans. That she is an incredible singer, whose voice has soothed and awed hundreds of thousands, and a representative of Korea, who was invited to sing the national anthem overseas. And most of all, that after seven years, she is still Girls’ Generation’s kid leader, who wants nothing more than to sing with her beloved members for as long as she can. We hope she can do so for many more birthdays to come.
Sources: [email protected], Manii [email protected], [email protected], flying petals, Cotton Candy, Thank You, Taeyeon’s Instagram
Written by: bhost909@soshified
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As a Taenganger, I hope to stay by her to wish her a happy birthday every year with all my heart.
Hepy taenggooo..you always be my precious angel..and also the other eight girls…love you so much..my every day life always bright because of the nine angels..you inspired me a lot in daily life..please always be stay girls and I always support in everything you do..love taenggooo and the nine girls..hepy 26gh bday..even you are jumma I always be your sone..soshi daebak daebak daebak sakeon!!!!♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Happy Birthday my Kid Leader ^^
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAEYEON!!!! Have a wonderful birthday my dorky leader!!!
happy birthday unnie….sorry for greeting you late but i hope it counts….your’e the best …jjang!!!!daebak unnie….
This is a nice perspective on Taeyeon. She really is a cute person and I’m glad she got the chance to be in Girls’ Generation!
Happy Birthday Taeyeon-Unni! Thank you for all of your hard work!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAEYEON!
You’ve worked hard on leading soshi,
but no matter how hard it is,
you’ve never give up and that
fact makes us sones proud our kid leader.
You’ve grown up beautifully with
the other 8 dorks.
Wishing many happy years to be
bestowed upon you with soshi.
love ya soo much!!
This was an amazing tribute to Taeyeon! Beautifully written.
Have a happy birthday, Taengoo. :D I hope it’s your best one yet!
Happy Birthday, TAEYEON!!! World Leader of SONE NATION. LOVE YOU.
This is a great article. Taeyeon will be our KidLeader forever. Happy birthday Joyeux anniversaire 생일축하해요.
#26thTaeyeonDay
Happy Birthday to the BEST LEADER in the whole of K-pop!! *throws confetti*
I love you so much, Kim Taeyeon. <3
Stay cute and forever, you'll be the best for us. Number ONE Kid Leader, I love you. :*
I'll see you in person, someday. Just you wait. :')
You may not be able to see each of our birthday wishes one by one but SONEs love you very much and in each greeting, we all say the same thing, kind of. :D
With love, Lord Gray
#TaengBdayistheBestDay
#LoveYou
Hello there, I’m really touched read this article, this one is really good
The contents and the plot is really nice and enjoy to read but still has meaningful meaning
I’m agree with this article, Taeyeon really the core of SoShi, she leads with her own way
And yes she’s become my inspirator, motivator and oases most of the times especially when I’m in despair
The scene when she shouting at the Han river is the most remarkable
Happy 26th birthday Taeyeon, you’re really wonder kid with consistency, pure heart, calm mind, beautifull inside and outside, hardworker, professional and cheerful too
Success always for the rest of the year
Today is 少女时代, tomorrow still 少女时代, till the end of time 少女时代
Forever 9 as 1
I MAY NOT BE THE FIRST TO WISH ON YOUR BIRTHDAY BUT I CAN BE THE LAST TO WISH ON YOUR BIRTHDAY:)HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAEYEON:)
I MAY NOT BE THE LAST TO WISH ON YOUR BIRTHDAY BUT I CAN BE THE LAST TO WISH ON YOUR BIRTHDAY:)HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAEYEON:)
Happy Birthday to the one and only Kid Leader. <3
The leader of one of the most respected and popular idol groups in the world. A leader who we all look up to, know and love.
Congratulations on turn a year older!
And thank you for not only showing your serious side but also your dorky and loveable side too, eventually the WHOLE world will fall in love with your quirky charms.
Right now it's Girls' Generation, in the future, and until forever!
Happy Birthday Kim Taeyeon the greatest leader of all saranghae
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORKY KID LEADER!!!
SARANGHAE NOONA!!! <3<3<3
KEEP HWAITING! :)
Happy B”Day Taeyeon :)
God Bless You~
The only one….thank you to be born in this world the only leader in the only goddess group
Always support Taeyeon … Happy birthaday ! No matter what people think of you … just be yourself and be HAPPY !!!
Being timid and reserved just adds to Taengoo’s charm :) it’s not that hard to notice how much she cares about her members and her fans. Rather than with words, she shows us all of these things through her actions. She might not express herself often but she said that’s because she gives way for the other members to shine. She’s one of the most considerate and loving people I have had the pleasure of knowing, even though I’m just a fan and I haven’t really met her. We’re proud of you Kim Taeyeon. Thank you for sharing your life with us as best as you can. We’ll be right here whenever you need us. S<3NEs
Happy Birthday once again our dear kid leader! HWAI-Taeng! <3
To our Kid Leader Taengoo, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Since 2009 I’ve been a fan of GG and you were my favorite member. JummaTaeng, For us (SONE) YOU ARE THE BEST LEADER IN THE WHOLE WORLD. We will continue to support and love you and the other members. More years and blessings to come in your life and in GG. Wish you all the best, unnie. ;D SOSHI + SONE = ONE LOVE. God bless youuuuu. SARANGHAEEEE <3
Happy 26th birthday KID LEADER TAENGOO.
#FOREVER9#FOREVERSONE#
Taeyeon is best leader in kpop groups for me….
unnie you are my role model….
I promise to you that I will not let go of your hand…!!
Saranghae unnie…!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY KID LEADER…!!!!
Loved the way you made this. Keep up the good work, and happy birthday to taengoo :)