Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “HYOLO? Hyohunny, please. I know what this article’s going to be about—endless praise about Hyo’s globe-trotting, party-going, Bangkok-loving lifestyle.” You probably even rolled your eyes at the oh-so-clever portmanteau of Hyo + YOLO.
For those not “in the know”, “YOLO” is an acronym of the phrase, “You only live once”—a phrase used by the youths of a culture that derives its pleasures from living boldly and adventurously. It almost epitomizes youthful vigor and vitality—living on the edge, seizing the moment, all for the sake of pleasure. Why not do the things you want? What are you waiting for? You only live once—just do it!
However, Kim Hyoyeon grew up with a different idea of “you only live once.”
“What is your life motto?”
“‘The place where I am standing
will become a flower in an unchanging land;
I will be a person as clean as the stream water,
and be diligent, sincere, and honest!’“This is a little long to call a motto, but it’s something my father has always been saying since I learned how to speak. I think this phrase contains everything my father wants to say…. I remember he would check if I had this memorized once a week.” [i]
You don’t really see it at first glance, but after watching Hyoyeon for a very long time, you begin to notice just how much of an impact Hyoyeon’s parents have had on her life: from her everyday habits to the starting point of her career and life as she knows it.
“When I was young I didn’t know that I could dance well, but my father felt that I had the potential to make something of it, so he encouraged me early on and made it possible for me to dream of being a singer.” [ii]
That act alone gave Hyoyeon the motivation and, later on, the opportunity to enter the world of the Korean entertainment industry—for it was none other than her father who took her picture and submitted it to SM Entertainment, a move that opened the door for an audition at SM. But both her father and her mother showed Hyoyeon the extent of their love for her and their faith in her gift for dancing, investing a great deal of love and sacrifice on her behalf:
“Before I debuted in SNSD, I spent 7 years as a trainee, but right from the first day I came to SM until the day I debuted, my mother or my father would always come with me, and they’d wait outside SM for the 6-7 hours that I was practicing. Even now, I think that it’s because I have parents who always encourage and cheer me on that I am able to do this and enjoy it.
“Because parents worry about their children, especially when they’re that young. Also, throughout the seven years, their expectations of me grew bigger and bigger. So I think there was a lot of pressure coming from those thoughts. I practiced while thinking a lot about how happy my parents would be when I debut. I worked hard.” [iii]
Hyoyeon learned early on that pursuing the dreams of a bright and glorious future wasn’t a walk in the park. She acknowledged her parents’ sacrifices for the sake of her future, and she did her very best to live up to that: working hard, only looking forward, never complaining.
Enduring the fall from glory
But things took a different turn after Hyoyeon debuted with Girls’ Generation. “I was only popular when I was a trainee!” she said on “Happy Together” during the “I Got A Boy” promotions. “Then after debut it kinda… just…” The cold reality of the entertainment industry came crashing down on Hyoyeon, and it took her by surprise—her years of hard work and her parents’ investments of time and money amounted to nothing in the real world, despite such positive feedback and esteem from both her peers and superiors alike.
“Other people say it’s difficult dancing with power, but I’m the opposite and have difficulties dancing without power. And so, for a while, trying to match Girls’ Generation’s color was homework for me. I believed that if I worked hard, I would be able to capture the hearts of the public, but the reality was different from what I had imagined, and I suffered because of this.” [vi]
I think that’s why she was always mentioning “Kissing You” in all of her interviews. It was a period when she was struggling the most with the discrepancy between the demands of her role in Girls’ Generation and the urge to show off the skills she’d honed for nearly half of her life at the time.
“There was a time where I resented having to give up dance lessons I personally planned, wondering why [SM isn’t] helping me when I’m trying to have my own time to grow.” [vi]
Work still harder
“Have you ever wanted to quit Girls’ Generation?”
“Instead of thinking about wanting to quit, I think about what I have to do in order to work harder, about why I have made such an effort until now.” [vii]
The unfortunate reality of life is that there are times when we work wholeheartedly and vigorously towards a goal which fails to come to fruition. But there is a distinct and raw nobility in those who work still harder despite the undesirable outcome, whose humility is such that they bear the responsibility themselves instead of blaming their circumstance or situation. Hyoyeon is such a woman.
“I never felt that it was unfair.” Hyoyeon’s eyes grew big and round. “I think everything was my own doing, that my name was known as much as the effort I put in. Of course I did work hard in the past, but on the other hand, while [participating in Dancing with the Stars], I also realized ‘I can work this hard.’ I also thought, ‘Before this show, too, I should have worked harder. If I focus this much then there’s nothing that’s impossible.’” [viii]
The place where I am standing is a flower in an unchanging land; I will be a person as clean as the stream water and be diligent, sincere, and honest!
Life is short, but despite it being a small drop of time in a sea of eternity, there is still value in living as a pure, hardworking woman who is honest with herself and the people around her. In a world where the state of being cynical and jaded is almost the prime defense against the injustices of this world, big or small, Hyoyeon manages to be that one pure flower in an unswervingly ruthless world—that diligent, sincere, and honest flower ever blooming before our eyes.
But Hyoyeon could only have flourished as such in the right environment, nurtured and supported by a group of fellow trainees turned into sisters, for each of whom she bears great love and affection. And just as her parents had taught her and shown her—the ultimate expression of love is sacrifice.
“[Hyoyeon] showed her affection for Girls’ Generation by revealing, ‘Thinking about how the nine members need to harmonize, I tried really hard to become one group, rather than trying to stand out with dancing.’” [vi]
The girl whose talent far exceeds that of her peers, whose hardworking, persevering mindset has remained steadfast all these years, whose goal it was to be a solo dancer-singer in her own spotlight on her own stage—put all of that talent and determination and effort into not standing out—all for her love of eight sisters.
“The members’ individual stages did receive a good response at the last concert. But I was the member who suggested we take solo stages out this time, and center it around showing stages with the nine members together. This was because I’m confident that, right now, the performance our nine members can show is really great.” [vi]
I think that is, in itself, the key factor that defines the Soshibond. Despite the fact that each singular member possesses an abundance of talent by herself alone—that they are, individually and respectively, truly amazing and vibrant in their own, unique ways—their true strength lies in their bond with one another: They choose to be amazing together rather than being amazing apart—to share and enjoy the glory together rather than basking in it alone.
The fact of the matter is, Hyoyeon isn’t alone in the sacrifices she’s made. Each and every single member of Girls’ Generation has made sacrifices large and small in her life for the sake of this indestructible, unbreakable bond. And I think that’s what makes things easier—or rather, that’s what makes it all worth it. They understand more than anyone else that glory is fleeting, but there’s just something extraordinary and miraculous about this bond of friendship that rivals familial ties, and that’s something you rarely see more than once in a lifetime. After all… you only live once.
“Our members are always a source of help and comfort when things get rough. Not one, not two, but eight! I feel really secure…It still amazes me how not just one or two, but all nine of us have such a strong bond. Our members help me out and bring me joy when I’m struggling, and console me when I’m sad. I love you as much as my family. This is a gift.” [ix]
“I met eight great members. I really don’t think that anyone else could get along like how our nine girls get along so well. Because we’re girls, there can be a lot of jealousy going on. Thinking back on it now, I think I’m a kid that received a lot of good fortune.” [iii]
[i] NHK MUSIC JAPAN SNSD Special [2011.06.09]
[ii] Dancing with the Stars 2 – Episode 8 [2012.06.22]
[iii] Star Life Theater – Episode 10 [2011.11.22]
[iv] Shinhwa’s comeback press conference [2012.03.05]
[v] SMTOWN’s “I AM” movie premiere press conference [2012.06.18]
[vi] 1st Look Magazine Vol.48 Cover Story – “Rhythm Emotion Hyoyeon”
[vii] The Best Album – Solo Interview Movie
[viii] Hyoyeon’s DWTS Interview [2012.07.20] (translation) (original source)
[ix] All About Girls’ Generation: Paradise in Phuket – Hyoyeon’s Self-Talk
Sources: DOUBLEYOU, [email protected], “1st Look” Magazine,
Written by: anye@soshified
happy b-day hyoyeon..my wish for u stay healthty stay strong god bless you..i hope u like my present send it tommorow..happy happy b-day saranghae hyoyeon <3
Nice writing author.
Hyo have a great personality!, she suggested to remove individual performance although on that part she colud show off her best talent….
Love you Hyo, all the struggling and being a non most popular member, maybe until today….
This is Hyoyeon.
The humility behind all the power, glory and fame is so humbling for all SONES to emulate.
Happy Birthday Hyoyeon!
You will always be a wonderful role model for everyone else!
Thank you SSF for let ANYE write this article, a sone who knows hyohunnies desperation…, thank you Anye. And Happy Birthday Hyo.
Happy Birthday Hyoyeon 언니!!! I hope you’ll stay healthy and best wishes for you too. Miss you so much right now… Love ya!!!
SNSD’s Dancing Queen! Happy birthday Hyoyeon!!
Happy Birthday to our Dancing Queen, Hyoyeon!!!
I had the feelz when I was reading the article…. It’s amazing how far she came along ever since her trainee days, not to mention enduring the pain that inflicted her whether physically or emotionally. Despite that though, she’s a trooper! She’s a model of how people can pursue (and create) their dreams to show how awesome she is!
Enjoy the day as being the Queen of Dancing, Singing, Modeling, etc. Hyoyeon, hwaiting!! :3
No need a word to discribe your awesomeness your dorkiness your lovingness to our fans…. i just say thanks a lot to your big big big dedication please be humble as always and Happy Birthday Hyo…. i hope i can see you again in variety show…
She’s just so amazing. I never knew that’s how she felt about being in a group rather than solo! But can you imagine if she was?! OMG my life would be complete! So much love, so much humility.
Dear Hyoyeon,
Our Sexy and Beautiful Dancing Queen.
Happy 25th!
Stay pretty.
Stay healthy.
Hope you always get the best in your life.
We love you. <3 <3 <3
Happy Birthday, our Dancing Queen. Always stay the happy, pretty Kim Hyoyeon we all know and love.
Happy Birthday A special moment of renewal for your soul and your spirit, because God, in his infinite wisdom, gave to nature, the ability to bloom each season and the new capacity we start each year. Wishing you a year full of love and joy. After a birthday is to have a chance to make new friends, help more people, learn and teach new lessons, experiencing pain and other support old problems. New reasons to smile and cry others, because loving others is to give more protection, pray more prayers and thank you more often. Making Birthday is a little more mature and look at life as a gift from God. It is to be grateful, recognized, strong, fearless. It is rhyme, verse is to be, is to see God in the universe; Congratulations to you on that day so great.
Happy, happy Birthday Hyoyeon unnie!!!
You really deserve the success you have gained because you are
so hardworking and still so humble.
Stay happy always.
Happy Birthday Hyoyeon !!!!!! the worlds greatest dancing machine. She has such an amazing and strong personality and the number of sacrifices she has made makes her such a great inspirational role model. Hope she gets to spend time with her 8 sisters and her family.Soshi Bond Fighting!!!
#HappyHyoloDay
Happy B-Day Hyo~~ I wish you all the luck in the future!!
Also, you have to stay healthy~
PS: Thanks for the awesome article SF, much appreciated!!
Happy birthday, Hyoyeon!!! Our dancing queen.
Happy birthday Hyoyeooon unnie! Thank you for giving us joy and happiness. <3 #HappyHyoloDay
Aw she was a cute and pretty girl.
I’m a very proud Hyohunnie. There’s no words could describe how much I adore her. The best thing ever I’ve seen into the world of kpop is her and snsd. I read those articles once again and I cried inside. I remember once she said in IY2 she stated “no matter how hard you work, people don’t choose you”. that’s the time I cried watching her saying it herself.
Hyoyeon is generous. I don’t have to dig into pieces of her life in order to know her. just by seeing the personality is enough. Happy Birthday Hyo… You are always loved.
Happy Bday Sister HYOLO!!! LOVE You lots. Thank you for all the wonderful energy and inspiration….and all the great choreographic material to work with. i always feel happier and healthier dancing Your Moves!!!!!
OMO i can feel how much Hyoyeon love the girls it’s so beutiful and touching
Happy birthday my dance queen
beautiful writing! I love you Hyoyeon<3 Happy birthday, you angel
I cried after read the article.
I’m so biased by Hyoyeon, she’s the reason for why I became sone.
I love all the girls, but today more than then, Hyoyeon has a big place on my heart.
HBD Kim Hyoyeon.
Amazing hyo unnie! She is really jjang! Take care and may your wishes come true! <3 ❤️
Damn, I cried
That was beautiful
Happy Birthday, my queen, my bias, Miss HY, Kim Hyo Yeon
May you flourish forever
God Bless You
Oh wow, those emotions I felt when reading the article… Hyoyeon is an amazing woman.
Happy birthday Hyo noona~