Dear Yoona,

So, it’s that time of year again. It’s hard to believe that another twelve months have already passed, right? And it feels like so much has changed; but at the same time, so much has stayed the same. For example: you’re still acting, of course, except for the fact that you’ve expanded to not only a different genre, but a different country — something definitely outside of most people’s comfort zones. But not you. No, you looked at “God of War Zhao Yun” and said, “What? Chinese period drama? I’ve got this in the bag.” Or, well, something to that effect, I’m sure, because look at you now.

This day exactly last year, I said that you were an inspiration. And that still rings true, as much of an understatement as it is. Because really, words can never be enough to say everything that you mean to me. To SONEs. To people from all around the globe. But I can try, try and take a different angle (out of the many directions I could approach it), try and tease out the single most important reason as to why you captured our hearts so quickly, so flawlessly. Are you ready? Here we go.

I’m going to return to that Chinese drama (and you’ve got a Chinese movie in the works too, I might add) because I think it’s a recent example showing something about you that we’ve known for a while now: it reminds us all of your ability to adapt. Most importantly, to adapt without actually changing who you are. You’re simply Im Yoona, extraordinaire. Some sort of activity usually precedes that word, but you don’t need one — because you really are extraordinary at absolutely anything you put your mind to. Singing? Check. Dancing? Check. Acting? At least two checks there.

But there’s so much more. You’ve charmed us all with your radio guest-starring and variety show appearances: “Running Man” has never been so much fun, and “Girls’ Generation and the Dangerous Boys” has never been so hilarious (Sunny was with you in both of those instances, coincidentally; something to consider in the future, perhaps). And those were just two of the many highlights you’ve given us since August of 2007. So really, this is only the beginning.

Yup, nearly eight years after you faced the entire world with that unshakeable smile, you’re still looking ahead at the next big thing: another goal to strive for, another obstacle to topple. You can do it all, too — and you know that you can. We know it too.

What I find cool is that, to the individual SONE, you might stand for different things, inspire us differently. But in the end, we will all look towards where you’re pointing, because we know you can’t lead us astray. So that’s why, today (and tomorrow, and forever), you will be our favorite inspirational extraordinaire. We wish you the very happiest of birthdays, Yoona.

(At least, until next year.)

Sources: The Jiang, stoprunning530.com, “W” Magazine, Newsen, JAMIE_YA, “Love Rain”
Written by: moonrise31@soshified