SNSD’s Taeyeon, Tiffany And Seohyun Will Form A New SNSD Subunit

Korean girl group SNSD’s management agency SM Entertainment revealed yesterday that SNSD’s Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun will form a new SNSD subunit called Taetiseo, reported Korean media.

SM Entertainment said Taetiseo will release their new mini-album Twinkle on May 2.

It added that the subunit will have a very different musical and fashion style from the nine-member SNSD, one of the most popular girl groups in Korea.

Introducing subunits for highly popular music groups is a common practice in both Korea and Japan.

Groups like Korean boy band Super Junior and massive Japanese girl group AKB48 have undergone some form of ‘cell division’ at one point or another, resulting in subunits such as Super Junior-M and Super Junior-T, as well as DiVA, which is made up of ten AKB48 members.

It is a move that carries many benefits.

The subunit does not require much promotion as the members are already well-known and can bank on the popularity of the music group they belong to.

Introducing a subunit also allows group members to try out different brand concepts without affecting the branding of the main group.

Most importantly, subunits mean a new source of revenue for the music group’s management company, as fans of the individual members involved in the subunit’s activities will most likely buy the subunit’s music and merchandise in addition to that of the main group.

Popular girl group Girls’ Generation’s photos from the past are garnering a lot of attention.

The photos were posted on an online community with the title, ‘Girls’ Generation’s photo from the past.’

Photo shows Girls’ Generation during their trainee in SM Entertainment 7 years ago. The photo showed Seohyun, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona’s real name on the top of each person’s photo.

Seohyun is seen wearing beanie hat, Sooyoung in a black jumper with putting a ‘V’ sign especially her tanned skin as well as showing off her youthful image.

Girls’ Generation for the first time since its debut in 2007, formed a unit ‘Taetiseo’ using the first letter of each member’s name is eye-catching.

Super Junior has a unit K.R.Y name was based on the member initial however it’s rare to have a name ‘Taetiseo’ that is slightly difficult to pronounce and unfamiliar. Other girl group has many instances of selecting a separate cute name such as Orange Caramel (After School), Pixie (Rainbow).

This can be interpreted as Girls’ Generation members each have high awareness there is no need of a completely different name. Taetiseo is enough to recall Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun.

SM Entertainment staff explained, “Girls’ Generation unit does not have a set member but will be different based on the future music and concept. It will be interesting to find out which member will be joining the unit group. As the members forming the group will continuously change we set the unit name taking the first letter of each member as not to confuse the public.”

Taetiseo’s mini-album ‘Twinkle’ is set to release online worldwide on April 29. The song is funky soul and medium tempo dance to reminisce of Stevie Wonder’s music style of 70s and 80s.

The members displayed their vocal skills that couldn’t be fully shown during Girls’ Generation. Taeyeon explained, “During Girls’ Generation the synchronized choreography was most important however as a unit we only have 3 members so we focused more on vocals rather than the choreography. I believe that’s the biggest difference from Girls’ Generation.

Continuing on, “We felt pressure as many were curious about our first stage, however just like the lyrics we tried our best to perform well with confidence.” Seohyun added, “For me my voice wasn’t in best condition so I couldn’t show as much as I would have liked, however we will do our best to deliver a better performance in the future.”

The members felt burdened as this is the first project of Girls’ Generation. Tiffany shared, “Other members have sent in many encouraging text messages. We watched the ‘Twinkle’ music video together and joked that the company seemed to put in a lot of effort. It seemed that members became fonder of each other as we spend time apart.”

Taeyeon added, “It seemed long ago since all of our members took a photo together. However these days when our members meet we take photos together and say that we miss each other more.”

SNSD To Release Their First Japanese Album “Genie”

SM Entertainment revealed today the Japanese music video of Girls’ Generation’s Japan debut single song ‘Genie’ including 5 other songs through YouTube.

The full Japanese music videos revealed are ‘GEE,’ ‘Genie,’ ‘Run Devil Run,’ ‘Time Machine,’ ‘Mr. Taxi’ total of 5 songs. Among them ‘Mr. Taxi’ and ‘Time Machine’ have already been revealed on YouTube through Japan Universal Music however ‘GEE,’ ‘Genie’ and ‘Run Devi Run’ is the first time being released in Japanese as a full version.

Also the ‘Time Machine’ released by Japan Universal Music was limited to only certain countries to be accessed by YouTube, however the ‘Time Machine’ released through SM Entertainment is not restricted.

On June 1st, SNSD will be releasing their first Japanese original album “GIRLS’ GENERATION”.

This album will have 12 songs including their hit singles “GENIE”, “Gee”, “Run Devil Run” and “MR. TAXI”. Three types will also be released: Deluxe First Press Limited Edition, Limited Edition and Regular Edition. Among them, the Deluxe First Press Limited Edition copy will be released in a box and include a special mini bag.

It has been almost a year or maybe more or less since Girls Generation released Genie now they have finally gone international! Just like all of the other Korean girl groups, Japan is a big market for them and almost every group and singer always goes Japanese sooner or later. Now what are the differences in this music video compared to the Korean one? Same amount of leg movement but a whole new different wardrobe! Instead of their popular military style they are have changed into a carnival theme like outfits. That makes it much more exciting, and oh yea, they are singing in Japanese too.

SNSD commented: “Our first original album in Japan has been completed! It’s an album packed full of fantastic songs, so we hope that lots of people listen to it. We’re looking forward to performing during our tour too. Definitely come and visit us!”

There’s rumors floating around that Shoujo Jidai (SNSD / Girls’ Generation) is scheduled to release a Japanese version of their hit Korean single ‘Gee’ on October 20th. As many of you know, the girls released the Japanese version of ‘Genie’ last week and achieved second place on the Oricon Daily Charts.

The source of the rumor is the same source that released information about Shoujo Jidai’s initial release of Genie. So although there’s no official announcement, the likelihood of this rumor being true is pretty high.

The rumor also states that there will be 3 versions of the Single release:

1. A Regular Edition costing around 1100￥ (around $13) which includes the CD with 3 tracks: 1. Gee (Ver./Japanese Ver.), 2. Gee ( Ver./Korean Ver.) and 3. Gee (Without Main Vocal).

2/ A Limited Edition costing around 1400￥ (around $14) which will also include a bonus DVD PV of GEE.

3. A First Press Edition costing around 1800￥ (around $21) which will also include the DVD PV of GEE but also with a bonus PV of GEE Dance Version. In addition, the First Press Edition will include a Photo Book and one random photo card (out of a possible 9).

The Model Answer For Girl Group Lies Within Girls’ Generation?

The model answer for girl group lies within Girls’ Generation?There is a saying, ‘Pride will have a fall.’ Meaning that metaphorically that once strength or influence flourishes for sure after certain time will decline and this is not much different for the popularity of the celebrities. Then how much more for girl groups that shine at their most beautiful age.

All girl groups cannot help but go through a popularity wave. However that doesn’t mean you should thoughtlessly chase after popularity. Girls’ Generation that were ‘young girls’ when they debuted back in 2007 has now matured into ‘women.’ Even the adherent fans of Girls’ Generation have now without knowing became middle-aged. Yet still Girls’ Generation is still fully blooming. Let’s take a look at their past to find out the model answer for girl groups.

Girls’ Generation first emerged in 2007 through their first single ‘Into the New World’ and caught the public interest by releasing first full album ‘Girls’ Generation’ in November of the same year. Before Girls’ Generation the largest girl group was a trio. The largest was probably a group of five, and introducing a nine-member group at that time was shocking. The nine girls dressed in mini-skirt reminiscent of uniforms drew exclamation of fans and lead the music industry at once.

Afterwards the girls successively attracted popularity with ‘Kissing You,’ ‘Baby Baby’ and many new girl groups appeared that bench marked Girls’ Generation.

Girls’ Generation was suddenly faced with pursuit of younger girls groups. In a way at the time when the popularity of Girls’ Generation should have drawn parallel curve instead started to ride off the ascending current.

With the release of their new single ‘Gee’ in January 2009 broke away from their existing cute and adorable image. Instead flaunting their mature beauty with their attractive legs drew a phenomenal hit with ‘Tell Me Your Wish.’ The girls succeeded to break away from the formula that ‘girl groups should be adorable,’ and taking a step further began to look stages abroad.

Girls Generation was successful ‘as usual’ once again despite the look of concern from some asking if ‘it wasn’t already too late.’

The girls held their 1st Asia tour ‘Into the New World’ on December 2009 and started to gain global popularity in Japan, US, Europe and more.

If you see Girls’ Generation’s activities this year a significant change can be noticed from the previous years. Rather than having all the members on stage singing together the members are all busy with individual schedule of acting, MC, and appearing on shows.

Yoona is currently starring as the female lead Kim Yoonhee of KBS drama ‘Love Rain’ and Yuri is also starring in SBS ‘Fashion King’ as top designer Choi Anna. Before Jessica shortly appeared in ‘Wild Romance’ as Kang Jonghee, Sooyoung has been cast in tvN’s medical drama ‘The Third Hospital.’ Continuing on Taeyeon and Tiffany, Seohyun is hosting MBC ‘Music Core’ showing off their skills, while Sunny and Hyoyeon is part of ‘Invincible Youth 2’ cast.

This is the first time all individual members to be active for their own schedule since their debut. The more surprising point is that this preparation already began last year. The moment they reached the peak as a girl group they have been preparing for a different popularity wave.

Analyzing the popularity of Girls’ Generation as the leading K-Pop girl group shows one common concept. It’s the ‘paradigm shift.’ Rather than following the existing entertainment formula through new initiative the group has opened a new market. Also for that purpose have been preparing long-term precautions.

SM Entertainment’s director of Public Relations revealed, “We plan for Girls’ Generation’s schedule looking at the outlook for a minimum of a year.” And the members accordingly receive training to be strengthened in various fields.

Continuing on, “After a thorough preparation last year Girls’ Generation is now active in various field beginning of this year in musical, drama, show programs. We expect to boost the Girls’ Generation’s image as we appeal with the individual charm of each member. We expect to release a new album at the second half of the year. We expect the new album to be more diverse in color as the experience in the first half of the year will become the foundation.”

Details Information About SNSD

Girls’ Generation (Korean: 소녀시대, Hanja, So Nyuh Shi Dae ) is a nine-member South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment in 2007.

SNSD Profile :

Taeyeon

Birth name: Kim Tae-yeon (Hangul: 김태연 | Hanja:)
DOB: March 9, 1989
Birthplace: Jeonju, North Jeolla, South Korea
Height: 160cm | Blood type: O

Group leader.
DJ on Good Friend Radio (Chinhan Chingoo) from 2008 to April 2010.
Solo in If – drama OST for Hong Gil Dong (2008).
Solo in Can you hear me – drama OST for Beethoven Virus (2008).
Starred in variety show We Got Married (2009) with comedian Jeong Hyeong-don.
Duet with Sunny in It’s Love – drama OST for Heading To The Ground (2009).
Starred in stage musical Midnight Sun (2010).
Voiced for animated film Despicable Me (2010).
Duet with The One in Like A Star (2010).
Co-host of variety talk show Win-Win (2010).
Solo in I Love You – drama OST for Athena: Goddess of War (2010).
Duet with Kim Bum-soo in Different (2011).

Jessica
Korean name: Jung Su-yeon (Hangul: 정수연 | Hanja:)
DOB: April 18, 1989
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
Height: 163cm | Blood type: B
Elder sister of Krystal, member of girl group f(x).

Released two singles, Oppa Nappa and Mabinogi, with Tiffany and SeoHyun.
Duet with SHINee’s Onew in One Year Later (2008).
Duet with Park Myeong-su in NaengMyun (2009).
Starred in Korean production of Legally Blonde – The Musical (2009-2010).
Solo in Sweet Delight – commercial song for SPC Group (2010).

Sunny
Birth name: Lee Sun-kyu (Hangul: 이순규 | Hanja:)
DOB: May 15, 1989
Height: 158cm | Blood type: B

Co-DJ of Chun Ji Radio (2007-2008).
Solo in Finally Now – movie OST for Story of Wine (2008).
Co-host of The M (2009-2010) with SS501′s Hyungjoon and then 2AM’s Seulong.
Duet with Taeyeon in It’s Love – drama OST for Heading To The Ground (2009).
Starred in reality-variety show Invincible Youth (2009-2010).
Solo in Your Doll – drama OST for Oh My Lady (2010).

Tiffany
Birth name: Stephanie Hwang
Korean name: Hwang Mi-young (Hangul: 황미영 | Hanja:
DOB: August 1, 1989
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA (but raised in Diamond Bar)
Height: 162cm | Blood type: O

Released two singles, Oppa Nappa and Mabinogi, with Seohyun and Jessica.
Co-host of Sonyeo Sonyeon Gayo Baekso with Kim Hye-sung (2007-2008).
Solo in By Myself – drama OST for Ja Myung Go (2009).
Duet with K.Will in A Girl Meets Love (2009).
Co-host with Yuri for MBC’s Music Core (2009 – July 2010).
Solo in Banji – drama OST for Haru (2010).

Hyoyeon
Birth name: Kim Hyo-yeon (Hangul: 김효연 | Hanja:)
DOB: September 22, 1989
Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea
Height: 160cm | Blood type: AB

Formed a dance group Little Winners Crew with miss A’s Min (2004) before debut.

Yuri
Birth name: Kwon Yuri (Hangul: 권유리 | Hanja:)
DOB: December 5, 1989
Height: 167cm | Blood type: AB

Played a part in sitcom Unstoppable Marriage (2007) alongside Sooyoung.
Duet with Sooyoung in Must – drama OST for Working Mom (2008).
Co-host with Tiffany for MBC’s Music Core (2009 – July 2010).
Starred in reality-variety show Invincible Youth (2009-2010).

Sooyoung
Birth name: Choi Soo-young (Hangul: 최수영 | Hanja:)
DOB: February 10, 1990
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Height: 170cm | Blood type: O

Made a brief debut (2002) in Japan as pop duo Route φ with Marina Takahashi.
Played a part in the sitcom Unstoppable Marriage alongside Yuri (2007).
Duet with Yuri in Must – drama OST for Working Mom (2008).
Played a part in movie Hello Schoolgirl (2008).

YoonA
Birth name: Im Yoona (Hangul: 임윤아 / Hanja: 林允兒)
DOB: May 30, 1990
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Height: 166cm | Blood type: B

Played a part in drama 9 Ends 2 Out (2007).
Played a part in drama Woman of Matchless Beauty (2008).
Starred in drama You Are My Destiny (2008-2009).
Starred in drama Cinderella Man (2009).
Starred in variety show Family Outing 2 (2010).
Solo in Innisfree Day – commercial song for Innisfree (2010).

SeoHyun
Birth name: Seo Joo-hyun (Hangul: 서주현 | Hanja:)
DOB: June 28, 1991
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Height: 168cm | Blood type: A

Group maknae.
Released two singles, Oppa Nappa and Mabinogi, with Jessica and Tiffany.
Duet with trot singer Ju hyun-mi in JjaRaJaJja (2009).
Starred on variety show We Got Married with C.N.Blue’s Jung Yong-hwa (2010).
Solo in It’s Ok Even If It Hurts – drama OST for Kim Soo Roo (2010).
Voiced for animated film Despicable Me (2010).
Featured in Let’s Go – G20 Seoul Summit OST (2010).

Rumors were spreading recently that the girls of SNSD would release an original single for the Japanese market and it seems it maybe true. Recently, the potential photo cover for the jacket of this rumored single, “Mr. Taxi” was released. The single is allegedly a song that’s supposed to be used for a Lipton commercial and will be released as an EP on April 13th.
In addition, the girls are slated to hold a nationwide Japanese tour beginning on May 18th. It’s scheduled to be hold in cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka for a total of 7 performances.