As one of the representative K-Pop groups in the second generation, Girls’ Generation has had a huge impact on the industry at different levels. Even in the case of SM Entertainment (SME), the group’s influence on the internal workings of their own agency has been undeniable.
Girls’ Generation | SM Entertainment
Recently, Girls’ Generation member YoonA confessed during an interview that she is responsible for SME not getting rid of an album feature even the artists seem to hate.
YoonA | @yoona__lim/Instagram
YoonA appeared in the latest video on the Fairy Jaehyung YouTube channel. During the conversation, the host asked her about how she became a trainee under SME, to which she responded that she auditioned at the age of 13!
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Jung Jae Hyung (JJH): From what I’ve heard, you were not street cast?
YoonA: Nope. I went to an audition.
JJH: How old were you?
YoonA: I was 13.
As the host got curious about what really made YoonA audition, the idol-actress explained that she was really into dancing as a school student and listened to SM artists like S.E.S. It was only after she came across an advertisement tucked inside an SM album that she decided to audition at the agency. YoonA mentioned that the company continues to use these promotional materials in the albums, which other artists are less than fond of.
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JJH: What made you audition? What were you thinking?
YoonA: You know how schools hold talent shows? I was really into dancing on stage for those. I’d dance to S.E.S and Fin.K.L songs, you know? And… Actually, SM Entertainment artists complain about this all the time, but when you buy an album, you get this… promotional material inside. Everyone looks at it and goes, ‘Pfft. What is this?!” But that pamphlet is the very reason I decided to try out!’
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The idol then cheekily confessed that the casting team told her she was the reason the label couldn’t get rid of the promotional material from the albums—in case they miss out on another YoonA!
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That’s why the casting team unnies tell me all the time, like, ‘You’re exactly why we can’t stop holding the auditions.’
After this interview, netizens who were not originally in favor of the promotional material being a part of these albums immediately switched sides, saying that they understood SM’s reasoning completely!
“Ah…they should’ve told us this earlier…that they found YoonA because of this.” “Was it because of YoonA unnie? Then I can digest it.” “In that case, I agree.” “If it’s YoonA we’re talking about, it’s okay.” “They should have told us sooner…that they hired YoonA through the advertisement…(In that case) it can’t be helped.”
After all, who would risk a second chance at finding another icon like her?
They can’t risk it.
