Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon Reflects on Brutal Comments About Her Appearance During Debut Days
On the June 16 episode of the YouTube talk show “Jjanhan Hyung Shin Dong-yup”, _Girls’ Generation _Hyoyeon and fellow member SNSD Seohyun joined host Shin Dong-yup for a heartfelt conversation that touched on dating experiences, mental resilience, and the dark side of fame.
Hyoyeon recounted a past relationship where her then-partner undermined her efforts for self-growth. “He used to say things like, ‘Let’s see how long you can pretend to be nice,'” she admitted. “That’s when I realized how twisted I was at the time.”
However, it was Shin’s comment about the difficulty of debuting at such a young age that led to a raw revelation. “I was really sad,” Hyoyeon confessed. “They kept criticizing my looks. I was actually really popular, but I admit my appearance was kind of strong even to me. Still, it hurt when people attacked my looks.”
Seohyun stood by her bandmate, explaining that the backlash wasn’t about Hyoyeon’s appearance. “There were just too many antis. You danced so hard that it was impossible to always look pretty. They took exaggerated screenshots and used them against you.”
Hyoyeon added, “I couldn’t control how people judged me based on my looks. So I told myself, ‘Let me prove myself with my skills. You all just have no eye for talent.'”
Shin Dong-yup praised her resilience, saying, “Hyoyeon, you’re truly cool.” Seohyun echoed this sentiment, “Unnie, you’re really admirable.”
This honest conversation not only showcases Hyoyeon’s strength but also highlights the emotional cost idols pay while navigating the entertainment industry. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that true worth isn’t skin-deep, it’s rooted in talent, perseverance, and self-belief.
