Hyoyeon gives fromis_9's Chaeyoung realistic career advice

Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon offered realistic advice to fromis_9's Chaeyoung, sharing sincere reflections from her 19-year career. She drew deep empathy by opening up about the career anxieties and the importance of future planning that idols face behind the glamorous stage.

During the MBC variety show 'Where Is My Home' broadcast on the 16th, Hyoyeon, fromis_9's Chaeyoung, Yang Se-chan, and Ahn Jae Hyun joined a real estate tour to examine the living spaces of single women in their 40s and 50s.

In this episode, Hyoyeon's transformed persona—currently enjoying a new heyday through her 'Hyoryesu' character on variety shows—also became a hot topic. She led the atmosphere with her signature wit, jokingly saying, "It's too embarrassing to say I've seized the main vocal position."

When Kim Sook asked, "You're so funny that even comedians are threatened. Why have you changed so much?", Hyoyeon confessed, "I think I've let go of a lot. In the past, I felt suffocated. I even wondered how long I would have to live like this."

She also candidly revealed the emotions hidden behind her glamorous idol image, explaining that she once suppressed herself under the pressure of maintaining perfection, but has since learned how to show her natural self as time has passed.

When Jang Dong-min jokingly asked, "Shouldn't you be hanging out with the Hyoryesu members?", Hyoyeon responded wittily, "It's better to hear that I'm a trendsetter alone," drawing laughter from the set.

The highlight of the broadcast, however, was the realistic advice the 19-year veteran gave to her junior in her 9th year of activity.

Hyoyeon recalled, "When I was in my 9th year, it was a period when group activities were somewhat winding down. That was actually the most anxious time for me. I worried a lot about the future, asking myself, 'Should I continue this work?', 'Should I do solo activities?', or 'Should I be a DJ?'"

She continued, "I hope you take plenty of time for self-development while you still have enough mental and physical energy." It was a message rooted in her own experience that rather than assuming current popularity will last forever, one must prepare for various possibilities.

At this, Jang Dong-min playfully remarked, "It sounds like you're saying it feels like it will last forever," prompting Hyoyeon to shoot back, "Hey, do you think it will last forever?", turning the set into a sea of laughter.

Though delivered as a joke, the moment captured the reality of the idol industry. With fast-changing trends and short generational cycles, many idols expand their reach into acting, variety shows, music production, and business to prepare for a "second career."

Hyoyeon is a prime example of a successful transition. Building on her foundation with Girls' Generation, she has steadily expanded her spectrum into DJing, variety shows, and performances. Recently, she has proven her versatility through her unadorned wit and human charm.

This advice resonated with viewers as more than just life coaching; it was a realistic survival strategy from a veteran who has maintained her position at the top. The moment highlighted the unique nature of the K-pop industry, where artists must constantly prepare for the future behind the glamorous spotlight.