Hyoyeon reveals Girls' Generation dormitory ghost story hidden for 20 years

Hyoyeon of Girls' Generation is revealing, for the first time in approximately 20 years, the eerie experiences she had while living in a dormitory with her members during her debut preparation days. She is drawing significant attention as she confesses everything from anecdotes she kept quiet to avoid scaring other members to paranormal phenomena experienced at the former SM Entertainment building.

Hyoyeon will appear as a guest on the 10th episode of MBC's 'Midnight Ghost Story 6', which airs on the 24th. During this broadcast, she is scheduled to reveal the chilling experience she allegedly had in the first dormitory used by the members during the early stages of Girls' Generation's activities.

According to Hyoyeon's testimony, she repeatedly experienced strange phenomena whenever she took naps at the dormitory. She claims that the wardrobe doors, which she had clearly closed, would be open when she woke up, and inside the wardrobe, a young child with a bowl cut would be curled up, muttering unintelligible words.

What is even more bizarre is her claim that she witnessed such experiences repeatedly, making it difficult to dismiss them as a one-time illusion. Regarding why she did not inform the members at the time, Hyoyeon revealed, "I couldn't tell them because I was afraid the members would be scared."

As she brings up the experience for the first time after about 20 years, she adds, recalling the appearance of the child in the wardrobe, "I don't think he was Korean," causing a stir in the studio.

The ghost story related to that dormitory is not unique to Hyoyeon. Taeyeon also previously appeared on season 4 of 'Midnight Horror Story' and revealed a strange experience she had in the same dormitory during the early days of Girls' Generation's activities. As multiple testimonies surround the same space, the stories tied to that dormitory are gaining renewed attention.

Hyoyeon also confesses an anecdote experienced not only at the dormitory but also in the basement practice room of the former SM Entertainment building. She claims that while practicing dance at the time, she witnessed a phenomenon where the CD player seemed to spin backward, contrary to its normal direction.

Unlike the immediate avoidance or fear typically seen in horror situations, Hyoyeon's reaction was unexpectedly calm. She recalled that rather than the existence of a ghost itself, she was more annoyed that her practice flow was interrupted, even thinking, "Hey ghost, watch my dance skills closely," as she continued practicing.

On this day, Hyoyeon goes beyond just listening to ghost stories and attempts acting as a shaman for the first time since her debut. Having mentioned she usually had a fear of acting, it is said that she took on the role of a 'young shaman' and increased her immersion by repeatedly practicing her lines even during breaks.

Watching this, the MCs highly evaluated Hyoyeon's new potential, reacting with comments such as, "Isn't this your first time acting?", "The shaman role isn't easy, but you are a perfect fit," and "The voice matching is goosebump-inducing and perfect."

This appearance is expected to be a moment of special significance in Hyoyeon's career. Since her debut with Girls' Generation in 2007, she has built a unique identity centered on dance and performance, and now she is revealing personal experiences she hasn't shared with anyone for about 20 years while simultaneously venturing into the new territory of acting.

Hyoyeon will release her new song 'Skibidi' on the 31st and will also engage in unit activities. Having expanded her domain in various ways—beyond the framework of long-term group activities into solo work, variety shows, and performances—attention is focused on whether she can show another side of herself through the unexpected themes of ghost stories and acting.