Making music as a solo vocalist is a path that many members of K-pop groups have chosen to take at some point in their careers. There is also the option of taking the road less travelled, as Hyoyeon has done.
First introduced to the world as a member of Girls' Generation in 2007, the South Korean artist made a remarkable ascent into the K-pop pantheon with the SM Entertainment girl group in the years that followed.
As its main dancer, main rapper, and sub-vocalist, she has featured on Girls' Generation's 10 Korean and Japanese studio albums, been part of the sub-unit Girls' Generation-Oh!GG, and embarked on several tours of Asia.
In 2022, she teamed up with fellow Girls' Generation member Taeyeon, BoA, and members of aespa and Red Velvet to form SM Entertainment's supergroup, GOT the Beat.
Outside of her group activities, the 34-year-old assumes a completely different persona — DJ HYO (or simply HYO). Under the moniker, which she adopted in 2018, Hyoyeon has showcased what she describes as her "most authentic self" through EDM originals such as 'Dessert', which features Loopy and (G)I-DLE's Soyeon, 'DEEP', and 'Punk Right Now', a collaboration with American DJ 3LAU.
What's interesting about Hyoyeon's transformation is that it has not only brought about a change in sound, but also a change in how she brings her music to live audiences. Having performed on the stages of music shows and festivals, the Incheon-born artist now throws high-octane dance parties from the DJ decks of nightlife venues around the world.
Just last year, she took over New York's Webster Hall, Toronto's The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Madison's Liquid Madison, and more as part of her headlining 2023 tour of North America. More recently, she made her long-awaited return to MARQUEE Singapore, Singapore's largest nightclub, on 19 January.
In an interview with Bandwagon after her Singapore show, Hyoyeon spoke about expressing herself through her DJ HYO persona and taking her music on tour, and talked about the songs that shaped her in the latest edition of On The Record.
Hi, HYO! Tell us what it was like being back at MARQUEE Singapore recently after your sold-out show in 2022.
I have very fond memories of having fun with many fans when we performed at MARQUEE Singapore [in 2022], so [I was] excited to come back and enjoy it with even more people this time around.
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In your career, you have been able to explore a variety of avenues for creative expression. What is different about expressing yourself as a DJ as compared to doing so as a singer, rapper, and dancer?
As a singer, 'Hyoyeon' was an avatar that moved in response to the direction rather than expressing myself, whereas 'DJ HYO' allows me to express my most authentic self. I want to be more confident and show my honest side.
Your DJ sets during your 2023 North America tour as well as your shows around the world to date have included songs from different stages of your journey — including Girls’ Generation’s ‘Gee’ and your solo releases, ‘Dessert’ and ‘Picture’. How have your audiences reacted to these inclusions, and how does that make you feel as an artist?
When I played [the songs], I was surprised to see so many people singing along. It felt really good as a performing artist, and the reactions were much better than I expected, so I was very touched by the sight of them, and I think that made me even more emotional.
It has been 17 years since you made your debut as a member of Girls' Generation. What are some of your proudest achievements so far? Is there anything you have not done that you would like to try out in the future?
I'm most proud of the fact that Girls' Generation is 17 years [old]. And in the future, I'd love to tour the EDM capital of the world as a DJ!
On The Record: The songs that shaped HYO
The song that never fails to make you feel like dancing
"I listen to the beats of all the songs and feel the rhythms of the songs, and they just automatically make me want to dance. I have to say, they really touch my heart. (완전 마음을 울린다고 해야 하나요ㅎㅎ)"
The song that inspired you to pursue DJing
"I didn't get into DJing because I fell in love with some song. I think it started because I wanted to share the good songs on my playlist with a lot of listeners and have fun with them."
The first K-pop song you fell in love with
'All Your Dreams' - SHINHWA
"I still have it on my playlist and sing along to it every time I come out. It's still my go-to song when I go to karaoke."
The song that reminds you of your relationship with your fans
'Into the New World' - Girls' Generation
"Probably our debut song, 'Into the New World'. It's a song that celebrates the birth of Girls' Generation and our wish, so it's an absolute must."
The song you have to listen to when you’re driving
'Second' - HYO ft. BIBI
"One of my songs, 'Second'. It's funny. I love the lyrics so much that I find them comforting and empowering to listen to in the car."
'Twinkle' - Girls' Generation - TTS
"The other song is Girls’ Generation - TTS' 'Twinkle’. And I listen to a lot of tech-house music with no lyrics."
Stream DEEP - The 1st Mini Album here:
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