Whether you’re an avid K-Pop fan or someone mildly interested in the Korean entertainment scene as a whole, it’s no surprise that you know––or you’ve at least heard of––SNSD (소녀시대), also known as Girls' Generation. 

SNSD’s Footsteps

Debuting and promoting under SM Entertainment, Girls’ Generation undoubtedly redefined K-Pop with spectacular releases, catchy moves, and trending fashion. Their beloved mega-hit tracks––like “Genie,” “Gee,” “Into the New World,” “Run Devil Run,” “Oh!,” “Hoot,” “PARTY,” “Lion Heart,” and “Holiday” (but definitely not limited to only these!)––swept the charts, proving Girls’ Generation’s unstoppable momentum supported by both domestic and international fans alike.

Making further dynamic appearances in different ways, Girls’ Generation reinforced their globally renowned status as one of the leading second-generation idol groups that expedited the Hallyu Wave. The sensational eminence of Girls’ Generation built up over time, and eventually peaked as the group established a longtime cultural phenomenon that inspired many juniors to come forth. To this day, the veteran girl group is admired both as individuals and as a group by junior artists as well as celebrities performing in various fields within the entertainment scene.

Reality Variety Soshitamtam

In celebration of Girls’ Generation’s debut anniversary on August 5, JTBC launched a new reality-based variety show focusing on the living legends of the K-Pop industry themselves. 

Soshitamtam, a special program produced to show the overflowing chemistry between the Girls' Generation members, exclusively curates the various charms emitted by the complete eight-member unit. 

Incorporating the widely used “소시 (soshi)” (short for 소녀시대 (sonyeo shidae) or SNSD) in the title, the show delivers the concept of Girls’ Generation’s versatile members aiming to “steal” (“탐 (tam)" - short for the verb 탐하다 (tamhada) meaning “to desire”) the viewer’s heart.

In fact, the group’s goal doesn’t seem too difficult to achieve after all. As travel buddies and good friends, Girls’ Generation finds themselves experimenting with diverse content that is practiced across various variety shows. The all-rounder group gives into the unexpected twists and turns that this reality show takes, showing off their most natural and charming characteristics.

Positions

To kick-start their journey, the members regroup to open the mysterious door to a new world of entertainment. Girls’ Generation’s unpredictable voyage progresses after a basic role distribution segment designating specific roles to each member.

Leader Taeyeon embraces her responsibility as the team’s clerk in continuation of her role as the Amazing Saturday team’s designated clerk. Receiving and recording distinct opinions suggested by her fellow members, the clerk fairy clears up the jumble of words in one sitting.

Sunny is the representative variety show member of the crew. Employing her innate wit as she performs in an emcee-like manner, Sunny is not afraid to spotlight funny moments or amusing comments that may go unnoticed. The variety member fulfills her role by catching onto the smallest details and translating them into smiles and laughter.

The public relations (PR) specialist role is given to Tiffany. Not only is she the group’s official photographer, but Tiffany possesses the skill to select the best photo out of an array of great options. As a trendy individual keen on social media, the PR specialist brings in her interest and expertise to run Girls’ Generation’s social media account in a way that represents the group’s colors.

Considered as lacking active conscious awareness, Hyoyeon’s rather inattentive nature almost naturally gives her the role of being tactful. Yet throughout the show, Hyoyeon’s observant and acute personality is revealed, presenting a plot twist that has the potential to highlight her character in a different light.

Yuri acts as the team’s coach. Her main responsibility lies in checking up on her members’ health conditions and retaining the excitement, energy, and spirit in the air. But even with her perky and vibrant disposition, Yuri shows off her clumsy side as she finds herself being monitored by the members instead.

Sooyoung’s extraordinary eloquence places her in the negotiator position. Standing tall and strong as Girls’ Generation’s pillar, the negotiator doesn’t back down from making deals with the production crew if it’ll benefit her team. Utilizing her gift of gab to the fullest, Sooyoung finds the optimal moments to engage, interact, and achieve her goal.

General affairs specialist Yoona sets aside her Yoongphrodite persona to tend to Girls’ Generation’s financial affairs in Soshitamtam. While working to make precise decisions based on accurate numerical calculations, Yoona makes sure to integrate her members’ voices into the decision-making process. Ultimately, she ends up working two jobs in general affairs as well as the class leader of Girls’ Generation.

The team’s forever youngest Seohyun is given the task to become Girls’ Generation’s private life manager. Encompassing a stern attitude, she manages her overly excited and energized members with her 15 years of experience. Despite the slight clumsiness in the midst of her serene personality, Seohyun acts as the group’s reliable member who leads them with poise.

With this, it’s a sight to see how the eight varied personalities carry out their individually specified responsibilities and work together to make this unpredictable journey the best one possible.  

Meeting SONEs

Formerly performing as nine members, the current eight-member girl group actively promotes outside of their role as artists. As actresses (in Jinxed at First, Big Mouth, and Tell Me Your Wish) or entertainers on programs such as Amazing Saturday, the multifaceted personalities impress the public with the experience and expertise they are gaining in contrasting roles alongside other renowned stars.

Although Girls’ Generation members have been carrying out active promotions throughout the years, their busy individual schedules made it difficult for the whole unit to appear all together, disheartening many SONEs. 

However, this latest ongoing episodic reality show is for all the SONEs out there! In celebration of the group’s big day that marked their fifteenth year in the industry, tune into (or rewatch!) the eight episodes of Soshitamtam to become a part of the indescribably strong yet genuine bond that these eight individuals share.

Edited by Omani