How HYO Became a Total K-Pop and EDM Legend
Photo: SM Entertainment
You know her as the absolute powerhouse dancer from Girls’ Generation, but HYO (aka Kim Hyoyeon) has been on a whole other journey since the group's legendary debut in 2007. Starting as one of K-Pop's original "dance machines," she’s now a full-blown solo EDM force. As we look at her career through late 2025, it's clear HYO has totally mastered the art of the glow-up, transforming from an iconic group member into a global festival headliner and a serious trendsetter.
A Star Was Born
Born in Incheon, South Korea, HYO was basically born to be a star. She started formal dance lessons in elementary school, quickly mastering everything from hip-hop and jazz to Latin and popping. SM Entertainment snatched her up at just 11 years old. Before she even debuted, she was living the dancer's dream, working as a backup dancer for none other than BoA and even getting a chance to dance for the iconic one and only Janet Jackson. After years of training, she finally debuted as the main dancer in Girls' Generation, where her insane skills and athletic stage presence immediately made her a fan favorite.
The SNSD Era
As a core member of SNSD, HYO was central to the group's iconic, perfectly synchronized choreography and bold style. She helped propel hits like "Gee," "I GOT A BOY," and "Lion Heart" into the stratosphere, making SNSD one of the first K-Pop groups to become a genuine global phenomenon. Beyond the music, her fun personality and versatility made her a star on variety shows and international tours.
Even as the group evolved, HYO stayed active in subunit projects like Girls’ Generation-Oh!GG and the supergroup GOT the beat, and of course, was a huge part of their epic 15th-anniversary comeback with "FOREVER 1" in 2022.
The Rise of DJ HYO
In 2016, HYO started testing the solo waters with the dance track "Mystery." But, things really kicked into gear in 2018 when she fully embraced her alter ego, DJ HYO.
Under SM's electronic sub-label, Scream Records, she dropped a string of addictive EDM bangers like "Sober," "Punk Right Now," and "Badster." This new sound got her onto international festival stages and introduced her to a whole new crowd of clubbers and ravers.
Her 2022 EP, DEEP, was a major statement, blending house, trap, and pop. This led to her headlining her own club nights and eventually, the massive DJ HYO USA SUMMER TOUR in 2024 and 2025. She lit up cities from San Francisco to New York, and her July 2025 single, "YES," with its bold house vibe and sassy, empowering message, became the undisputed anthem of the summer.
What Makes HYO's Vibe So Cool?
HYO’s solo sound is all about fierce, confident energy. She mixes EDM, house, and pop with lyrics that are rebellious and full of badass energy. Drawing inspiration from global club culture and street fashion, her music videos and live shows are a vibrant explosion of powerful choreography and modern visuals that totally scream freedom and self-confidence.
Between the success of all her music and her packed U.S. tour, she’s been everywhere. She’s become a true ambassador for Korean EDM, house, and dance music, collaborating with global producers, performing and DJing at festivals, and mentoring the next generation. She has talked about how proud she is of her nearly 20-year career and how she’s committed to never stopping her evolution, both as an artist and a person.