Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung sparked laughter and lively discussion when she playfully declared that she was “born in the wrong era,” claiming she could have been a center like Jang Won Young in today’s K-pop landscape. The candid moment unfolded during the June 20 episode of MBC’s popular variety show Hangout with Yoo, where hosts Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, Heo Kyung Hwan, and Joo Woo Jae welcomed the Girls’ Generation subunit “HyoRiSoo” — consisting of Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung. The reunion brought nostalgic vibes and humorous revelations as the members reflected on their long careers and past experiences in one of K-pop’s most iconic groups.

The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with playful teasing from the start. Yoo Jae Suk warmly greeted the trio, setting a friendly tone for the conversation. Hyoyeon, often recognized as the group’s main dancer and a strong vocalist, jokingly called out Sooyoung for no longer acknowledging her as the leader of the subunit. “She’s gotten older and now she refuses to admit it,” Hyoyeon quipped. Sooyoung quickly responded by drawing a clear line based on age, noting that she is the youngest member of HyoRiSoo. While Hyoyeon and Yuri were both born in 1989, Sooyoung was born in 1990, making her the maknae of the unit. This light exchange highlighted the comfortable dynamic the members still share after years together.

Sooyoung kept the humor going by teasing Hyoyeon about developing “a bit of celebrity syndrome.” Yoo Jae Suk burst into laughter at the remark, responding, “You debuted 20 years ago, and only now you’re getting celebrity syndrome?” The banter showcased the members’ close friendship and their ability to poke fun at one another even after two decades in the industry. These playful interactions reminded viewers of the genuine bond that has kept Girls’ Generation enduring as a beloved group long after their peak promotion years.

Sooyoung’s Reflections on Height, Image, and Changing K-Pop Trends

The conversation soon turned to memories from their early days as Girls’ Generation members. Joo Woo Jae jokingly suggested that Sooyoung might have received fewer singing parts because of her height, which is nearly 180 centimeters. Hyoyeon explained the context, noting that back then Sooyoung was considered extremely tall among idols, which influenced how the group’s performances and concepts were designed. This led Sooyoung to make her memorable comment about feeling like she was born in the wrong era.

“I feel like I was born in the wrong era,” Sooyoung said. She pointed out that today’s K-pop scene features many tall idols, such as Jang Won Young of IVE, who often take center positions thanks to their striking visuals and commanding stage presence. “Nowadays, there are many tall idols like Jang Won Young. Those kinds of members are often the center now. If I debuted as a girl group member today, I think I could have been the center,” she added with a laugh. Her remark reflected on how beauty standards and group dynamics have evolved in the industry, where height and unique proportions are now frequently celebrated as strengths rather than potential challenges.

However, her subunit members were quick to respond with teasing disapproval. Hyoyeon and Yuri chimed in together, saying “No way,” and pointing out that Sooyoung tends to wave her hair around too much and looked “too lanky,” which they felt did not quite fit the overall image at the time. Sooyoung’s bewildered expression in reaction to their honest feedback only added to the studio’s amusement. The exchange was filled with affection and highlighted how the members still feel comfortable being straightforward with one another. It also offered fans a nostalgic look at how Girls’ Generation navigated image management and performance roles during the late 2000s and early 2010s, when idol standards differed significantly from current trends.

Hyoyeon Opens Up About the Challenges of “Kissing You”

The episode also featured a more honest moment when the discussion shifted to Girls’ Generation’s past hit songs. Yoo Jae Suk mentioned how Girls’ Generation videos, particularly their performance of “Kissing You,” kept appearing in his algorithm. He noted that seeing the members dancing while holding giant lollipops felt very different from their current mature images. To everyone’s surprise, Hyoyeon opened up about her true feelings from that time.

“My heart hurt a lot back then,” Hyoyeon confessed. She then added a humorous twist, saying she “wanted to smash all those lollipops,” which sent the entire studio into laughter. Her candid admission revealed the pressure and occasional discomfort idols face when performing cute concepts that may not always align with their personal feelings or evolving self-image. Despite the playful delivery, the comment gave viewers insight into the emotional side of maintaining a polished idol persona over many years.

The appearance of HyoRiSoo on Hangout with Yoo served as a delightful reminder of Girls’ Generation’s lasting impact. Debuting in 2007, the group became a defining force in K-pop with hits like “Kissing You,” “Gee,” “Oh!,” and “The Boys.” Even after focusing more on individual activities, the members continue to reunite for special projects and maintain strong bonds. Sooyoung’s humorous take on being born in the wrong era, combined with Hyoyeon’s honest reflection, showcased both the fun and the challenges of their journey.

Through light-hearted banter and sincere moments, the episode celebrated the members’ growth while acknowledging how the industry has changed around them. Sooyoung’s joke about potentially being a center like Jang Won Young highlighted the shift toward embracing diverse visuals in modern girl groups. At the same time, Hyoyeon’s comment about “Kissing You” reminded fans that behind the bright performances were real emotions and adjustments.

The members of Girls’ Generation have successfully transitioned into new phases of their careers while preserving the sisterhood that made them special. Whether reflecting on past concepts or imagining alternate paths in today’s K-pop world, their appearance offered warmth, laughter, and a sense of nostalgia that resonated deeply with longtime fans. As the conversation showed, even after 20 years, the chemistry and honesty among Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung remain as strong as ever.