Other Forms of Media
In addition to Girls' Generation's popularity as musical artists, the group have also made appearances on many variety shows, radio shows, and even their own reality shows. Here, each member's true personalities are shown, as well as the many sides of the group, creating hilarious and memorable moments.
However, being in the group has not stopped the members from doing individual activities, for they still have busy schedules outside of the group. Apart from being in the music industry, all of the members expand their popularity, by making themselves involved, (both in and out of the group), in other branches of the entertainment industry, examples ranging from being in CFs, dramas, musicals, etc.
However, being in the group has not stopped the members from doing individual activities, for they still have busy schedules outside of the group. Apart from being in the music industry, all of the members expand their popularity, by making themselves involved, (both in and out of the group), in other branches of the entertainment industry, examples ranging from being in CFs, dramas, musicals, etc.
Variety and Reality Shows
Throughout the course of their career, the girls have starred in a lot of their own reality shows. This was the perfect way to showcase the true personalities of each member.
소녀 학교에 가다 (Girls' Go To School) | 2007
This show aired prior to the group's debut, for its premise was an early introduction to Girls' Generation, before their actual debut. It shows the members moving into their first dorm, and celebrating the release of their debut single, "Into The New World". Whilst the series revealed some of the members' flaws and weaknesses, it simultaneously displays and highlights their determination and passion. Though it being prior to their debut, this documentary-styled reality show included some of the first stage performances as a group, in addition to behind the scenes footage of their debut album shoot and dance practices. As a result, it showed that Girls' Generation had already started creating a strong fanbase at a very early stage in their career. There are nine episodes in total. Whilst the first seven was centered around their pre-debut story, the eighth episode showed a compilation of scenes which were edited out. Originally, that was supposed to be it. However, because of the fans that the show had created, one more special episode was made. |
MTV Girls' Generation | 2007
Soon after the 'Girls' Go To School' finale, this documentary reality show premiered. It was a behind the scenes look at the members' life as trainees, and their personal lives. Through their individual personalities, a different side of the members was showcased. It was an opportunity to learn more about the members, and even some of their family members. Whether it was a BBQ party at Sooyoung's house, or having fun at Lotte World, it also showed the relationships between the members away from their schedules. Just like the show prior, this show also had nine episodes. Each episode was dedicated to each member, with the exception of Sooyoung's and Taeyeon's (being the first and last episodes respectively). |
Factory Girl | 2008
For this reality show, the girls moved away from being singers, and took on being intern fashion editors for the Elle Girl Korea magazine. Rating their fashion senses, the members were split into two groups. For the duration of 10 episodes, they would complete tasks, assignments and challenges set by the staff. About four months after the show's finale, a style book titled "Gorgeous" was released by the editor of "Elle Girl Korea". |
Girls' Generation's Horror Movie Factory | 2009
This was a very different approach towards a variety show. With a total of 6 episodes, the series was divided into two sections. The first three episodes stuck to the premise, having the members go through acting tests, exercises and challenges with the horror theme/settings. However, the final three episodes was more light-hearted, and focused more on acting lessons from actor Lee Bumsoo. The aim was to showcase both the strengths and weaknesses in the individual girls' skills and talents in acting, (excluding Yoona, who was filming her drama during the show's production). This show originally was a replacement for another MBC Sunday Sunday Program at the time, in order to raise ratings. Unfortunately, it was unable to do so, and ended up being cancelled. |
Girls' Generation's Himnaera Him! | 2009
Otherwise known as Cheer Up, this show became the replacement for Girls' Generation's Horror Movie Factory. With the goal of being the Republic of Korea's cheering squad, the reality show's premise was to cheer up the citizens during an economic slump at the time. The show only had two episodes, and unfortunately, also ended up being cancelled. Upon promoting "Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)", management decided that it would be best to cancel the show. However, MBC later announced that Girls' Generation would return with a new reality show, Hello Baby. |
Girls' Generation's Hello Baby | 2009
The nine members became mothers, looking after a nine-month boy, Cho Kyungsan. During their time, the girls had experienced motherhood, (to an extent). However, they were not alone in this adventure. There would often be guest appearances by males celebrities becoming Guest Dads. In addition to acting as the father figure, they also had the responsibility of choosing the Best and Worst Mom at the end of the day. Being chosen would result in privileges and punishments, (respectively). Throughout the 22 episodes, there were many activities in addition to the usual scheme of staying at home playing games. These included: visiting a zoo, arranging a photo shoot, and even celebrating Cho Kyungsan's first birthday. |
Girls' Generation and the Dangerous Boys | 2011 - 2012
From looking after a baby, two years later, Girls' Generation become mentors to five 'troublesome' teenage boys; Park Kyung Kyu, Kim Seong Hwan, Kim Hui Hoon, Gu Ji Soo, Hwang Yong Hyun. The reason that they boys were labelled, 'dangerous' was because of their troublesome attitude. This included constantly swearing, drinking, and smoking. Over the course of 11 weeks (a total of 12 episodes), the members of Girls' Generation, along with the help of counselors, helped the boys become better people. In addition to personally helping the five boys, the girls decided that they should also help them bond as a group. Evident through many activities, (ranging from quizzes, games and challenges involving teamwork), the highlight of their teamwork was showcased through the dance competition, Street Jam. The aim was to make the boys focus, realise their common goal and work hard to achieve it. |
The TaeTiSeo | 2014
Even the subunit got their own reality show. This 8 episode series focused on each member's personality, in addition to both their career and personal lives. Filming took place during the subgroup's comeback for Holler, and so the show showcased the process, preparation and hard work that went into creating their 2nd mini album. |
Channel Girls' Generation | 2015
Following the success of TaeTiSeo's reality show, OnStyle decided to create one for the entire group. Similar to the style of The TaeTiSeo, the show had consisted of 8 episodes and was 'split' into two sections. The show was filmed around the time when the group was promoting "Party", showing the behind the scenes of the music video shoot in Thailand, as well as their comeback stages. Also included were activities outside of their career schedule. Arranged were things like visiting a supermarket, a water park, etc. Even their trip back to New York focused on both the performance at KCon, and on their personal lives whilst overseas. Each member got their own individual channel, which focused on their personalities, hobbies, and lives outside of being celebrities. From cooking skills to health, beauty and fashion tips, their separate times showed many of their interests. During production, it was revealed that ideas for the individual channels were all prepared by the members themselves, for it was essentially their show, showcasing their individual lifestyles. In addition to these segments shown during the show, there were online shorts. |