Being a marvelous singer and the man that helped teach Taeyeon how to sing, The One (Jung Soon Won) answers in an interview his impressions of Taeyeon, being relevant since he and Taeyeon have not too long ago released their duet “Like a Star”
Hit the jump for all the Taeyeon praise!!!
Seoul Newspaper NTN Choi Jungjoo Reporter]’Singing Mentor’ The One (Jung Soon Won)
Although there are countless singers including TVXQ and Fly to the Sky who became singers after taking his vocal lessons, ‘Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon,’ from their first meeting, has been acknowledged as a ‘different student.’
“I taught her before her debut, from 8th grade to 10th grade so I taught her for three years. Taeyeon as a kid? Besides the fact that her singing was outstanding, more importantly her thought was just different from others.
The One explained the difference as follows. While other fellow students came to him with a vague dream of ‘becoming a celebrity,’ Taeyeon had a clear goal of ‘becoming a singer and sing to be on top.’
“Her thought was different in the first place. She was clever and definite. She set up her own standards in learning to sing and showed a clear conviction and desire.”
The One gave his young student showing ‘future potential’ the opportunity to participate in an album for the first time in her life. That is the duet song from The One’s 2nd Album, ‘You bring me joy,’ which was released in September,2004, even before Taeyeon debuted as a member of Girls’ Generation.
“It was possible because I was sure that this kid will make it. Well, that she will some day.. I could have sung the duet with a famous and renowned female vocalist, but I wanted to recognize her potential.
The One and Taeyeon sang a duet song 7 years after their first one, showing off their special ties.
In The One’s 4th regular album part 1. ‘Walking on Heaven’ that has been recently released, Taeyeon and The One, by singing a harmonious duet in ‘별처럼(like a star),’ showed a ‘beautiful potential,’ charing #1 on every single chart(also called 올킬-all kill in Korean)
“What is more valuable than a #1 on charts is that she gave me joy as a teacher once again. As she did before, Taeyeon’s attitude and passion towards singing has not changed at all. The willpower of a little kid, even with a hordeolum(kind of an eye infection) because she was so tired, saying ‘선생님(means teacher), I can do better! I’ll do it again better.’ It’s incredible.
She was probably appointed as a leader of the top girl group Girls’ Generation for her enthusiasm, however, The One himself said he ‘didn’t know that Taeyeon was that Taeyeon(?).’ when he saw her on TV, laughing.
“One day I turned on the TV saying ‘So what’s this Girls’ Generation..’ and I saw someone like Taeyeon. haha. I was surprised and when I called, she had officially debuted as a lead singer in Girls’ Generation. I was so proud of her. I knew she would make it.”
Taeyeon did not forget her thanks to her mentor as well. Along with her parents who came all the way from her hometown Jeonju, they had dinner together, and The One gave a couple advice to his student, and told her about future directions.
When asked if his student who became ‘the most popular star’ had changed, The One shook his head, smiling.
“If something’s different, then it would be that her subjectivity has become more clear. While she did before, she became clearer in saying whether she liked something or not. She’s a singer who has a passion in singing, not an idol who’s easily carried away.’
Would it be a mentor’s greed. Taeyeon, from The One’s perspective, left a few regrets.
“She’s doing idol because she’s young. I believe that she can show much beyond that. For genre, rather than dance, ballad that can show her singing skills suits her better. Of course looking at her expanding her own area by releasing her solo songs and working as a DJ, I believe that the stronghold(아성 – i don’t know what this is T.T) for the name Taeyeon can grow higher.
The One described this moment in which he can stand on the same stage as his students as ‘a gift from heaven and a bliss.’
“Teaching how to sing is like running a marathon. I learned ‘how to sing’ because I ran a little earlier, and I’m just teaching them. It’s not a knowledge but I’m just teaching them the methodology. Not fish but ways to catch the fish.”
It’s a race that has yet to show its end. The One, as a singer, and a mentor.. is running on the given track with his own pace.
“I will continue to run by myself. While continuing to run and walk, I probably will meet my students running beside me and they might pass me by as well. Then I would tell them. When I went up that hill they had something like this..Isn’t it great. Running a marathon together.”
Credits: kwongildong @ soshified.com, NTN News
Oh yeah… praising n non other then praising.. our leader had done it agn.. JJANG!!
This is soooooo beautiful! What The One said about Taeyeon and his wisdom and everything…once again, it brought out that character in Taeyeon. The strong-willed kid from back then is still standing strong today and have many many potentials in her. And the fact that her “passion” for singing is brought to another level makes me adore her more.
In other words, don’t mess with this KID!! XD
I always thought that it was gracious of The One to give a young kid like Tae a chance to sing (You Bring Me Joy) with him when no one knew her back then. He saw in her the potential and gave her a leg-up to being the Angel that we all know she is today. I’m certain that if she didn’t debuted under SM and SNSD, she would have become a solo singer under a different label coz with the drive and gift that she has, stardom is the only path for her. She probably wouldn’t be as famous as she is now…she would most probably be more lonely but she would still be in the K-entertainment business.
I’m just glad that she now has 8 other sisters to rely on and to give her strength and support when she needs it. It is a lonely road as a solo artist for even though they have their management company to rely on, they’re still running a one man show. Having 8 other angels to help Tae shoulder her load is definitely a blessing for her and for all sones. Her journey has become more colourful, filled with companionship, laughter and indefinite support. For without 9, we are nothing.
Hope that Tae will continue to have more collaboration works with her mentor. It’s heartwarming to see students being grateful to their “gurus” and to acknowledge the care, wisdom and skills that have been imparted onto them.
Taeyeon brings joy to anyone who’s fortunate enough to meet her!
well done taentaeng!! you are very special and ilu!!<3
She is special, but who is this guy that calls himself ‘The One”? I would like to confront him and challenge him to see if he earned that title in this world.. otherwise, he should step down and choose another name
Chill out man, it’s just a stage name. I’ve seen far more ridiculous and over-the-top stage names from other artists. And really, this has nothing to do with his singing ability and the invaluable mentorship he bestowed upon our Leader.
He traveled the multiverse and killed all his other selves.
Wow =)
How sweet!
That was just an amazing read!
I am just in love with Taengoo’s voice ^^ <3…..
I love stories like this! Passion is inspirational and infectious.
“There is no fire like passion, no bad luck like hatred” ~Buddha
This is why I love taeyeon so much.
Her personality is just one of a kind and also her voice.
I hope I can meet her sometime in the future
Our dorky leader will not be dorky when it comes to singing!
As expected, our little Taeyeon….we, SONEs love u!
Forever 9 ❤ 소녀시대
taeyeon is a blessed gal to meet wif such a nice teacher!=)
Well, the moment I heard her solo rendition of “Can You Hear Me ?” from the “Beethovan Virus” OST, I immediately fell in love with her voice (even though I understood nary a word of Hangul then 😉 !). I knew she was “special” back then and now this interview with her mentor confirms my “suspicions” 😀 ! Her rendition of “You Bring Me Joy” melted my heart the moment I heard it and every tune that she has sung since then has been doing the same to me each time I hear it :). It was really very kind of “The One” to allow Taeyeon to sing a duet with him while she was still an “unknown” and I’m sure his trust in her abilities has been repaid a thousand fold 😀 😀 😀 !!!!! The Good Lord is indeed kind that she has been given 9 “earthly angels” to accompany her in this musical journey of hers here on Earth. Yes, I, too, hope to meet her in person some day to tell her that her “gift” has brought me countless hours of joy and to thank her fully for it 😀 ! Saranghaeyo, Taeyeon !
* The 9 that I’m referring to includes Taeyeon’s mum 🙂 . So, 8 members of SNSD and 1 fantastic mother as back-up support 😀 !!!
not a single word to throw on this….
T.T
thanks to him we have our leader…(with respect to kidleader’s parents…)
So Nyuh Shi Dae~ keep doing well…
beautiful student-teacher relationship 🙂
many years later, when SNSD steps down from their reign on top of the kpop world (which won’t happen anytime soon but MANY years later…), Taeyeon will still be out there, making her name known, singing beautiful ballads and duets. kind of like Ok Joo Hyun
Wow,our taengoo!!JJANG!!
Nice information! I have been previously searching for something like this for a little bit now. Thank you!
such a kind person…taeyeon, u muz do yr best!
SNSD, fighting! ^^
TeanGoo Leader the best!
‘…She’s a singer who has a passion in singing, not an idol who’s easily carried away.’
Taeyeon, Fighting!!!