Tags
fans, girls generation, journey story, SK, snsd, snsd community, so nyuh shi dae, sone, vlog
It’s really funny how fast things can change in the span of a year. Last July, I had never even heard of So Nyuh Shi Dae(소녀시대) and laughed at the idea of KPOP. The whole concept of boy and girl bands felt like a distant past for me, a reminder of my adolescent years when Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls were always on the radio. Fast-forward to the present and my thoughts have changed dramatically. Just last week I purchased my first big SNSD product, their latest Photobook and DVD release, “Paradise in Phuket”.
After clicking the “Pay Now” button, I actually reflected on how I got to this point as a fan. How did a non-korean Canadian get into this craze? Why did my opinions change so rapidly? True, the girls are universally gorgeous, pretty and cute. Yes, their music is catchy, and they’re talented for pop musicians. Their dance moves are addictive to watch and their performances are full of energy. In terms of personality, the girls are the best variety idols out there with a knack for entertaining viewers. Separate, the girls are each unique, but together, they form a one-of-a-kind formula that appeals to millions of people worldwide.
But how did I get to this point as a fan?
Upon further contemplation I had an epiphany about the cause – I had discovered the Catalyst behind SNSD’s international popularity and how they managed to appeal to many foreign SONEs like myself. Ironically it has little to do with the girls at all.
While some of you might be wondering what the heck it is, it’s actually who. No it isn’t the hardworking managers, instructors, coaches, choreographers and trainers that whip the girls into shape, nor is it Lee Soo Man or the producers, that create the tracks and MVs for our favourite group. Actually the secret behind their success is actually you. That’s right; you’re the reason why SNSD has become popular across the globe.
While some of you might disagree, from my perspective it’s an unrelenting truth. Without the great and established fan base for Girls’ Generation, I wouldn’t have been able to call myself a SONE at all. Furthermore, I wouldn’t have been able to become a SONE so easily and quickly in such a short amount of time. After all, it was this great community that managed to break down the barriers of distance, and language that allowed me (and many others) to become the fan that I am today.
For me it started with ‘Gee’, the YouTube video that has captured nearly 47 million views since it was uploaded approximately 2 years to this day. Without SONEs repeatedly hitting that replay button and spamming it all over the web, I certainly never would have stumbled upon it. From there I was captivated by SNSD, and their poppy tunes and catchiness. Soon after, I was redirected to the ‘Run Devil Run’ MV and was impressed by their charisma and talent to portray different personas. I started searching for “SNSD” while I was bored at my computer and took my first steps on my journey to becoming a SONE.
While browsing online, it didn’t take long for me to discover user created videos provided by a wide range of SNSD fans across the globe. These clips varied from fan made tributes to factual videos that usually showcased how smart/funny/gorgeous ‘X’ member is. In fact you could probably type in any adjective you want with an SNSD member, and a fanmade video would most likely pop-up. Many of these clips on YouTube were also filled with hilarious comments which provided me with a good laugh. Immediately I appreciated the SONE humour and spazzing. This open enthusiasm for the girls amazed me at the time. Never before had I seen so many fans go absolutely crazy over things like smiles, dorkiness and winking. This outspokenness also made it easier for me to be a fan. I didn’t feel an urge to slow my interest in the girls.
More often than not, the comments also contained great information for new fans on what shows, videos or performances to watch. I remember specifically reading a comment that suggested watching “Hello Baby” and the fans guided me in the right direction. Soon I found myself watching Korean variety shows, with English subtitles. As a result I was exposed to a plethora of stories and experiences that the members shared with the Korean audience on these shows. I learned about the members as people rather than singers, and was able to connect with them on a personal level.
While I watched these videos leisurely, in the back of my mind I also appreciated the contribution of the SNSD fans for making it all possible. They allowed me to understand the girls, and acted as the personal translator and guide for any foreign fan. After viewing a ridiculous amount of video content, I finally found various SNSD online communities thanks to user comments. Needless to say, I became a member of these sites instantly, made a bunch of posts, and dabbled in the fandom. Finally I had a place to chat and read about the girls, with fans around the world. I didn’t feel as awkward being a Canadian SONE. It was as if I now had supporters that propelled me forward on my path to Soshi fandom.
Becoming a part of the SoShi community was actually easy, fun, and rewarding. Instead of watching videos, I could now read a whole bunch of the fan submitted content that was readily available on sites around the web. I was also able to become more actively engaged by entering responses to threads and posts. Admittedly I was shy when it came to posting, but eventually I got into it after I forced myself to hit the ‘Post Comment’ button. It didn’t take long to discover that many others shared the same views that I had of the girls, and at the same time, I was able to hear different perspectives that altered my opinions. Initially I underappreciated specific members of the group. However reading up on the thoughts of other outspoken SONEs, I soon began to appreciate those members on a greater level. Right now I can say that I’m a fan of all 9 of them, and wish them all the best (although I might be still a little more biased towards some of them). Likewise, the community did a great job of filling-in-the-gaps of knowledge for a newbie fan like me. So even though I came to the SNSD party late, it actually felt like I was there the whole time.
It took me a while to get into the whole “Soshi Pairings” idea, but I realized that a lot of it was amusing and entertaining. People found ways to put together members, and then found proof that they were “real”. It sparked debate, and made some fans create whole entire YouTube channels and websites dedicated to certain pairings. Most of which were actually cute and fun (a few naughty). Not only do we have videos, but there are also countless fan fictions posted online by SONEs for the fans. Unfortunately most of them creep me out, but this is further proof of the community’s dedication (and obsession) to share their ideas and thoughts on the girls with the world.
Even today, the SoShi Fan base continues to impress and surprise me with their initiatives for every SONE fan. The most obvious example would be our very own SNSDKorean podcast! I suggest everyone check it out if you haven’t already. As a Soshi fan it’s another neat way to stay connected and up-to-date with the SNSD news, in a commuter friendly format. I actually discovered the site by searching for “SNSD Podcast” on google. Not only do you hear news, but you also get some of that fun and entertaining conversation that always comes up whenever a bunch of fans get together to talk about their interests.
While surfing YouTube for SNSD over the past few months I also found many individuals who now make video blogs (vlogs) talking about the girls, a growing trend. Generally, these vlogs contain opinions, news and reviews about their activities or promotions. A perfect example would be “TheChannelofDylan” a 16 year old Soshi fanboy from Missouri, USA, who actually has a SONE journey that is glaringly similiar to my own. What makes him special, is his ability to put out content consistently, and his overall bubbly personality. Combine that with an outspoken attitude and a real love for the girls, and you get an entertaining vlog, that fans can appreciate.
Even more impressive are the countless members of the SNSD community that engage in the now popular Flash Mobs, to encourage SM Entertainment to bring the girls around the world. The Europeans fans were able to convince them to have a second concert date, an impressive feat. Fans in South America also organized a similar rally to show their love and support, while also displaying their hopes for a future concert date. Just recently in my lovely city of Toronto, hundreds of KPOP enthusiasts performed in front of our city hall, unafraid to express their fan spirit and desire to see the girls and other SM entertainment acts live.
As always SNSD fans across the globe continue to share high quality fan cams and photos from events that the girls attend. Nowadays this type of activity is growing, and concerts are now filled with fans holding electronic devices, hoping to keep their own memory of the girls, while sharing it with the community afterwards. How great is it that SNSD can have a concert halfway around the world, and most of us can see them perform, almost as if we were there (but still very far away). I know for me I’ve watched my fair share of fancams, and while I wish the girls could come to Toronto, at least I didn’t feel totally left out of the loop.
Therefore, while the girls are all attractive and interesting, it was the fans and their ability to share and create content that allowed me to truly become a fan of all 9 of them. Without this extraordinary community, I never would have been able to get to know the girls on a personal level, since they eliminated the big barrier of language. Furthermore, this fanbase was able to close the distance between me and the girls by sharing every tidbit they collected of the girls online. This allowed me to enjoy their music, performances, and various other activities despite being half a world away. By taking away these hurdles, the community paved my path to becoming a SONE.
In a way my journey has come full circle. After being on the receiving end of most of the community’s hard work, I finally decided to take on a bigger role and be a part of this catalyst for other fans. I sent in my application to the SK team, and now I find myself as a writer on the site. At this point I hope to be able to support other fans positively, just like the other SONEs before me. Of course I do not have the same practical talents, that previously dedicated SONEs have, but I have enthusiasm. I can only hope that the continued efforts of the community can continue to provide a smooth journey for all new SNSD fans as they transition from fan to SONE. This type of communal growth and support for such fans will be essential for SNSD if they wish to extend their fan base to the largely untapped foreign audience abroad.
– Steve
Feel free to share your journey as a SONE with SK in the Comments Below!
P.S. For those interested, SK is always looking for enthusiastic and talented new members feel free to apply to the SNSDKorean team.
image credits; namstars@daum, soshified, tumblr #yulti
video credits; SoShiSubs team, TheChannelofDylan, SMTown Toronto Flash Mob July
SNSD Korean 
Its just like reading my own story,,
yeah,its my first year of being of sone,,
Just a popped up question Steve, do you know who silis7noy2 is?
Nope I don’t JK =o Should I know him?
I love reading these stories about how other non-Korean or even Asian people getting into fandom. Just amazing how the kpop spell we’ve all fallen into works! ^^
I see myself in the Toronto flash mob haha, I look like a fool! :p
I’ll share my story maybe later on in the day kinda of tired right now 😦
I love reading stories on how SONE become a SONE ^_^
I really like to read how people got to be sones.
I have almost the same journey than you. I’m not asian not at all but I fall for these girls so easely. And I become a fan in a second. ^^
You’re so right ! ^^ Without the Sone community, I think I’ll find two videos in korean and at least, I’ll just be so frustrated than I stop my research.
But in the same time, Sones are nothing without SNSD !
In conclusion, SNSD + Sones = 1 ! ^^
im just like u except found out 2 years ago and from the u.s.
woot! woot!
i’m a Canadian sone too, living in Toronto!
I completely agree with youhh!
snsd fighting! ❤ I am proud to say SNSD has taken over my life:)
Awesome. I love it. Lol, I love these kinds of stories.
Dear All SONE
It’s my 4th year of being Sone. Fall in love in “Into the new world” song, it’s kind of weird for a girl, likes girl group in boy group era. But it’s true, I like Shinee, I like TVXQ, I like Big bang, but I LOVE SNSD ! It just like I’m grown up with them because I’m in same age as SNSD. I do love them ! Why…because they have some girl power that I can’t explain, they’re strong & independent. They can pull both, sexy and cute image, they’re Idol I’m proud to be their fans and role model I wanna be….Heu heu heu…I can’t explain more because of my poor english
Last word I’m happy & proud to be Sone since they first debut and being loyal for them I hope for the rest of my life !
Best Regard with Love
Meutia
wow, STE..
*gets off chair, bows 360 degrees to you*
Awesome piece of writing! And yeah, for me Gee MV was my first time seeing the girls and was my first step into becoming a SONE, and i just got hooked, automatically (well, with that kind of MV, song, outfits, and pretty girls..who didn’t?)..
It was on a fine Spring day of March 2009 that i saw that MV on MTV, and i started browsing about Girls’ Generation..so finally my Google journey ended up with me going into SNSDKorean, and it eventually became my daily habit (visiting this site for further infos about the girls), so i dare to say that you, and all of us here, made a correct choice by also visiting this site!
Oh, and the fans who subs SNSD videos (eg Soshified), were also my vitamin pills to help me grow into a SONE, becaus e without them, we wouldn’t have been able to understand the girls’ better.
Once again, this article of yours was really worth the read, it’s something that mostly us SONEs can relate to..and maybe can turn many fans into True SONEs in the end..
Keep up the good work, STE, and keep writing awesome posts in the future! The 9 girls must be proud to have a honest, dedicated SONE like you ^^
great job on this post Steve! thanks for sharing your journey from fan to SONE with us!
I feel like I just read a story about myself!! LOL!!
I first ran across the Ha Ha song afer watching a Boa video on youtube and I was hooked immediately. I learned their names and personalities from watching the Factory Girls series and then Hello Baby.
Good stuff, thanks for writing this article.
I enjoyed reading this post. I’m really glad that you were able to become a Sone through the efforts and consideration of fellow Sones that paved the road for you! I think a lot of international Sones have a story that’s quite similar to yours 🙂
And I agree with you that the ones who’ve been very pivotal in this explosion of SNSD’s popularity and fandom are the fans themselves and their various contributions to the fandom and to the girls. I think that’s why the girls are always expressing that they’re so grateful to their fans and to Sones, and I think they have also realized the huge amount of support and dedication from their international fans and try their best to thank international Sones every chance they get. But sones would not exist if it wasn’t for the girls. There would just be “fans” that like them for some time before moving on to other groups or other things. But because there’s something different about these girls, something that touches the hearts of their fans, and something that causes fans to spazz and go crazy over every little detail, this fandom was able to exist and expand, eventually becoming the one big sone community that exists right now and that pretty much encompasses all the continents of the world (not sure about Antarctica…haha ^^). I think the key ingredients are BOTH SNSD AND SONES. One cannot exist without the other, and each benefits from the other. It’s like mutualism for those who are into biology haha 😀
Anyways, looking forward to reading more of your thoughtful posts, Steve!
This is awesome! Glad I found it.
OMG wow I second the person who says it feels like reading my own story. The girls are amazing… but so are SONEs. I’m a fan who only started listening to the girls during the RDR promotions and liked them but wasn’t a diehard fan. I’ve always stayed away bc SONEs had a bad reputation around the net but as soon as I starting following this blog and joining Soshified… I was introduced to one of the warmest and most welcoming fanbases around. I really don’t understand why people bad mouth SONEs so much. You guys are jjang. You really do a lot for the girls! And yes, at first I didn’t care for a few members, but through the kind words of true SONEs, I’ve learned to love and appreciate all 9.
Thank you for sharing!!
keep up the good work! Thanks to you guys i am able to know more about SNSD!
this article was very similar to my experience, even the part where you saw gee and then run devil run! i discovered them through the video of dead fantasy doing gee and from then i didn’t stop listening. i did look at the comments and saw hello baby and got to know them. i remember i couldn’t tell the difference between yuri and yoona.
steve i 100% agree and relate to you and your story. everything you said happened to/for you is exactly the same for me! the only difference between us is that im an australian sone haha! 🙂 great post! thanks for sharing!
This just totally explain how I’m feeling!! But I’ve been a S❤NE for almost 3 years? I also get to know them by the song ‘Gee’! Just one word DABAK!! (Y) ❤ Have no words to describe! DAEBAKK! DAEBAKK! DAEBAKK!!!
Oh ya! thanks for sharing!(: Feeling so touched!! <3<3<3
I’m not Asian, but I followed kpop very superficially for years. Never bothered to learn anyone’s names except for the one or two main people in each group. And there was another girlgroup that also debuted in 2007 that had a bit more success, so SNSD was off my radar screen.
Then came Dream Concert ’08 and, hey, I love controversy so I wanted to know more So all of my initial research into SNSD was from the point of view of antis, who very methodically would explain their problems with each and every member. I visited all of their websites, saw all their youtube videos that antis made in a documentary fashion.
I remember thinking that if these were their greatest sins then they would be considered saints (or “angels” if you will) if they were a part of the American pop scene, so I decided to support them with my head, if not my heart (the heart would come later). I found soshisubs on youtube and plowed my way through Girls Go to School, MTV specials, etc., I remember I had to wait a real long while for their next song to be released (Gee).
Oh yeah, i still go to those anti sites (those that are left anyway) from time to time. (I did mention I like controversy, right?)
This is a awesome write.. I believe it really reflects to most of us here, and can really relate to your journey of becoming part of the fandom. Originally I was like, what? kpop? (Since there had been only j-pop popular then) Then I just stumble upon them on youtube… and just got fascinated. Pretty much I’ve bought all their merchandise, and I spazz on the forums everyday now lolx..
Love this post, and I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks! ^^
I love it! I love your journey because it’s kinda the same as mine..
and anyway, who is your current favorite member?
i just realized that most of us( including me) become SONE like steve wrote. I just become die hard fans of SNSD since April this year, and dang!! I suddenly fell in love with them. People may think i love them just becoz they’re cute, sexy, but honestly, as a Malaysian’s Sone, i’ve seen much prettier and sexier girl group around the world, yet i still love SNSD more than anything else. Why? I don’t hv any explanation on this. SNSD + SOne is like a 8th wonder of the world for me 🙂
omg you’re so true… if not due to hard working subbers, i may not be in my current state right now =) .. the translations of numerous variety shows / programs that the girls was involved in has enable us to know them better..watching those shows had helped to relieve the tensions in my mundane daily life..lol..*not to mention the -constantly updating twitter status of various fanclubs- that fuels my addiction further ..*
look back when the time i became a Sone
its interesting too!
your article is like reflecting on me too
SNSD, fighting! ^^
Thank you for sharing your story Steve!
My journey as a SONE was almost the same like you. I started to know KPOP when I copy a folder of various Korean shows and MVs from my friend before my mid-semester break on March 2010. During the break, I browse the folders. And that was when I was captivated by GEE and GENIE. And I really became a SONE during Run Devil Run promotions. Their synchronization mesmerized me.
Just like you, I didn’t appreciated all the members at once. My bias is Yuri, but through Yuri and of course, through our dedicated SONE, I learned about the other members and appreciated them more. Now I love all of them. I believe the strength of Girls’ Generation is when there are 9.
I regret I didn’t know them earlier. When I looked back their hardship that they went through when the antis attacked them, bad-mouthing them, the silent treatment during the 2008 Dream Concert, I felt really guilty. When was I when they went through all of that? I really never felt like this towards other artist. There are something about Girls’ Generation that really close to my heart. I feel that they are my friends. (I am the same age as Yoona. Hehe.). I feel sad when they are sad, and I feel happy when they are happy.
I didn’t remember the exact date I became a SONE. But I think, around March 2010. Now, I’m a SONE for 1 year and 4 months. And I’m a girl. 🙂
Beautifully written article, Steve 😉 ! I’m really glad that you decided to post it here because, in a sense, it does reflect the journey of All SONEs all over the world, whether they are newly minted or die-hard followers of our angelic 9 ladies.
Good Job, my friend, and looking forward to more insightful articles from your talented hands :D.
I became a SONE last year probably the last couple days of April… I think. I was searching for “pop” music on YouTube and SNSD popped up… I saw the picture of the video and I was like, “WTH! Wat does this have to do with pop!” But, I don’t know why, I clicked on the video… (if any of you are wondering what video it was it was their GENIE video but they were on a helicopter and dancing on the roof… I think it was a MBC special or something)
I watched the whole video and to my surprise I kinda liked it so (of course) I replayed it, but this time I payed close attention on their dance moves (specially the hackie-sack dance lol) and instantly this (weird) thought came to my mind… “wow… They have really pretty legs… (I know, I know. It’s kinda creepy)” It was probably 2 a.m so I was sleepy so I memorized their name (SNSD) so I could search more about them the next day (or later that day technically).
I found myself watching the same video and this time I was singing along the English lyrics, “I’m genie for you boy, I’m genie for your wish, I’m genie for your dream, and I’m genie for your world.” But I specially liked the part were this girl would say, “DJ put it back on.” By then I was already hooked with them and searched pictures on Google. I would type “SNSD GENIE” and they pretty much all looked the same to me but the most I thought about wad that having 9 people in a group was nuts!
Eventually I got used to them and I learned all their names till I could watch any video of them and be able to name them all… Run Devil Run was the hardest because their transformation from cute to sexy was just… I seriously couldn’t find Yoona, Yuri, and Tiffany. I got to know their personalities and hardships. I also got to know the “pairings” and I thought it was weird but I got used to it (in fact I’m a locksmith and a royal… Lol).
Because I got to know SNSD I also learned about Korean culture… Before I couldn’t tell the difference between North and South Korea. I was also able to get close to the Koreans in my class by singing “Gee Gee Gee Gee Gee~!” My best friend is Korean but i sometimes cant understand her ways… I also started to like this boy (yes, he’s Korean) but I wonder if he likes me to… The teacher says he does but idk… Anywho, I was able to do all this things because I met SNSD.
Beautifully written, bet it took some time too. Journey on coz as SNSD says it themselves..they will be here for as long as they can…us SONES too..if according to Yuri..thats like forever..ha..ha..although Jessica says she doesn’t want to spin lolipops anymore…
story of my life :’)
im so different now compared to when i wasn’t a Sone. after attending the SM Town Toronto Flash mob, all that was in my head was ‘what the hell was i doing there?’ cause honestly, i was pretty surprised at myself. i stood there, cheered my heart out yelling ‘SOSHI! SOSHI! SOSHI!’ with my fail poster, and danced. to GEE.
not that im complaining. it was the most fun i’ve had in ages. being a Sone has made my world just a little bigger. A WHOLE LOTTA BIGGER. and im very happy about it.
never had i imagined myself purchasing anything when it came to music media either. it was so scary, because when you buy one, you find yourself wanting to buy more and more. i even had a long discussion about my parents about it.
snsd brought me and my little sister together. we had absolutely no connection whatsoever. i despised her, and she despised me. but when i started getting into the snsd fandom, i had nobody to…spazz with. so i turned to her and practically made her head-over heels. and now our relationship is as strong as ever.
here i am now, almost a year-old Sone. grinning like an idiot over this beautifully written article that’s basically my Sone-life story so thank you 🙂
Hey my fellow SKs!
First of all thanks for all the kudos, I appreciate it. It definitely gives me the energy to work harder for you guys as a new staffer. I’m glad all of you understood my message, and the whole concept behind my article was to emphasize the fact that many non-korean SONEs have this awesome luxury that other fans don’t have. The hardcore members of the community work extra hard to make it easy for us to become SONEs. This helps them as well, because they want the girls to be known.
Also I’m really glad you guys shared your stories here. It’s nice to hear that most of you guys had similiar experiences. Thankfully my article does have this type of commonality that I hoped for. I really felt like this is a common road most foreign SONEs take. It’s interesting to hear about how some of you are even older SONEs and still find your journey to be familiar to my own.
And yes SNSD + SONE = Amazing Combination
@snsdme, rather than say my favourite member outloud, I think you’ll be able to judge as a write more articles for SK. I’ll keep it a mystery per say.
@Kenneth thanks for the kind words my fellow SK staffer
@Louie, that’s a really sweet story. I’m glad you participated in SMTown Toronto Flash mob! I would’ve gone but I was busy on the day. Glad you and your sister have a common interest, and SNSD managed to bring you guys together.
@Perfect4u: Sounds like you’ve become a real SONE, I’m glad that you now know the difference between North and South Korea =P. It is nice to learn about a new culture, for me Korean culture has appealed to me before KPOP (I love Korean food, and Baseball).
@rush: Thanks for the bow, but I don’t really deserve it. I’m still really lacking when it comes to writing. It’s been a while since I’ve actually sat down to write informative or personal articles. I’ll definitely promise to continue to work hard and produce some great unique content for all you guys that surf SNSDKorean. Remember I’m still a newbie SONE, so I won’t KNOW everything, but I’ll do my best.
@szaida: I don’t think it’s a bad thing that you weren’t around when the ANTI’s were all over SNSD. It’s better now that the ANTI’s are pretty much gone or converted. Now SONEs don’t have to be defending their interest in the girls all the time.
Holy COW, a lot of grammatical errors now that I’m reading through it again.
I apologize to you guys for releasing an article with some errors. I’ll definitely make sure to work harder next time so that this doesn’t happen again.
Cheers,
Steve
Omg all I can say is BEAUTIFULLY written. Lol if I had to write something like this, I could never be able to write something like this!!
my first snsd vid was a visual dreams yoona fancam i was wondering who the pretty asian was that this guy kept talking about I was instantly caught by the songs beat and rythm and i wanted more i saw gee saw the beautiful girl with black hair a 70’s hairband and purple shirt and became a sone.
i totally agree that it is their strong fanbase that got all of us into it….
without sites like soshified and snsdkorean, i wouldnt be able to understand them completely even if i wanted to.
All these dedicated sones who go through all these trouble to share and translate things about soshi have made SNSD so amazing and successful ..
Therefore, i am really thankful for these sones… 😀
for being there for them and for sharing something so great with us…
Lets walk together with them till the end ! 😀
sones + snsd daebakk!!!!
i just became a Sone like five months ago. before that i never paid any attention to any k-pop groups even though my best friends kept bragging to me about them. during that time, i just knew them based on their names only (such as suju, big bang, 2NE1, wonder girls), and i never bothered to know more about them. the reason was i honestly thought that most of the idols look the same which made it difficult for me to recognize them..haha! silly me. well, Asians do look similar, right? 🙂 by the way, i’m a Malaysian sone ❤
however, everything changed when my roommate forced me to listen to Gee because she kept listening to it loudly which somehow irritated me. at first, i didn't feel anything special about Gee and i was like 'what kind of song is this?!' i also had a mindset that SNSD was just a bunch of girls who only depended on their pretty looks. but since i kept listening to it everyday (yeah, thanks to my roommate now i love these amazing nine girls) i got addicted and i copied a folder of other SNSD MVs from her. now, i was taken aback by my words and i just couldn't stop listening to their songs. i love all their songs but i prefer to listen to their ballad songs. they give me a feeling that i belong to this fandom. sometimes i cry when i listen to these song especially dear mom, complete, day by day, forever, born to be a lady, etc. arghh, i just love their harmonious voices.
then, i watched their videos on youtube. for the past five months, i spent most of my time watching their shows, live performances as well as their winning on award ceremonies. there is only one thing i can say, they never failed to impress me with their awesomeness, dorkiness, and liveliness. what attracts me the most is their SoShi bond. their love is genuine for each other and that makes me so proud of them. i never feel this way towards other artistes. they make me laugh and cry at the same time and all i know is now, i am so proud to be a sone. my bias is tiffany, but now i love nine of them equally and i will forever support and protect them. SNSD JJANG!! 🙂
I admired the bond they have. The sisterhood and friendship they share. And also how natural and comfortable they are, be it on the set or off the camera. Even better, the number ‘9’ has always been my favorite number since I was young. They truly fit the colors of a rainbow. All seven of it plus black and white. They bring sweetness and a smile to our faces, just like how a rainbow would.
WOW… I’m a SONE from Mexico, and I can say that my history is very similar too. About 6 months ago my sister was watching a video in youtube and showed it to me. It was the Gee music video (dance version). From that moment on I became a fan (not even my sister is a sone, she just hears their songs from time to time). But I really liked those girls and started looking for more information and videos and everything i could get about them. And even when at the beginning I couldn’t tell them apart (specially Yoona and Yuri) now I can recognize all of them in any video in the internet. I only wish I had more time to spend at the computer watching videos, talk shows, and everything SNSD.
I’m a huge fan of this blog, thanks to all who post here and to all the people who translate the videos and information out there.
Now I also like other groups as f(x), Shinee, Miss A, etc. But in first place I know I will be a SONE for the rest of my life, I love those girls, all of them (although I’m a little biassed for Jessica, Tiffany and Taeyeon… and Seohyun too… and sunny… ooohhhh, forget it, I love them all equally), and I will support them always. Unfortunately I have not the money now (saddly I’m unemployed), but as soon as I can afford it I will buy all their CD’s and DVD’s. And I hope someday those lovely angels will come here to Mexico, and no matter what, I’ll be there to see them live. Please SMtown bring the girls to Mexico. SNSD Hwaiting!!!
Oh! Story time! I’ve always wanted a post like this to appear and now it finally happens! Thank you so much Steve! I am truly delighted to have read every comment that explains that SONE’s road to becoming one. Now if you’ll excuse me I would like to share my story of how I became a SONE.
It was back in October 2009 where I was oblivious towards anything related to KPop nor music for that matter. My focus was primarily on school and school alone till the fateful day my brother showed me Big Bang and 2ne1’s joint music video “Lollipop”! I thought it was catchy, cute and colorful so I started listening to Lollipop everyday. I was more interested in 2ne1 than I was in Big Bang since everyone knows Big Bang so I looked for 2ne1’s music via Youtube. The moment I clicked the video was the moment my life changed drastically (for the better)! I didn’t know that the Youtube video I clicked was a back-to-back performance of 2ne1’s “I Don’t Care” and SNSD’s “Tell Me Your Wish”. I read the comments while the video was buffering and I did see quite a handful of Anti-SNSD comments on the superficial level with some Pro-SNSD comments. I thought to myself, I’ll give this “GIRLS GENERATION” a try because I’m pretty open minded and watched the video. After 2ne1’s performance I watched TMYW and didn’t expect much but MAAAN was I wrong! I was completely blown away! Speechless and hooked like a fish out of water. I didn’t know what just happened but after SNSD’s 3 minutes and 38 seconds of performing that one song alone, I was completely attached to them. I completely forgot about 2ne1’s performance and ran to my sister and showed her SNSD’s performance. I spent the next 3 hours watching SNSD music videos, live performances and a few variety shows. I have to say that SONEs really are the best when it comes to SNSD because like Steve, they are eager to show the noobies what SNSD’s all about. Without trying too hard on TMYW’s music video, various comments contained who the members were and when they appeared made the transition so much easier. Since then, I have been keeping up with SNSD every day on this site SNSDKorean (which I have to say is the best news for SNSD), Soshified (which I go to for SoshiStyling) and Allkpop (general Kpop news keep me interested).
Thank you SNSDKorean for updating everyday and giving SONEs their fair share of Soshi. I also give thanks to SONEs who are consistently supportive and protective of SNSD because the strong bonds SONEs have for Soshi makes me feel welcomed and proud to be one. And last but not least, I have to give some acknowledgments to Anti-SNSD because without them, I would have never had the catalyst to watch SNSD’s performance of Tell Me Your Wish. Because of them and that performance, TMYW will forever be my favorite song and concept of SOSHI. I have to say it really is good to be a SONE and I never regret one moment of it. My whole family knows it and teases me of loving SNSD too much but why bother to hide the affection when you can spread it. I’m slowly turning my family into SONEs and it just feels so good to hear my parents say Girls’ Generation. The good stuff.
Thank you Steve for giving us fans the time to share our road towards SNSD. It truly was, is and will be SoNyuhShiDae!
*** I would love to see a post containing all of SNSD’s signature dance moves and asking us readers our personal favorites (like a vote). All those epic moves on one page will be pure Soshi-Aweseomeness!
*** Congratulations Steve on becoming a SNSDKorean staff writer. I look forward to your future posts.
@Sowoneul
Thanks for the comment, and that does sound like a fun idea. Maybe you should write one up after you apply to the SK team :P.
Props to you Steve! (For writing such an awesome article). Your journey as a SONE mirrors mine to a large extent… and i totally agree with you… the fans play a HUGE role in making Soshi-related media accessible to the rest of us folks. Anyways this is actually the first time i’m posting on SK (I share your sentiments about posting as well), i have to owe it to you. Hopefully this will not be the last time i’ll be posting! Thanks Steve and keep up the good work!
I think most of non-korean SONES have the similar or relatively the same story as you steve. and yes i am one of those people who are non-korean who become a SONES. its nearly a year now. never really love any singer, either solo or group, but SNSD has the impact or the chemical radioactivity that make me stick to them.
hey! im a girl who love a girls group of singers that sings,dance briliantly, never stop being themselves in any reality shows and lots of others if want to be list out here. so what? I LOVE SNSD! all of them! okay maybe i lied, im a little biased for sooyoung… and sunny… and and hyoyeon!… and er maybe taeyeon… or i think tiffany is on the list as well?!…oooh damn forget it i love them all equally lah!
Its like Im growing up with them because SNSD’s members and me are nearly the same age. They have some girl power that cant be explain but all SONES know that feeling. Unfortunately, im still a student therefore i dont have enough extra money to buy their cd’s or dvd’s. desperately thinking bout buying their latest one paradise in phuket.!okay okay i’ll stick to the fact. when i have the money i’ll buy everything related to them.how bout that??haha…now im saving money bit by bit when they do come to malaysia.! need to see them live at least once.
My greatest appreciatiation and thanks to the staff, here in snsdkorean or even soshified or other SOSHI’s related. without them, me and many other non-korean SONES must be just looking at our 9angels without really understand them well.
ones a SONES, is always a SONES…the past, present & future SONES…
SOSHI fighting!
Great job on producing a well-written, comprehensive article about your humble beginnings and the events that followed, Steve! The way everybody is expressing the same sentiment about how this post accurately describes their journey as a SONE, and how similar it is to yours, kind of makes me feel left out, since I had a slightly different and rocky start. =(
If you don’t mind Terrez, could you share your story on how you became a SONE? You’ve commented in nearly every article written here at SNSDkorean and I must say, I respect you so much. Taking the time to comment every time and needless to say, your comments are always read-worthy. Your vocabulary, sentence structure and overall writing style is compelling and makes me want to become a better writer. As a fellow a SONE, I would be more than happy to read your road towards Soshi whether it be joyful like some or rocky like others. Looking forward to your future comments.
i was actually a hater at first. i hated Tiffany a lot because i read this blog about hating her and all the things she did. it’s like all the evil things about her is written there (and damn that blog because it was so long and still i read it all). i really don’t know how it all started (me = being a SONE). i really don’t know. i can’t remember the first time i started to like them. heck i can’t even recall the first vid where i saw them. well, what can i say? it’s like a hater got an amnesia and suddenly forgot to hate Tiffany and rest of SNSD.
what is this FEELING? what is this STATE? idk, but thanks to all the SONEs out there.
LOVE SNSD.
your story is great!
SNSD is my starting point of getting me into Kpop too!
because of SNSD, everything changes…
it started from GEE too!
eventually from a non-kpop person into a kpop person
I’m from SG and i’m into SNSD right after they came SG for korean music wave last year.. what a waste
and came this yr, i went to 2 kpop concerts and saw lots of stars!
but the ultimate most is to see soshi girls!! though i’m watchin and lookin into their pics & videos everyday
but its my dream to see them live! i want to see a pink hall concert!!
SNSD changes my life and makes me realize how wonderful they are just as performers, and as individuals too
the soshibond!! the power of 9!
they are very real!!
every morning i must listen to their ‘gee’ before starting of my day! just cheers my day up into a bright one 🙂
and i’m proud that i’m a SONE because just by listening, supporting & growing each day, makes me happy and makes my day!
though i came in at a later part too, but i will definitely give my loyalty and true support to soshi girls..
SNSD, SARANGHAE! FIGHTING!! GLOBAL GENERATION! ❤
love this story ❤ ❤
Woah. It really makes me amazed that how someone on the other side of the globe could have such a deep affections for a female artist group on the other side of globe. It really makes me feel proud of all the success that SNSD and Sones had achieved as a whole 🙂 Hehe, just to share my story. Haha i was pretty an anti first, back in 2008 because of all the crazy comments and stuffs and being a cassie, it irked me to see the girls so close to my oppas!(crazy, but yes that’s crazy fangirls for you) and the fact that they are all so pretty(especially Jessica. She’s like. idk. near perfection). That’s till i heard jessica sing. In the MTV girls go to school (i think) and i was BLOWN away by her voice. Alot of people didn’t like her voice but i think she has a really beautiful voice! Then came Gee, and the whole craze came and i was pretty stuck in the song. Didn’t like tiffany then, but over the years, after watching all the videos regarding Jessica, i slowly came to like Taeyeon, Seohyun and the other girls alot, and that included Tiffany as well. 🙂 i never liked a ‘poppy’ girlgroup like SNSD, cause i was mainly into good vocals and stuff, but yes, i was bought over not by their looks nor songs first, but by their voices. Heck, i was even pretty pissed that people started to like them because of their faces, songs etc. but not their talent. Bur i soon grew out of it. As long as they’re successful, they’re happy, why not? Like how the Sones got into SNSD and fangirling/fanboying, i went through the same phase, and my love for them never wavered. Their songs kept me going through difficult times, and they’re a huge source of motivation for me.
No words could express how grateful and happy that i got to know such a talented,kind, hardworking girlgroup. I really hope for the best in everything that they do, and i hope that they’ll keep on singing for as long as they can, and not die off like how some other girlgroups. I feel proud to be a Sone, to have taken part in their road to success. Whether if they managed to achieve Global domination or not, I’ll still be proud of them and all their hardwork and achievements. Because it’s truly Girls’ Generation.
SNSD FIGHTING! 🙂
– A Sone
Well written Steve. Everyone of us have different ways of becoming a SONE. I’m a fan of Liverpool FC and for those who have no idea what is Liverpool FC, is an English football club. They have an anthem call You Never Walk Alone. I just want to tell every SONE and SNSD, YNWA!!!
http://www.allthinghallyu.tumblr.com
pls visit my blog to see my thoughts and opinions on recent Kdrama and Kpop stuff 🙂
I will also be posting my journey as a SONE (thx to Steve for giving me insperation) on there in a little while so pls check it out! SNSD hwaiting!
I’m a fellow SONE from Canada and my story is somewhat similar to yours. The first time I heard about SNSD was when my friends has “Gee” stuck in my head which was then followed by “Oh.” After these two songs I was hooked with these 9 girls, I started looking up their older songs and information about them until I stumbled onto this site. I immediately added this site to my favorites cause it was one of best fan sites I’ve seen, this and soshified. At the beginning I had my a few members I liked more than others but after watching their variety shows and seeing the different sides to the girls I’ve learned to appreciate all of them and like all of them though I’m still a little bias to a few. Thanks a lot of writing this post and sharing your experience with all of us. SNSD HWAITING!!!
Well well writen Steve! 😀 i so enjoyed reading this because it reminds me so much of my own experience with this community 🙂 ❤
Thanks to all SONE’s around the world! You are the reason why in South America, and in my country Colombia, SNSD and k-pop are now been taking into account. This kind of blogs, videos on youtube and sites like Soshified are the main reasons why there’re a lot of new SONE’s in this countries. With all that contagious enthusiasm people in here started to translate some SNSD material to Spanish, and now you can see the results, because a lot of people in South America is claiming for SNSD to visit us. BTW what a great article Steve!
I am glad everyone loves SNSD as much as I do. I hope everyone learns more about the korean culture as well, be it through visiting it or variety shows like 2n1d. Learn about the music, people, culture, and spread the love.
🙂 I have been watching SNSD since they came out with Genie. The wave of fandom was just set to break out all over Asia. As I slowly went through fansites and collected videos over the last two years, I was amazed that this girl band that most of my friends laughed at me for following became ever more popular. They went from strength to strength. In a year from my discovering them their videos and faces were well known all through Asia, culminating in them breaking into the Japanese music industry. And now it looks like the girls are setting to break international waters into cultures completely foreign from their own.
Yes, at first, all I thought was they were a band of cute girls and great entertainment. But my respect and awe has grown steadily with each achievement they put under their belts. I watch with ever growing excitement and cheer them on in their endeavour to bring their entertainment to the world. So Nyeo Shi Dae Forever!!!!
LOL this is almost like my story too! 😀 Im asian but im from canada, and its hard for kpop to spread to the western part of the world as fast as in the other hemisphere. But anyway i just found out about snsd like 2 months ago, and im hooked! 😀 I personally think they are really talented girls, and they deserve to be in the spotlight 😀 I learned about them though a friend that showed me their daum screensavers and that got me researching about them. To this day on, Gee is still my favourite song. recently i even bought like their dvd Paradise in Phuket in hongkong for like around 900 HKD. WoW i dont know why HMV sells it for so much, but i think its worth it 😀 And i would love to thank out the sones out there that sub snsd videos for us. @ Wenn “sones are nothing without SNSD” but also SNSD is nothing without the support from us sones. 😀
Steve,
Though I can’t relate to your story, I want to thank you for sharing yours 🙂 Being a fan (later Sone =D) from their debut year, I’ve never really thought about how Snsd maintains to capture the hearts of new fans. What first got me hooked were their personalties and chemistry together, and because of them, I started getting into Kpop again. Yes, there were continuous controversies surrounding them not to mention a lot of antis, but for some reason I just couldn’t see what many of those antis were seeing. In regards to being a celebrity, those girls weren’t afraid to poke fun at themselves, and they knew how to have fun- professionally of course. They were exceptionally talented in many areas and obviously worked hard to get where they’re at now. But along the line, they were genuinely being…them, and that’s what I loved most about them.
I was really touched reading these stories and I’m glad you posted this. I’m happy to hear that Snsd is still capturing many hearts. Though they’re all talented artists and put out great music, their journey will always be one of a kind. 🙂
SNSD Forever!!
what a nice story of being a sone!
nice job for this article 🙂
we all do love Snsd just as I do!
Snsd Forever for me too!
hey its almost like reading my own story!…i’m a fan for almost a yr and i bought almost all of their albums online wif no regrets…i even went korea!
I’ve known SNSD for years (WG was all the rage then) and thought it was “weird” that there’s a girl group that large – 9. Though I’m a fan of the WG and i think they’re great, I wouldn’t have imagine myself devoting my fandom towards them as I have with SNSD. thanks to the antis, they made me more curious about checking out these 9 “supposedly” bitchy girls they’ve been accused of, even to this day *rollseyes.* after searching for variety shows on YT, i got redirected to a show called “Factory Girls” and found out those girls are SNSD, lol! i got hooked because of their personalities and how hard they worked, but not until ep.4-5 (the NY episode) that truly i began to better understand the girls’ even more. so 2009 came the BIG “Gee,” wasn’t keen on watching it still as i was still new to kpop (only watched kdramas then) and one particular episode of Star Golden Bell was the turning point for me. SNSD was the invited guests (minus Yoona) and i remember how much EXCITED was written on Kim Jae Dong’s face cause he’s such a fan of SNSD ever since their debut. that episode also was quite interesting as there was one comedian who was/is a fan of WG and openly admitted to the audience that the reason SNSD’s “Gee” is popular is cause WG is on hiatus, lol. i thought to myself, this guy is really rude for saying that out loud – little did he know, SNSD would emerge as the leading girl group in korea in the next couple of years. as for the comedian, his name is Hwang Hyun Hee (feel free to look him up) who got arrested back in February for drunk driving and causing an accident…i’m sure he’s regretting what he said now about SNSD then, LMFAO.
Wow. This Article pretty much sums up my experience as a Sone exactly, with the only exception being that I found out about the girls last September. Its awesome to know how other people gradually became Sones through the same familiar process 🙂
Absolutely same with my story …. I become a Sone also start from watching Run Devil Run Mv …. Before my friend introduced me the Genie and Gee … I found out their face are all similarity …. so I didn’t catch up … After some people post the Run Devil Run Mv on Facebook …. first SNSD member I interested is Taeyeon and started my Sone journey
Hey Steve, great article and once again, welcome to the team!
Please make yourself at home~
Although I really should’ve commented on this days ago.. I just haven’t had the time to read this updated version until now. =)
Well said Steve. Well said. I could really relate to you since I started pretty late as well (a little after they ended RDR promotions). Everything you said happened to me, from the belief that Kpop was “stupid”, to the watching of the various videos on Youtube, to the irkness towards the Soshi pairings. It makes me happy that someone has the same…should I say…process(?) of learning about SNSD. I really liked this post, and I couldn’t agree more about the fans being the main fuel to Soshi’s growing international popularity.
Thanks for the great post! :DDDD
OMGee! I like this post Steve! I like how you’re a Sone for only a year & yet it feels like you’ve been a Sone 4ever! Thanks! I like this comments interaction of Sone SK staffers & Sone readers (since Im a former lurker in SNSDKorean & I only post comments to great posts like this, kekeke)
Its my 4th year of being a Sone.
Looking back 4 years ago, a lot has changed in me, now my favorite number is 9 & somehow the color Pastel Rose Pink has a very significant meaning to me.
I became a Sone since the beginning, even before their super stardom with Gee.
I was into suju at first then the news of SM forming the female counterpart of suju came out & the rest is history. I didn’t think of how their huge # is stupid, since their suju’s counterpart, I even thought that SNSD will have 13 members just like suju.
Im proud to say Im a Sone ever since their debut, watching them worked really hard during the ITNW/GG days, wanting to literally kill anti’s during the 2008 DC, patiently waiting for their comeback during the 9 long months of break, crying when they received their first award ever, super happy in their successful comeback with Gee!,
My journey as a Sone is an amazing history! I basically grew up w/ them (Im same age as Soo & Yoon) I was there since the start & I will be there until the very end (off course I don’t want it to end). kekeke I love all 9 of them, w/ Taengoo as my bias since the start (w/ her amajjing voice that still gives me goosebumps till now) kekeke & YoonTae too, whenever they LOL together, it makes me LOL too.
Im hoping that SNSD can survive the 5-year expiration of idol groups.
Let’s have a super duper “amajjing” journey as Sones together with the girls…
HwaiiTaeng!!!
Cheers! Very good suggestion on this article!
“I learned about the members as people rather than singers, and was able to connect with them on a personal level.”
Very nice.. and i’m watching that video (thank you message) too.
from 4 month fan. (kinda late huh.. LOL)
I have been surfing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Good read. This is partially my story. I’m a rather odd one as I personally do not care much about k-pop, as much as I know SNSD is the leader of hallyu wave, I do not pay much attention to other ‘products’ associated with hallyu like k-pop. The one and only thing I care and love is Girls’ Generation, all 9 of them and that’s it.
good read. that is girls generation iam lyka happy that wennir of enjoyed