Girls' Generation's TaeYeon is walking legend among K-Pop idols. While she first started off as a member and leader of iconic girl group Girls' Generation, she went above and beyond, leaving her mark as a celebrated soloist. Since she's been in the industry for so long, she's naturally done more than idol work.

TaeYeon has hosted radio shows, become a fixed cast member on "Amazing Saturday", and even been the host of several competition programs. And speaking of her hosting/MC duties, it seems she's about to head on a new venture with her very own web variety series, "Taeng-Forest". Through the show, she receives various concerns and worries from fans, then provides sincere, heartfelt advice. While the first episode felt like a "one and done" type of show, due to the warm response, TaeYeon and her team brought it back for a regular series.

Now, while at its core, "Taeng-Forest" is a talk show web variety, however, it offers a bit more comfort and depth. Among the many web varieties currently on air, TaeYeon's is a much needed splash of variety and strength.

A Concept Unexplored

Many web varieties out there focus on the celebrity, whether it's the host or invited guest. It's certainly nice to have these programs where we can learn more about our favorite star. However, "Taeng-Forest", allows its viewers to become active participants by sending in their worries and concerns. There was a program called "Hello Counselor"  that's similar to the web variety, but unfortunately ended prior to 2020. Fans of the show will be glad to see another version pop and grace their media feeds.

An Opportunity For Much Needed Healing

taeyeon: i think i've found my lost real dongsaeng. wendy yah, let's be happy~

wendy: she listened to my every word n tried to relate to what i said, it's healing for me. thank u taeyeon unnie, thank u taengforest, always hwaiting~

//
both of them so cute!! 🥰🫶 pic.twitter.com/U35nWPt0Fy

— waterbearies (@thebluebearies) April 4, 2024

While not all fan concerns will be addressed by TaeYeon and her lovely guests, the advice they provide is still very real and sincere. You might not be able to relate entirely, but there are parts that feel innately relevant no matter where you are in life. From work-life balance to inviting new experiences, "Taeng-Forever" covers a variety of different topics, and will certainly continue to do so. For those looking for a bit of encouragement and strength, the web variety will serve as the perfect place to find just that.

The Web Variety Scene Now

TaeYeon's Official Instagram

The Korean web variety scene is very much talk show-centric, pulling on the experiences and stories of various celebrities. Retaining this core component, they then start to tweak and change a few aspects to create multiple versions of a similar idea. And while they might appear the same, they continue to bring in the numbers and obtain up to a million views from audiences worldwide.

HyeRi's YouTube Channel Screenshot

TEO YouTube Channel Screenshot

In essence, "Taeng-Forest" doesn't stray away from this tried and true formula. But it is different enough to make it stand out among the many sulbang's that are taking over in popularity across the internet. In addition, the very nature of TaeYeon makes it a much needed safe haven for introverts. She provides a contrast between hosts of shows like "Salon Drip 2" and "XYOB" by being her sweet, introverted self. Her presence is enough to set the tone of "Taeng-Forest", helping it to become like a piece of home that you return to at the end of every day.

The web variety program just became a regular series, but we're certainly excited to see how TaeYeon pilots it while also providing much needed help to those in need.

Have you watched "Taeng-Forest"? What kind of advice would you want from TaeYeon?

One commonly used phrase among young people these days is, "you're doing too much". Want to learn how to say it in Korean? Keep reading!

"You're doing too much" is an informal slang phrase that means someone is trying too hard at something or overdoing something.

The Korean equivalent of "you're doing too much" can be "적당히 해" (jeokdanghi hae, informal) or "적당히 하세요" (jeokdanghi haseyo, formal).

"Jeokdanghi hae" literally means, "take it easy", "do it in moderation", or "don't overdo it".

In the latest episode of "JaeFriends" where INFINITE's Nam WooHyun appeared as a guest, host Kim JaeJoong asks if WooHyun's company officials ever tell him that he's overdoing his interaction with fans.

WooHyun said that while people at his company don't say anything, his members definitely tell him that he's doing too much.

Within such a context, even if the literal meaning of "jeokdanghi hae", or "jeokdanghi haseyo" isn't directly "you're doing too much", you can use the phrase to imply the same.

You can watch the full "JaeFriends" episode below.

To learn more fun Korean words, phrases, and slang, stay tuned to Your Korea Tutor - Kpopmap!

Among the many YouTube variety shows, Girl's Day's HyeRi's "Hyell's Club" is a heartwarming talk show between friends and special guests. Most recently, the idol-actress invited the iconic Girls' Generation's TaeYeon to chat over some good food and drinks. During their conversations, they naturally talked about work — and this is where we find the Korean word we're learning today.

습관

Seup gwan

Habit

When talking about something you regularly do, you can describe it as a 습관. For example: "늦게 먹는 것이 습관이 됐어요 (Neutge muk neun geoti seup gwan ee dwaesseo yo)". This translates to: "Eating late has become a habit".

What are some of your 습관?