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?

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?

The K-Pop idol industry is very complex and difficult. Many idols will train their whole lives to reach their dreams of being on stage. Many idols have big dreams and they do anything they can to achieve their dream of making it big. Success is never guaranteed for K-Pop idols and very few will be able to make it far into the future.

As you can see, the idol industry is very demanding and extremely hard. From unfair systems, fans who overstep boundaries, and unfair companies, idols have to deal with many grueling tasks at times. However, many idols acknowledge the K-Pop idol industry and aren't afraid to call it out. Here are 6 times K-Pop idols and singers called out the unfairness of the industry and society.

1. BIGBANG's G-Dragon "MAMA 2014"

During the "2014 MAMA Awards", BIGBANG's G-Dragon pulled off a performance that shocked many fans and called out the wickedness of the K-Pop industry. In his opening rap, the idol rapper raps in a sarcastic, playful tone about how award shows are being pushovers, allowing anyone and everyone to gain an award even if they don't deserve it. He even took to social media and posted the lyrics to his rap so fans could further read his thoughts. There are certain instances in the industry where people try to cheat or lie for awards and G-Dragon took it upon himself to call out the unfair system in awarding idols.

2. BTS's Discography

BTS's discography has many different songs that address numerous issues in the K-Pop idol industry such as obsessive fans, unfair treatment, and unwarranted hate. For example, the group's song 'Cypher Pt.4' talks about the unfair treatment and imitations in the idol industry that they faced. Much like BTS, many idols are treated badly in the industry simply because their songs are not charting or they are from a small company, something that BTS claims is extremely unfair if they are willing to work hard. Their song 'Pied Piper' is a bit interesting and ironic. The song addresses fan culture in the industry and how idols are hypnotizing their fans. Even though the idols acknowledge their fans spend too much time and energy on them, they still sing to the fans about continuing to follow them. This could be a message on how devoted fans can be to their favorite idols to the point of unhealthiness.

3. LE SSERAFIM's HuH YunJin 'I ≠ DOLL'

LE SSERAFIM's Huh YunJin shared her self-produced song 'I ≠ DOLL' which expressed her feelings on appearance, a main topic in the K-Pop idol industry. The song talks about how people fail to see other's values and true nature because they like to judge them based on their looks. Appearance is important in the K-Pop idol industry and many idols have been on the bad end of criticism when it comes to their appearance. Huh Yunjin's song expresses the struggles of this and seeing people as who they are on the inside and not just for their looks.

4. (G)I-DLE 'Nxde'

(G)I-DLE have never been afraid to point out the issues in the idol industry, especially when it comes to young women. A song in particular by them that stood out was 'Nxde'. This jazzy title track by the popular girl group talks about how women are objectified and how you should show your true bare self, no matter what others think. Being loved for a fake image is not what the girls want, they want to be their true, authentic, "nude" self. Many idols have to put on a fake act in the industry to please others but (G)I-DLE don't want to hide behind a mask.

5. Girls' Generation's TaeYeon Protects Red Velvet

Girls' Generation's TaeYeon protected Red Velvet's SeulGi and Wendy and subtly called out the harshness of idol diets. In her YouTube video, TaeYeon takes the two girls out for ice cream. The girls seemed nervous and soon started nervously laughing, stating that their manager was watching them very closely when eating ice cream. TaeYeon scolded the manager and told them that eating ice cream for one day would not harm the girls, stating that they felt uncomfortable because of the staring. K-Pop idols sometimes undergo harsh training and strict diets and it was very brave of TaeYeon to stand up for the girls. She knows how harsh the industry can be when it comes to small things like eating a little ice cream for one day.

6. IU's 'BBIBBI'

South Korea's little sister took it upon herself to call out the hatefulness of many so-called "fans". IU's song 'BBIBBI' was a different style from the artist and the message was powerful. Imitating the sound of a beeper to leave a message, the song discusses negative commentary from people and even fans. People will say harsh words to idols without even realizing the consequences of their actions. Idols can be affected by these words and many have stated their sadness at hate comments online. IU calls out negative comments stating that people always love to cross the line but they need to just mind their business. In the K-Pop world where many people criticize others, 'BBIBBI' was a refreshing reminder that if you have nothing nice to say, simply don't say it.