The Best of the Best: Top 5 Dance Performances

Hello and welcome to this month's edition of "The Best of the Best", a monthly countdown of the very best of anything to do with Girls' Generation. As decided by your votes, this month's "The Best of the Best" will focus on my five favorite Girls' Generation's dance performances in nearly five years as a group. With each performance listed, I included both my reasons for selecting it as a favorite performance and a video of the dance to help you decide whether or not you agree. Don't forget to let me know in the comments what would have been in your own top five! Also, as with every month, I've created a poll for you to decide what you would like to see on next month's "The Best of the Best". This column is all about what you want to see, so be sure to vote!  Lastly, can you guess which member of Girls' Generation will be appearing the most in this month's edition? Read through my list and see if you were right! 5. Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, and Seohyun – "Sorry Sorry" and "Smooth Criminal" In 2009, Girls' Generation took on Super Junior in the popular "Star Dance Battle" program on MBC, in which members from the two groups traded their title songs for a fun dance competition. Super Junior's Leeteuk, Sungmin, Shindong, and Eunhyuk danced to Girls' Generation's "Genie" and a medley of other songs, while Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, and Seohyun performed Super Junior's "Sorry, Sorry" and Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal". Dressed in black suits, the five members delivered a flawless version of Super Junior's infamous "hand-rubbing" dance, complete with the choregraphy's kicks and complex hand movements. After donning black hats, they moved onto Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" and even included the moon walk before finishing with King of Pop's signature pose. These two dance covers together combined for an amazing show that begins my list of the very best dance performances by Girls' Generation. 4. Girls' Generation – “Jam”, "I Kissed a Girl", and "Circus" Another performance on "Star Dance Battle", this time by all nine members, wins fourth place on my countdown and featured Girls' Generation dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Jam”, Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl", and Britney Spears's "Circus". The performance began with “Jam” by Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona, who eventually left the stage as the other six members of Girls' Generation appeared for “I Kissed a Girl". Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun then danced to the introduction of "Circus", and soon were joined by all the members of the group. My favorite part of this performance then came as Hyoyeon, true to her title of the "Dancing Queen", flew to the center of the stage in the middle of the song just as the lyrics went "I'm like the ringleader. I call the shots." This enjoyable routine finished with all nine members on stage and, more than three years later, is still one of Girls' Generation's most memorable dance performances ever. 3. Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, and Yoona – SMTOWN Dance Break The dance break featured in the second SMTOWN World Tour saw members from the many groups under SM Entertainment combine for one special stage. Girls' Generation was represented by Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, and Yoona, who teamed up with f(x)'s Luna for a powerful performance that wowed fans in Seoul, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris, and New York. The video shown below was recorded in 2010, during SMTOWN in Los Angeles. Girls' Generation's part in the routine began with Hyoyeon, who first showed off her popping with Luna. The two were joined by Eunhyuk from Super Junior and Taemin from SHINee, the lead dancers of their respective groups, and Yuri, Sooyoung, and Yoona later appeared for a sexy hip-hop dance with Hyoyeon and Luna set to Pitbull's "Go Girl". Lastly, Eunhyuk, Taemin, Super Junior's Donghae and Shindong, SHINee's Minho, and f(x)'s Victoria came on stage for a grand finale with Michael Jackson's "Jam". This exciting performance thrilled hundreds of thousands of fans all over the world and also won the third spot on my countdown. 2. Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun – "Rhythm Nation" As a singing group, Girls' Generation's dance skills are often overlooked and its dancers seldom get the chance to demonstrate their talents. One of the rare opportunities to do so came during 2009's KBS Gayo Daejun, when Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun danced to Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation", a fast paced tracked matched by the quick, crispy movements of the choreography. Though only a little more than a minute long, the performance was filled with powerful, complex movements not normally seen in Girls' Generation's choreographies and was capped off by a brief but difficult solo from Hyoyeon. However, the four youngest members have no trouble keeping up with Hyoyeon for the rest of the performance and are in-sync throughout. This fun and exciting dance took second place on my list. 1. Hyoyeon – "Genie Remix" and "So Sick" Though all of Hyoyeon's many dance performances have been breathtaking and well-choreographed, none have showed off her penchant for dance like her routine for Ne-Yo's "So Sick", which unfortunately was performed only once during the Shanghai stop of Girls' Generation's 1st Asia Tour and was never broadcasted or released on DVD. Luckily, several fancams were taken during the concert, allowing fans all over the world to see what was one of Hyoyeon's most amazing performances ever, filled with powerful moves perfectly in sync with her dance partner. Unlike her dances in "Dancing with the Stars II", this performance allowed Hyoyeon to demonstrate styles of dancing in which she is comfortable and well-trained in, from the robot-like movements set to a remix of "Genie" to the smooth and flowing movements set to "So Sick".  As she breezed through the choreography and made it look easy, Hyoyeon proved to everyone why she has earned the title of "Dancing Queen" and won the top spot on my list of Girls' Generation's best dance performances.   <>   Sources: aslotuss49@YouTube.com, aslotuss37@YouTube.com, gainground@YouTube.com, aslotuss48@YouTube.com, taen9soori@YouTube.com Written by: bhost909@soshified Edited by: michaelroni@soshified Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soshified for the latest on Girls' Generation.

URL: http://soshified.com/2012/06/the-best-of-the-best-top-5-dance-performances

Jessica, Yuri, Sooyoung, and Seohyun Interviewed by '@ star1′ Magazine

On June 7th, the sounds of Girls’ Generation’s Yuri, Jessica, Sooyoung, and Seohyun’s laughter would not end in Cheongdam-dong. For the photoshoot for the July issue of “@star1″, they arrived an hour early at the hair and beauty shop, Soonsoo. Looking at the girls wearing hair rollers while getting their makeup done and chatting was just “twinkle, twinkle”. After hearing that Girls’ Generation usually likes eating yummy foods while chatting or shopping, I got an idea and decided this photoshoot’s concept would be “Girls’ Generation’s Fun Outing”. On the day of the shoot, the girls had their own individual schedules, as well as the launching event for their collaborative perfume “GiRL” with 10 Corso Como that evening, so time was not on our side. Also, there was a heat wave in Cheongdam-dong, and fans were everywhere, and we had to change the course of direction and cue sheets constantly throughout the shoot because of the crowding fans. It was an overall difficult situation that was about to make the staff’s mentality collapse. However, unlike the staff, the girls were relaxed, saying, “It’s nice being able to shoot outdoors, getting natural lighting after shooting in studios all the time.” The first cut was done in a bakery/cafe. As soon as she stepped into the bakery, Seohyun kept saying, “Oh my, it’s really nice,” and, even when nobody told her to, she started choosing pretty desserts and bread. She took a seat with Sooyoung at the Nocheon Cafe and started conversing with her. They acted so natural that you couldn’t tell if it was a photoshoot or their everyday life. Once outside the cafe, we shot photos of Sooyoung taking a walk with the Golden Retriever, “Aki”, and Bichon Frisé, “Bbyong”. “I normally like dogs, and have three dogs at home.” She looked loveable, kicking her feet, not knowing what to do, because she was so happy after seeing the dogs. Going on, we captured Yuri, Jessica, Sooyoung, and Seohyun’s natural appearances shopping while walking to and from 10 Corso Como and Tory Burch. “We couldn’t even think about it now because of our busy schedules, but we enjoy shopping in Cheongdam-dong with our members or friends when we don’t have any schedules.” Like their words, they picked out pretty clothes for one another and smelled their own “GiRL” perfume scents. They looked like real sisters having fun. In between shoots, Seohyun would be absorbed in picking books from the book corner. Yuri, who said, “I usually like reading and listening to music at cafes,” enjoyed the peaceful sunlight at Noncheon Cafe. Known for her exceptional aesthetic senses, Jessica looked like she realized that time was flying because she was busy viewing drawings in the opera gallery. Despite the photoshoot starting in the morning along with the hot weather, we were able to complete the shoot thanks to the girls not frowning once but acting professional by smiling from start to finish. Girls’ Generation’s Yuri, Jessica, Sooyoung, and Seohyun’s hearts are just as pretty as their loveable faces. I want to take this spot to sincerely thank the girls. At times like a child, at times like a girl Q. The youngest, Seohyun, recently completed her activities as one of Girls’ Generation’s three-member unit group, TaeTiSeo. I think it would have been a lot different from when you were nine. A. While it was the three of us in a unit, it was just as fun as promotions with all nine. Time passed really fast, and I was sad our activities were over. It was a burden at first. Because it went from nine members to three, the burden that came with the responsibilities we each had was no joke. However as time went by, I fell for the charms of unit promotions. It was a good opportunity for me to learn stage manners and other things. Q. Watching TTS’s promotions, personally, Seohyun’s “aegyo mole” is what I remember most. A. (laughs) I didn’t expect that to gain so much interest. It’s not really an aegyo mole, but I did it to give a twinkling appearance, but I think it looked like a mole to others. I’m glad a different feeling was delivered even when it wasn’t intended. Q. Yuri received attention through her recent drama, “Fashion King”. It was actually your first take on acting, so how was it? A. It was really hard and tiring. But, it was even more fun. It made me want to continue acting, but that doesn’t mean that I’ve lost my will as a singer. I watched TaeTiSeo’s performance on the [drama] set, and I was moving my body without even realizing it. I can’t help that I’m [a member of] Girls’ Generation. (laughs) When I’m active as a singer, I want to act, and when I’m acting, I miss the stage. Q. What was the most intersting thing once the drama ended? A. A lot of older women and men recognize me. It’s the first time they’ve treated me so pleasantly. It was different from when I’m a Girls’ Generation member. It was a different feeling. They recognize me wherever I go and love me. It makes me feel strange, but I’m still happy and like it. I think it’s the power of dramas. Q. How was Yuri’s acting in your opinion, Seohyun? Appraise it honestly. A. (Yuri, nervous, looked at Seohyun’s eyes from the side.) I was an avid watcher of “Fashion King”. She acted really well, making it hard to believe that it was her first time acting. My parents became bigger fans of her after watching her act. Not only Yuri unnie, but it’s fun and interesting watching the other unnies acting. It makes me think, “Should I try acting?” as well. Q. I think Yuri gets prettier everyday. What kind of image do you want to grow into? A. I got prettier? That’s impossible. I think I was prettier when I was younger. (All the staff members fussed, saying “No.”) There are times when I want to go back to when we debuted. (laughs) Right now, instead of hearing people say that I’m “pretty”, I want to hear “Yuri has her own color.” Instead of a pretty person, a person with a scent, doesn’t that sound really good? Q. Sooyoung has become the MC of “Midnight TV Entertainment”. A. I recently finished my first broadcast, but I was really nervous because it’s live. I guess I lost all my energy once the show as over? That’s what it felt like. But, as much as I was nervous, it was really fun and amazing. Q. Sooyoung was also cast in the drama, “The Third Hospital”, and is busy filming… A. As it’s my first time acting in a long time, it’s really fun. I went around auditioning to act before debuting as a singer, so I have big dreams when it comes to acting. My importance has gotten larger than before… My responsibilities are no joke, either. Q. Listening to Sooyoung’s answer, it seems like you’ve gotten more mature. A. (laughs) Does it? Hearing that… Feels nice. (laughs) Still, I think the size of my heart has gotten bigger than when I was younger. Because I experienced many things after debuting, I think I look at things in a wider light. I think I was a bit foolish when I was little. I don’t think I knew how to accept and act with all the responsibilities and things that were dropped onto me at a young age. Now, I think I’ve matured a bit in that aspect. I want to become a more professional person with a sense of responsibility. Q. Yuri, Yoona, and Jessica have been going forth as actresses. In your opinion, Sooyoung, aren’t you worried about being compared to your fellow members? A. Yuri and Jessica made their acting debuts through recent dramas. I think they did unbelievably well despite it being their first time acting. I think I can learn the good things [from them] and find my own individual personality. Being compared with someone else will only cause a burden, and I don’t think it’d help any. Q. How is the summer for “Ice Princess” Jessica? A. To be honest, I’m afraid of the summer. I’m scared physically and am already worried about how I’ll get through this hot summer. I’ve always liked ice cream and patbingsoo (shaved ice), so I think I’ll have to get through this summer with these foods. (laughs) I haven’t been able to make any special summer plans. Because we start promotions in Japan soon, I want to focus on that. I want to greet fans and the cool summer with good results. Q. You’ve been enjoying a sweet vacation after your drama, “Wild Romance”. A. I’m resting for a moment. I think of myself recharging. I’ve been taking this time, before promotions resume, to do things that I’ve pushed off, meet people I haven’t been able to, and reflect on my work and myself. I’ve been straightening things out seriously. Q. After you, Jessica, many members have been appearing in dramas. A. There have been a lot of individual schedules, and I’m cheering them on. Plus, I’m happy they’re all doing well. Members being able to show off their own personalitites in whatever area of work, I think that is Girls’ Generation’s strength. I, too, want to experience all other areas of work. I think then I will be able to find Jessica’s individual color and create my own personality. Q. I feel like there have been a lot of individual activities these days. A. There have been a lot of instances of individual activities. Still, that doesn’t mean we aren’t Girls’ Generation, does it? For us, whether it’s just one member that’s active, or all nine, it’s all being done by Girls’ Generation. Everyone’s been waiting for a performance with all nine of us for a long time, so we are planning on getting on stage after preparing thoroughly. Source: @star1 magazine Scans by: Zeebra & Limeade Translated by: ch0sshi@soshified Edited by: nicholys@soshified, MoonSoshi9@soshified Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soshified for the latest on Girls' Generation.

URL: http://soshified.com/2012/06/jessica-yuri-sooyoung-and-seohyun-interviewed-by-star1-magazine

Girls' Generation Wins 2012 MTV Video Music Awards Japan's 'Best Album of the Year'

Girls’ Generation’s self-titled and debut Japanese album, “Girls’ Generation”, has won “Best Album of the Year” at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards Japan, which awards artists for their music and videos through online voting. Other nominees for “Best Album of the Year” included international superstars Lady Gaga and Coldplay, fellow Korean girl group Kara, and popular Japanese singer JUJU. Earlier this year, “Girls’ Generation” was also awarded with the “Best Album of Asia” at the 26th Japan Gold Disc Awards, showing the album’s continuing success. Released in June of 2011, “Girls’ Generation” was well-received both in Japan and worldwide, breaking several different records. The album sold 232,000 copies in its first week and remained in the Oricon chart’s top ten albums list for seventeen weeks, both records for foreign artists. The album continues to sell thousands of copies each week with 209,679 copies sold in the first half of 2012 and has been certified “Million” by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for having reached a shipment total of one million copies. Source: GyaO! Written by: bhost909@soshified Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soshified for the latest on Girls' Generation.

URL: http://soshified.com/2012/06/girls-generation-wins-2012-mtv-video-music-awards-japans-best-album-of-the-year

The Cucumber – Sixteenth Edition

Disclaimer: The story you are reading is NOT true. Do NOT take it seriously. This article is purely for laughs, nothing more.   Sudden Spike in Demand for Pink Dishwashing Gloves Hits Japan   Japanese kitchen product manufacturers are struggling to explain a sudden increase in demand for pink dishwashing gloves. According to sales figures, pink gloves have been flying off the shelves at such a rapid pace that retailers are unable to restock them fast enough to meet demand. The CEO of a major Japanese company which produces dishwashing gloves was quoted as saying, “It’s completely baffling to us. Only the pink gloves have been selling like this. We’ve had to adjust production schedules and set our assembly line to make 99% pink gloves and only 1% other colors.” Convenience store owners have also been feeling the effects of the increased demand for pink gloves. One convenience store owner said, “Nearly everybody who walks in to my store has been asking me if I have any pink dishwashing gloves. I tried ordering more gloves from the manufacturers, but they told me everybody in the country has been asking them for larger shipments, so they’re having a difficult time keeping up.” In semi-related news, fashion experts in Japan have noticed an increase in the number of people who are wearing pink dishwashing gloves to parties and nightlife events. Completely unrelated Girls’ Generation picture.  Disclaimer: The story you are reading is NOT true. Do NOT take it seriously. This article is purely for laughs, nothing more.   Missed out on previous Cucumber articles? You can check them out here! Image Credit: Soshified Photos Section Written by: michaelroni@soshified Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soshified for the latest on Girls' Generation.

URL: http://soshified.com/2012/06/the-cucumber-sixteenth-edition-2

Girls' Generation Performs 'PAPARAZZI' on 'Music Station' and Releases 'GOLD' Version of 'PAPARAZZI' Music Video

On June 22nd, Girls’ Generation performed “PAPARAZZI” live for the first time on TV Asahi’s “Music Station”. Dressed in the black and white outfits with pink gloves from the music video, the nine members delivered a flawless performance of the fast-paced and complex choreography. Before their performance, “Music Station” aired an introduction showing Girls’ Generation’s recent activities, including their release of “The Boys” and their participation in “SMTOWN Live World Tour III”. Girls’ Generation then took part in a talk segment in which Sooyoung spoke in Japanese and mentioned that the members of Girls’ Generation have been waiting and looking forward to once again meeting their Japanese fans. Taeyeon, who spoke in Korean, discussed the camera pose in the song’s choreography and said that each girl gave the dance her own flavor. Finally, Yoona spoke in Japanese and said that the members were nervous because it was their first time performing the single. After their performance, Girls’ Generation also left their autographs in thanks to “Music Station”. In addition, Girls’ Generation has released the “GOLD” version of the “PAPARAZZI” music video, the third of five music videos for their latest single. This version of the music video features the members in the black and white outfits and pink gloves seen in the previous music videos and on “Music Station”. Download Girls’ Generation’s performance on “Music Station” in Soshified’s Video Downloads Section and check out the “GOLD” version of the “PAPARAZZI” music video below. Source: SMTOWN@YouTube.com, TV Asahi Written by: bhost909@soshified Contributor: SeraphKY@soshified Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soshified for the latest on Girls' Generation.

URL: http://soshified.com/2012/06/girls-generation-performs-paparazzi-on-music-station-and-releases-gold-version-of-paparazzi-music-video

On My Mind: Sooyoung Discusses Fashion, Beauty, Music, Food, and More in 'InStyle' Magazine

Sooyoung was recently featured in the June issue of “InStyle” Magazine in a segment called “On My Mind”. She gave her thoughts on fashion, beauty, music, food, and much more. The idol of the world, Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung. The music and foods she’s been into lately. And she’s revealing her beauty secrets. “I think the most important thing in fashion is underwear. No matter how cool or expensive your clothes are, you have to wear proper underwear for that item to shine.” My Bestseller… (Translator’s note: this is referring to the best book Sooyoung has read.) “It’s my favorite of all the youth novels I have read (Translator’s note: Sooyoung is referring to the book “From Somewhere Afar the Phone Keeps Ringing for Me”, by Shin Kyungsook). People who are starting their 20′s should read it. It’s a work that really expresses what growing up is like.” My best red carpet look in my lifetime… “My white and black look during last year’s ‘Style Icon Awards’. While it can be seen as a common look, it has a refined touch, and it lingers in my memories more then the fancy dresses I wore at other awards ceremonies.” The song I’m listening to on my iPod… “I’m repeating American singer Demi Lovato’s songs the most. Even though she’s young and she’s an idol, her music is very mature and there’s lots to learn from her.” A place I want to go for holiday one day… “Instead of a modern and city feeling, I like places that have an antique and vintage feel, especially Switzerland, which makes a beautiful harmony with its nature and buildings.” What I want to obtain the most… “I fell in love with cooking, especially making cupcakes. So I want a mixer that can blend the butter (laugh).” A beauty item always used before sleeping… “Elasticity and moisture are the things to pay most attention to when it comes to skin care. So that is why I usually use face mask packs before I go to bed. Ah! Recently, I started looking after my hands and moisturize them as much as my face.” The food that I want to eat the most right now… “Cheongdam-dong ‘Siori”s (Translator’s note: an oyster house) oysters. Usually I couldn’t eat a lot of oysters, but I fell in love with them after eating that place’s fresh oysters. After squeezing lemons on the oysters and dipping it into the refreshing sauce, it’s really the best!” Sources: bestiz, Withsosi Translated by: jyhwang@soshified, minigiglo@soshified, ch0sshi@soshified Edited by: bhost909@soshifiedm, MoonSoshi9@soshified Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soshified for the latest on Girls' Generation.

URL: http://soshified.com/2012/06/on-my-mind-sooyoung-discusses-fashion-beauty-music-food-and-more-in-instyle-magazine

Girls' Generation – TTS's 'Twinkle' Ranks First on Gaon's Monthly Album Chart

Gaon recently released the sales chart numbers for the month of May, and Girls’ Generation – TTS’s “Twinkle” secured the number one spot for both physical album sales and digital. The first Girls’ Generation subunit had an impressive debut album which sold 139,388 physical copies during the month of May. The subunit consisting of Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun focused more on vocals rather than complex dance choreography and were able to show a different side of Girls’ Generation. The strong stages put forth by Girls’ Generation – TTS led to twelve victories across the various music shows. Girls’ Generation – TTS remained in the spotlight even while they were off stage, as they made numerous appearances on other programs and in various publications. Some of the notable events for Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun during their promotional period as Girls’ Generation – TTS included an conversation with DJ Isak on her radio show “K-Poppin”, a photoshoot with “K-wave” magazine, and a lengthy interview with “Elle Girl” magazine. For all of the content related to Girls’ Generation – TTS, enter the “Girls’ Generation-TTS” tag into the search bar on Soshified’s homepage. Soshified’s review of the “Twinkle” album is also available here. Source: Gaon Written by: michaelroni@soshified Have a news item that you think Soshified should know about? Leave us a tip or e-mail us at tip@soshified.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/soshified for the latest on Girls' Generation.

URL: http://soshified.com/2012/06/girls-generation-ttss-twinkle-ranks-first-on-gaons-monthly-album-chart