Choi Soo-young, South Korean singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer

Choi Soo-young (Korean: 최수영; born February 10, 1990), globally recognized by her mononym Sooyoung, is a distinguished South Korean multi-hyphenate artist. Her illustrious career encompasses roles as a highly celebrated singer, a versatile actress, and a talented songwriter. From her early beginnings in a transnational duo to her monumental success with Girls' Generation and her thriving acting career, Sooyoung has cemented her status as a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment landscape.

Sooyoung’s journey in the entertainment industry commenced in 2002. At a remarkably young age, she ventured into the Japanese music scene as a member of the short-lived Korean-Japanese singing duo, Route 0. This duo was formed through the widely popular Japanese TV audition program "Asayan," which served as a significant launchpad for many aspiring artists. Route 0 released two singles, "Start" and "Waku Waku It's Love," during its brief but formative existence in Japan, providing Sooyoung with invaluable early exposure to performing and recording.

Following her activities with Route 0, Sooyoung returned to South Korea in 2004 to train under SM Entertainment, one of the nation's leading entertainment agencies. Her dedication and talent culminated in her debut in 2007 as a member of the iconic girl group, Girls' Generation. Affectionately known as "The Nation's Girl Group," Girls' Generation rapidly ascended to become one of South Korea's best-selling artists and a global phenomenon. Their innovative music, synchronized choreography, and charismatic performances propelled the Hallyu (Korean Wave) movement worldwide, making them one of the most popular K-pop girl groups across the globe. Sooyoung, as a lead dancer, vocalist, and visual, played a crucial role in the group's unparalleled success, contributing to their numerous chart-topping hits and groundbreaking achievements.

Beyond her remarkable musical endeavors, Sooyoung has forged an equally impressive career as an actress, showcasing her considerable dramatic range and versatility. Her acting portfolio spans various highly acclaimed television dramas, where she has captivated audiences with her nuanced performances. Some of her notable roles include:

• The Third Hospital (2012): Marking one of her earlier significant acting roles.
• Dating Agency: Cyrano (2013): A romantic comedy where she showcased her charming on-screen presence.
• My Spring Days (2014): This drama earned her critical acclaim and recognition, including the prestigious "Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries" at the 2014 MBC Drama Awards, solidifying her standing as a serious actress.
• Squad 38 (2016): A popular OCN crime drama that highlighted her ability to handle more intense roles.
• Man in the Kitchen (2017–2018): A lengthy weekend drama that further demonstrated her leading lady potential.
• Tell Me What You Saw (2020): A suspenseful thriller where she tackled a complex character.
• Run On (2021): A well-received romance drama.
• So I Married the Anti-fan (2021): A webtoon-adapted romantic comedy.

In addition to her television work, Sooyoung also made her film debut in "Memories of a Dead End" (2019), further expanding her acting repertoire.

In October 2017, a pivotal moment in Sooyoung's career occurred when she made the decision to leave SM Entertainment following the expiration of her contract. This move allowed her to pursue individual acting opportunities with greater focus and autonomy, while importantly, she unequivocally remained a cherished member of Girls' Generation. She subsequently joined Echo Global Group, an agency specializing in managing actors, a clear indication of her sharpened focus on acting. Under this new agency, she released her much-anticipated first solo digital single, "Winter Breath," in 2018, allowing fans to experience her unique musical color as an individual artist. Demonstrating her commitment to her acting craft and seeking further specialized management, Sooyoung transitioned to Saram Entertainment in 2019, a prominent South Korean acting agency known for its roster of esteemed actors, where she continues to build her extensive and diverse acting career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sooyoung

Is Sooyoung still a member of Girls' Generation?

Yes, despite her departure from SM Entertainment in 2017 to focus on her individual career, Sooyoung has consistently affirmed her unwavering membership in Girls' Generation. The group members maintain a strong bond and frequently reunite for various activities, showcasing their enduring sisterhood.

What are some of Sooyoung's most recognized acting roles?

Sooyoung has starred in numerous popular K-dramas. Her breakthrough role in "My Spring Days" (2014) earned her an MBC Drama Award. Other highly regarded performances can be seen in "Squad 38" (2016), "Tell Me What You Saw" (2020), "Run On" (2021), and "So I Married the Anti-fan" (2021), demonstrating her versatility across various genres.

When did Sooyoung debut as a solo musical artist?

Sooyoung officially debuted as a solo musical artist in 2018 with the release of her digital single "Winter Breath." This marked her first official solo music release after her departure from SM Entertainment, offering fans a glimpse into her individual artistic expression.

What was Route 0, and what was Sooyoung's role in it?

Route 0 was a short-lived Korean-Japanese singing duo formed in 2002 through the Japanese TV audition program "Asayan." Sooyoung was one half of this duo, releasing two singles, "Start" and "Waku Waku It's Love," during her time with the group. This experience provided her initial foray into the music industry before her debut with Girls' Generation.