Girls’ Generation Members Playfully Clash Over Sub-Unit Endorsement Support

Girls’ Generation's Hyoyeon recently lobbied fellow member Yoona for a public endorsement of her sub-unit configuration, "Hyolisu," during a playful competition. Despite Hyoyeon's persistent efforts and humorous warnings, Yoona declined to take sides to avoid disappointing members Yuri and Sooyoung.

Key Facts

• On April 22, the YouTube channel "Hyoyeon's Level Up" released EP.18 titled "Yoona, whose side are you on? Will you support Hyo-Ri-Soo? Or get a nudge on the head?".
• Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung are competing for the center and main vocal positions of a three-member unit. The group names—"Hyolisu," "Yulisuhyo," and "Sooryuhyo"—change based on which member takes the lead.
• Trailing in social media likes, Hyoyeon visited Yoona at a cosmetic brand event to request public support for "Hyolisu."
• During the encounter, Hyoyeon jokingly warned Yoona against contacting Yuri, calling the competition a "sensitive time."
• Yoona teased Hyoyeon’s verbal slip regarding a "ji-ji (endorsement) declaration" by singing the hit song "Gee," prompting Hyoyeon to joke that Yoona "needs to be hit with a bat."
• When interviewed by the production team, Yoona officially declined to offer public support, stating that Yuri and Sooyoung would be disappointed.
• Hyoyeon continued the pressure on social media, jokingly asking Yoona if she preferred her over the other two members.

Key Terms

• Hyolisu: A portmanteau for a sub-unit of Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung, positioning Hyoyeon as the main vocal or center.
• Ji-ji-ji: A pun on Hyoyeon’s verbal slip regarding "public endorsement" (ji-ji), which mimics the chorus of Girls’ Generation’s "Gee."

Key Quote

"Please be careful during this period. It is a sensitive time." — Hyoyeon