Despite the lack of promotional activities in Korea in 2012, Sooyoung has still managed to make a buzz in the industry with her constant appearances. Aside from being the first endorser of LLang, as well as being featured in notable magazines such as “High Cut” and “Singles”, this year marks Sooyoung’s breakthrough in several other areas. Tackling the role of Lee Euijin, Sooyoung transformed into a violist full of aegyo for Korea’s first advanced medical drama, “The 3rd Hospital”. Not only that, she has also teamed up with Yoon Dohyun to MC “Midnight TV Entertainment” live every Wednesday, in which she earned praises for her undying energy (one notable episode was when she dressed up as a rocker in order to fulfill a promise to the viewers). In the midst of her individual activities, Sooyoung never forgets to support her fellow members. Earlier this year, she danced to “OMG” for one of Girls’ Generation – TTS’s goodbye stages. She also never fails to splice in support messages when she greets SONEs through UFO replies, official website messages, and the Japanese mobile fansite. In an interview, she states that a lot of things are possible “because we are Girls’ Generation” and that she is entirely grateful to be in a “‘dream car’ with eight others.”
Sooyoung is not Sooyoung without her big and humble heart. Her most notable charity activity this year would be her involvement in the Korean Retinitis Pigmentosa Society (KRPS), which is headed by her father, Choi Jeong-nam. Along with three other members, she was appointed as an ambassador of KRPS. Sooyoung’s kind acts spark numerous acts from others, such as charity work from Korean fans in celebration of her birthday. Another vivid example would be Soshified’s donation drive for Girls’ Generation’s fifth anniversary project, which resulted in $15,103 being raised in a time span of two months. Other small acts of kindness include her regular visits to Park Seungil, an ex-basketball coach with Lou Gehrig’s disease, and support for the people around her, such as her wreath in commemoration of her sister Soojin’s musical. As a responsible Korean citizen, Sooyoung has attended several general elections and encourages the public to do so as well. When not on stage, this dog-lover regularly wakes up early for school to fulfill her duties as a student in Chung-Ang University. It has been reported that she has attended midterms and submits reports on time. She has also said that she recently developed a new-found love for cooking (she made a cake to support Hyoyeon for her achievement in “Dancing with the Stars II”) and that she craves oysters from an oyster house in Cheongdam-dong.
Choi Sooyoung is indeed a person who has a strong determination and a big heart to complete the package. She has achieved all this in one of her “quieter” years as a Girls’ Generation member. In accordance with her wishes, we hope that she continues to grow more in the years to come.
