SONEs were saddened early in 2012 with news that Yuri would be leaving her unnie Tiffany as an MC on MBC’s “Show! Music Core”. Production on the upcoming “Fashion King” television drama was underway at the time, and Yuri was eager to perform in her first dramatic portrayal. As “Choi Anna,” Yuri played a chic assistant for a high-profile designer, ex-girlfriend to a wealthy young entrepreneur, and target for Young-gul’s (Yoo Ah-in) romantic affections. On shoots in New York, Yuri warmed the hearts of the crew on “Fashion King”, treating them to thoughtful gifts. The rookie actress overcame many adversities with “Fashion King”, from complications with speaking English to adapting her skills as a musician to filming. With the challenges she set for herself, the director and crew could only laud Yuri’s abilities as a newcomer to drama, which garnered her a nomination in the 2012 SBS Drama Awards for her portrayal as Choi Anna.
Highlighted in 2012 was Kwon Yuri’s beauty and exceptional taste in fashion. The “Fashion King” star left fans’ mouths agape in a stunning dark blue dress by Roland Mouret during the show’s promotions. Throughout the year, Yuri could be regularly seen with items from the various Burberry lines, Vivienne Westwood, and Diane von Furstenberg. In March, Yuri was chosen to endorse Mamonde, a Korean cosmetics brand, and has since displayed her radiant skin for a variety of products. Yuri set her sights on developing an independent attitude over the course of 2012, seeing herself as “actress Kwon Yuri” rather than “Girls’ Generation’s Yuri”. Interviews for CeCi and Harper’s Bazaar magazines delved into the mind of a Yuri who is confident, humble, and excited to venture towards the unknown.
Teasers for the soon-to-be released fourth Korean album “I Got A Boy” showed Yuri in two alluring and sexy ensembles. Despite this, SONEs could never imagine that the cute, dorky image of Kkabyul is a thing of the past.
