Taeyeon marks 10 years as a Solo Artist, reflects on her musical journey and love for Girls' Generation members

On December 24, Taeyeon, the iconic leader of Girls' Generation, celebrated her 10th anniversary as a solo artist. During her appearance on the KBS YouTube channel 'Leemujin Service,' she shared her thoughts on her music career and her deep affection for her fellow Girls' Generation members.

Taeyeon kicked off the episode by performing 'Letter to Myself,' the title track from her latest album released in November. This performance marked the first time she had showcased the song outside of her live content clips. When asked by 'Leemujin Service,' host Lee Mu jin about the fan buzz surrounding her appearance, Taeyeon revealed that she agreed to join the show to fulfill the requests of her devoted fans. Lee Mu Jin, expressing gratitude to her fans, humorously wished them a safe winter and a happy new year.

The conversation turned to Singer Byul's song 'December 32nd', where Lee Mu Jin praised Taeyeon's unique vocal style, saying it was like sharp, precise lines crafted with a delicate touch. He also admired the "gentle yet distinctive" quality of her voice, which he believed made her music timeless and endlessly enjoyable. Taeyeon responded with a surprised expression, appreciating the fresh perspective on her vocals.

Lee Mu Jin also took a moment to congratulate Taeyeon on her remarkable achievement of 154 music show wins—34 as a solo artist and 120 with Girls' Generation—setting a record for the most wins by a female artist. Taeyeon, clearly moved by the recognition, humbly acknowledged the honor, stressing that she never took such accomplishments for granted. "I never find it boring. It keeps me motivated," she said, reflecting her ongoing passion for music.

Taeyeon also shared heartfelt sentiments about her Girls' Generation members. She expressed pride in seeing how each member has continued to shine in their individual endeavors over the years. "We have always supported each other, and none of us has ever shown anything but our best. I'm proud of every member, and I never want to be a burden to them," Taeyeon said, her affection for the group clear. When Lee Mu Jin complimented the team's longevity and success, Taeyeon jokingly responded, "We're strong, aren't we? Our members are tough," bringing laughter to the conversation.

Later, Taeyeon treated the viewers to a performance of 'Winter Tree,' a track from her 2017 winter album. Lee Mu Jin praised Taeyeon's vocal versatility, noting how effortlessly her voice blends with both grand, powerful compositions and intimate, whispered melodies.

As the episode coincided with Christmas Eve, Taeyeon also performed a stunning rendition of 'Blue Christmas' by Kelly Clarkson. Lee Mu Jin, impressed by her fresh take on the classic song, expressed a desire to hear more of this genre from Taeyeon. Taeyeon, in turn, shared her love for the genre and mentioned her interest in exploring it further in the future.

Reflecting on her 10 years as a solo artist, Taeyeon admitted to feeling a sense of both nostalgia and anticipation. "It feels like it was just yesterday when I started with 'I.' Sometimes, I wonder, 'What's next?' even as I approach the 10th anniversary," she shared. 

However, she emphasized that despite the passing of time, her passion for music remains strong. "Even though I could think about stopping now, I’m grateful that there’s still a spark in me. This anniversary isn’t about looking back; it’s about preparing for the future and staying true to my fans,"  Taeyeon said, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her craft.

In closing, Lee Mu Jin remarked on Taeyeon's youthful energy and enthusiasm, which he noted was evident in her interactions with emerging artists. The two artists then delivered a breathtaking duet of Jung Seung Hwan's 'If It Were You,' showcasing their powerful chemistry and vocal prowess.