The Surprising Path of Soy: From Aspiring S.E.S Member to Indie Band Leader

From a Diplomat’s Daughter to a Music Innovator: The Journey of Soy

Soy’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations due to her father’s diplomatic career. This constant movement instilled in her a profound sense of loneliness, as she often felt she did not belong anywhere. “Music became my only comfort during those times,” she reflected, highlighting how it served as her solace amidst the upheaval.

A Serendipitous Entry into Broadcasting

Ironically, Soy’s entrance into the broadcasting world was fueled by a series of unexpected events. Her passion for music often led her to a local department store where she would watch MTV. It was during one of these visits that her mother encouraged her to audition for a VJ position at MTV Korea.

Following her mother’s suggestion, Soy auditioned and briefly stepped onto the stage in 1994. However, her burgeoning broadcasting career faced an unexpected pause when her family relocated to Los Angeles due to her father’s new assignment.

A Chance Encounter with Industry Innovators

In Los Angeles, an unexpected encounter unfolded. Lee Soo Man, the founder of SM Entertainment, and producer Yoo Young Jin visited Soy’s home to meet her sister, who had gained some attention from her appearance on the radio show “Starry Night.” Unfortunately, the shyness of her sister led to a missed opportunity; however, Lee Soo Man was captivated by Soy and recognized her potential. He had plans to cast her for a newly forming girl group, which would eventually evolve into the iconic S.E.S. at a time when group lineups were still being finalized.

Navigating Education and Ambition

As Soy began her preparations for joining S.E.S., she was filled with curiosity about the music industry. Despite this interest, she remained cognizant of her academic responsibilities. She candidly admitted, “I didn’t plan to debut as a singer. I joined out of curiosity, but it was too challenging to balance with college entrance studies.”

Ultimately, after a month of training with S.E.S., she prioritized her education and enrolled at Korea University, focusing on Chinese Language and Literature. Nevertheless, the allure of the entertainment industry proved too strong to resist, leading her to audition successfully for T.T.Ma.

Establishing Her Own Musical Identity

After spending two years with T.T.Ma, Soy felt that the group’s public persona did not resonate with her artistic vision, prompting her to depart. In 2007, she took a bold step by founding the indie band Raspberry Field, marking a significant turn in her musical career. Recently, in June of this year, the band released new music, further emphasizing Soy’s commitment to her independent artistic expression.

For more details on Soy’s incredible journey, visit Daum.

Source & Images: KBizoom