She’s first-generation “fairy idol”, but MZ-generation netizens only know her as an actress
In the 1990s, the history of Korean idols began with the emergence of groups such as Seo Taiji and Boys, H.O.T. and SECHSKIES.
In 2022, people are still enthusiastic about idols. Many idols have been born so far, and now fourth-generation idols are active in all directions.
In the meantime, recently, netizens’ reactions about a first-generation female idol member on online communities are mixed.
It is because some people remember her as the “original fairy”, but others only know her as an “actress“.
She is Eugene, who was greatly loved thanks to the series “The Penthouse: War in Life“.
It is perhaps natural that MZ-generation netizens, who were not born yet or were too young when first-generation idols were active, do not know Eugene’s past.
However, all netizens who knew Eugene responded that they were surprised.
This is because she was a top idol who dominated the idol world in the 2000s with her outstanding visuals and skills.
At that time, Eugene was the dream of many men and the role model of many women like visual centers such as Girls’ Generation Yoona and IVE Jang Won-young now.
Eugene debuted on Nov 28th, 1997 as a member of S.E.S., the first girl group produced by SM Entertainment. It was the first appearance of first-generation female idols.
Girl groups did not receive much attention at that time, but the game changed with the appearance of S.E.S..
They caused a sensation in the music industry with their innocent looks, hip fashion and sophisticated music.
They became known as H.O.T.’s younger sister group even before their debut, then formed a huge fandom and hit the jackpot with every album they released.
At that time, idol fans were enthusiastic about male idols, but S.E.S.’s stages were different.
Numerous fans cheered, chanted the members’ names and sang along to their songs.
That’s how S.E.S. earned the title “fairy of the music industry”.
Eugene was the visual center among them. When she first appeared, people experienced visual shock when they saw her impeccable appearance, including wide forehead, big eyes, high nose and sharp jawline.
She was nicknamed “Korea’s Olivia Hussey” and “Goddess of Beauty” for her unrealistic side line.
In 2003, she made her solo debut and received a lot of love.
In 2002, Eugene started acting through KBS2’s drama “Loving You”.
Although it was her sixth year since debut, Eugene, who became a rookie actress, stood out with her acting skills that were not awkward.
Afterwards, she showed outstanding acting skills in numerous works such as “Save the Last Dance for Me”, “Wonderful Life”, “King of Baking, Kim Takgu” and “A Hundred Year Legacy”.
In particular, her impressive acting skills began to draw attention as she played Oh Yoon-hee in SBS’ drama “The Penthouse: War in Life”, which captivated the small screen from 2020 to 2021.
In “The Penthouse: War in Life”, which was full of extreme elements, there were many difficult scenes that required acting skills, but Eugene perfectly digested them and received rave reviews from the public.
MZ-generation netizens responded that they had no idea, such as “Eugene was an idol?”, “Isn’t she an actress?”, “Oh Yoon-hee was a girl group member…” and “I only know she’s Ro-hee’s mother.“
On the other hand, netizens who watched her growth were surprised by young netizens’ responses, saying, “How can you not know?”, “She was a real idol legend” and “She was the best idol in my life.”
Meanwhile, Eugene will appear on MBN’s new entertainment show “Hi Bye”, which is scheduled to premiere on Oct 31st.
Source: insight
