In 2002, she made her debut in Japan as a member of Route 0, a group formed through the Japan–Korea joint audition program ASAYAN, becoming the first Korean artist to debut in Japan through this platform. As a member of Girls’ Generation, a group that reshaped the history of K-pop, she has made her mark not only in music but also across variety shows, advertising, fashion, and music videos, establishing herself as a cultural icon and playing a pioneering role in bringing K-pop to the global stage. In Japan, she achieved the highest debut album sales ever recorded by an overseas artist. She also set a record for the largest cumulative concert attendance by a Korean female artist in Japan, drawing a total of 810,000 fans—an unprecedented and overwhelming presence. She has since continued to expand her career, earning acclaim for her strong acting skills and achieving success as an actor as well. Transcending the boundaries between acting and music, she is a true “multi-entertainer,” loved by fans around the world.
​
​
​
​