DJ Hyo of Girls’ Generation, now operates behind a turntable.

Where do you go after having been a part of one of the most popular and successful K-pop groups of all time? That’s the question facing DJ Hyo, real name Kim Hyo-yeon but better known simply as Hyoyeon.

Formerly the main dancer for bestselling Korean group Girls’ Generation, when the idol outfit went on effective hiatus in October 2017, many wondered what would come next for the remaining members? How do you successfully follow-up being part of an award-winning ensemble estimated to have sold several million records?

Some seven months later, fans got their answer when SM Entertainment announced Hyoyeon was returning to music, this time as a DJ. Although a significant change of direction for the 29-year-old, her work behind the turntables has been receiving positive reviews and the one-time idol has been playing some of Asia’s biggest clubs and EDM festivals since making the switch.

Switching from being part of a girl group to a solo artist must have been quite a change. What has been the hardest part of that shift?

When I was working in Girls’ Generation, there was a part of me that tended to depend on the other group members. As I started to perform solo, there was a lot of pressure and responsibility I had to get through alone. But this endeavor provided me with greater feelings of accomplishment.

What made you want to become a DJ in the first place?

I started to become more interested in various genres of music as I danced. I began listening to EDM music while I was performing in Girls’ Generation and I started to imagine myself being on the DJ stand, playing my music to the audience.

And what have the girls in GG said about your DJ work? What encouragement have you received from them?

GG members encouraged me and further motivated me to perform as a DJ. They told me I’ve a great talent and a different individuality as a DJ, and that I show an attractive character when I play my own music.

What kind of preparation do you usually do before a DJ performance?

I envision the separate parts of the show as one entity, not separately. Music, make-up, styling and stage concepts are all one entire factor of consideration. I also take the show venue, audience preferences and staff’s comments and advice into consideration.

You have recently released Punk Right Now in English. Are you planning to take your live sets to English-speaking countries then?

Punk Right Now is a song I collaborated on with 3LAU. I hope there’s a chance 3LAU and I can perform together in LA where he usually performs. He and I have talked and hope to meet on a tour if there’s a chance. I’m still waiting for the day that I can introduce myself as a DJ to English-speaking countries.

How was it working with [Dutch-Turkish DJ and producer] Ummet Ozcan for your song Sober?

Ummet Ozcan is a great artist I can learn a lot from. He has a great musical talent and sense. I first met him at a music festival and he asked me to perform with him when he visited Korea. Then we worked together on Sober, the first song I released as a DJ. More recently, I met him at a music festival called Music Circus and we talked a lot. He’s a phenomenal artist.

Did these established artists give you any advice on DJ-ing?

They told me that every cloud has a silver lining. Working hard is what every artist must do: constantly listening to and searching for songs, endeavouring to fit the songs to the set list. They advised me that DJs must have a specific character and individuality in their music, and be physically ready for various tours and shows.

Are there any other artists you’d love to collaborate with?

If the opportunities arise, I hope to collaborate with many artists from many genres to help broaden my musical spectrum.

What are your plans for the rest of this year?

My new single, Badster, was released on July 20. There are Korean and English versions of the song for a broader audience. It’s psytrance music with an impactful drop that transitions into hairstyle in the latter part of the song. It’s a very enjoyable track with many attractive points. I plan to perform at Spectrum Dance Music Festival in Seoul in September and then many more shows after that.