Girls' Generation's Sooyoung Reveals 'Secret' to Befriending Staff: It Involves a Swear Word (But There's a Deeper Reason)

Girls' Generation member and actress Choi Soo-young has become a hot topic after revealing her unique method for getting closer to staff members: intentionally using swear words. However, this anecdote is more than just a humorous moment; it stems from her long-standing concerns and a genuine desire to foster a stronger sense of community on set.

In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel 'Salon Drip 2,' Choi Soo-young shared that she deliberately used rough language to break the ice with staff. "I observed senior actors I'd worked with interacting very casually with the crew, and I concluded that using some swear words was necessary to achieve that level of closeness," she explained.

This approach was born from repeated experiences of being misunderstood due to her image. "I'm often told I'm surprisingly down-to-earth, and that feels like a compliment," she admitted. Her image as an idol, always poised and speaking calmly, unintentionally created a sense of distance with staff on set. "No matter how much I try to show my true self, people don't believe it," she lamented.

The turning point came when watching making-of videos. "In my mind, I thought I was greeting them warmly, but in the footage, I'd have my arms crossed," she recalled. It was a moment of objective realization that her efforts weren't perceived the way she intended. This led her to ponder, "What more do I need to do to avoid making people uncomfortable around me?"

She found the answer in the behavior of senior actors. "I saw senior actors speaking casually, and the crew laughing along, and the walls just came down," she said. Ultimately, she approached a junior lighting technician and said, "Hey, XX, it must be tough, right?" She explained that from that moment, the temperature of their relationship changed, staff opened up, and the atmosphere on set became much smoother.

While the title 'idol-turned-actress' can be an advantage, it can also lead to preconceived notions on set. Choi Soo-young's 'swear word' strategy wasn't about being rude, but about conveying a proactive attitude and a willingness to connect.

Netizens reacted positively to Choi Soo-young's candid and practical approach to interacting with staff. Comments like "A true pro idol is different," "Choi Soo-young's unique way to be friendly, I should try it," and "Honesty seems to be her strongest weapon" flooded in, showing strong support.