Girls' Generation (소녀시대) member Kim Hyo-yeon (김효연) has opened up about her 19-year residency in the group's dorm. While other members have long since moved out, she remains the sole occupant, a decision she says is rooted in practical considerations.
The preview for Kim Hyo-yeon's appearance on MBC's The Manager (전지적 참견 시점) aired on April 29. This marks Kim Hyo-yeon's first time on the show. When asked about her fellow Girls' Generation members' reactions to her casting, she shared that Choi Soo-young (최수영) jokingly asked, "Isn't that show for famous people? Why are you on it?" Kim Hyo-yeon retorted without hesitation, "What nonsense are you talking about?" Her candid and sharp response drew laughter from the set.
Kim Hyo-yeon also revealed that she has lived in the Girls' Generation dorm for 19 years. With all other members having moved out, she is now the only one remaining. Her decision to unveil the dorm's interior for the first time has garnered significant attention.
The show also highlighted the deep 21-year bond between Kim Hyo-yeon and the dorm's housekeeper. The housekeeper has looked after Kim Hyo-yeon since she was a high school student, and their close relationship continues to this day. The housekeeper affectionately told Kim Hyo-yeon, "You're like my daughter. If you leave, it will be time for me to leave too," expressing her deep affection.
In fact, Kim Hyo-yeon previously appeared on JTBC's Please Take Care of My Refrigerator (냉장고를 부탁해) in April, where she first explained why she chose to remain in the dorm after all other Girls' Generation members had moved out.
She stated that although her family home is in Songdo, she opted to continue living in the dorm for convenience with her daily work schedule. "This place is a comfortable sanctuary for me, and they always prepare meals, fearing I might go hungry. There's no better place than this," she explained.
Kim Hyo-yeon also praised the benefits of dorm life during a past appearance on the YouTube channel Halmyungsoo (할명수), saying, "You can rest comfortably, and they provide delicious food." However, she admitted that a very practical consideration also played a role in her continued stay: "I feel that saving money is the way to live."
Kim Hyo-yeon revealed that when she first signed with SM Entertainment, the company promised to care for her like a "second mother," and that care has continued to this day. "That's why I still want to live here," she said. However, Kim Hyo-yeon also candidly shared her true feelings: "Sometimes, if I don't have an income, I can't help but feel self-conscious, wondering, 'Is it really okay for me to keep living here?'"
Even after many years in the industry, Kim Hyo-yeon chooses to remain in the Girls' Generation dorm, where she has lived for 19 years. Beyond the convenience for work and the care provided for her daily life, her decision is also driven by the practical consideration of saving money.
