Heo Chan-mi, a former member of the Girls' Generation debut lineup, who once recorded 'Into the New World'

Singer Heo Chan-mi has opened up about her past, revealing her candid feelings regarding her time preparing for Girls' Generation's debut. From the tension of her trainee days to her thoughts following the failed debut and anecdotes from her school years, the conversation provides a multi-dimensional look at the journey of an artist.

Memories of the Girls' Generation Debut Lineup: "I even recorded 'Into the New World'"

Heo Chan-mi recalled the unique experience of participating in profile photo shoots with the members preparing for Girls' Generation's debut and even taking part in the recording of the group's debut track, "Into the New World." She explained that while her trainee period had lasted only about a year, she had to prepare for debut alongside existing members who had already undergone 6 to 8 years of training. While she confessed to the pressure of suddenly joining the lineup shoots, she shared a surprising sentiment regarding not making the final lineup, stating, "I actually thought it was a relief."

"At that time, the older members had already been preparing for a long time, and since I felt I was lacking, I thought being caught in the middle would be a burden to them," she revealed, sharing her honest feelings from that period. Rather than viewing the failed debut as a setback, her words reflect the caution of a young person who was wary of joining a group before being fully prepared.

"A Trot Singer at School?" The Unexpected Charm of Her School Days

Her life outside of music also drew attention. Heo Chan-mi, who frequently missed school due to her trainee life, revealed her surprising academic performance. "I couldn't attend school often, but my grades were among the top in my class," she said, sharing a humorous anecdote about a teacher asking, "How can your grades be so high when you're never in class?"

She also shared stories of being known as a "Trot prodigy" since her time at arts high school. Recalling how she would always sing Trot at school festivals, earning the full support of parents, she noted she was so well-known that friends would call out, "Here comes the Trot singer," whenever she passed by. She also candidly added that while she was very close with her male friends, she had never actually received a confession from a romantic interest.

Proving Her Vocal Ability with Lyn's "I Loved You"

Toward the end of the conversation, Heo Chan-mi proved her vocal prowess by performing Lyn's "I Loved You," a song she loved to sing at karaoke during her school years. Reinterpreting the song—which she admitted she used to sing to charm others—her live performance showcased her signature sensibility and stable vocal skills. The combination of the song's nostalgic "Cyworld-era" vibe and Heo Chan-mi's voice once again confirmed the musical foundation she had built since her trainee days.