Girls’ Generation member Taeyeon was reportedly popular among some North Korean listeners, according to North Korean defector and entrepreneur Lee Soon Sil.
During the October 3 episode of tvN’s *Amazing Saturday*, Lee Soon Sil appeared as a guest and spoke about her admiration for Taeyeon.
Lee Soon Sil claimed that people she knew in North Korea listened to Taeyeon’s music despite the potential consequences of consuming South Korean entertainment.
She said, *“Because of that girl, a lot of people in North Korea ended up being punished,”* referring to Taeyeon.
When host Boom asked why people would face punishment because of the singer, Lee Soon Sil shared an anecdote involving people she knew.
According to Lee, acquaintances later asked her whether she could meet Girls’ Generation through her broadcasting activities in South Korea. She recalled one person telling her that a family member had been detained after listening to Taeyeon’s songs.
Lee added that despite what happened, the same person continued to express affection for Taeyeon and her music, joking, *“You can’t take her away. She has to keep singing.”*
Lee Soon Sil’s comments were based on her personal experiences and stories she said she heard from acquaintances, rather than independently verified figures about Taeyeon’s popularity in North Korea.
Her appearance on *Amazing Saturday* nevertheless drew attention for offering an unusual glimpse into how Taeyeon’s music was reportedly known among some listeners in North Korea.
