Taeyeon Becomes 1st Female Soloist Of Her Generation To Ever Win A Daesang

This year’s Seoul Music Awards on January 30 saw dozens of K-Pop stars sweep trophies, but one of the night’s highlights was definitely the award for Digital Record of the Year. This Daesang (main prize) was awarded to none other than Taeyeon, making her the first soloist of her generation to ever win a Disk Daesang!

Before receiving the main award, Taeyeon had already received two other prizes at the 29^th Seoul Music Awards—a Bonsang and the OST Award for “A Poem Titled You”, her song from the Hotel Del Luna soundtrack.

No wonder she was so shocked when she swept her third award of the night, the Digital Daesang for her song “Four Seasons”.

I really didn’t expect this… I’m so taken aback right now.

— Taeyeon

Always humble, Taeyeon confessed that she felt many other artists in attendance that night also deserved the award. She went on to thank her parents, her Girls’ Generation members, and (of course) her fans.

I want to sincerely thank my fans who always wait for me. I’m able to keep singing because there are people who listen to my music.

— Taeyeon

While Taeyeon won many Daesang awards as part of Girls’ Generation, the hosts pointed out that this is her first time receiving the prize as a soloist. But that’s not all that makes it special—she’s also the first ever female soloist of her generation to scoop the Disk Daesang.

Only three female soloists in history have ever won a Daesang: BoA, IU, and now Taeyeon. Since Taeyeon debuted as a soloist in 2015, she’s considered part of the 3^rd generation despite originally taking to the stage as part of a 2^nd generation group. As such, she’s the first 3^rd generation female soloist to win the prestigious award.

This is the second time Taeyeon has made awards show history. A decade ago, Girls’ Generation became the first girl group to win both a Disk Daesang and Digital Daesang at the 2009 and 2010 Golden Disc Awards. They also received a Daesang at the 2012 ceremony, making them the first girl group to win the main prize three years in a row.